Expert advice needed.

[Big Al1]

I concur with M24 about getting it checked with a proper HSG!!

Does anybody know when Savage changed from the interrupted thread on the takedowns to full thread?? If it's full thread it would be a lot easier to set the barrel back a turn!!

Head space is measured in 1/1000 of an inch, maybe the barrel is not in fully tight, just a bit more could correct HS. Just my thoughts!!

[DWL62]

Thank you all for the responses. M24 and BigAl1, I know they test fired my rifle, but am not sure if they gauged it or not. I am pretty sure the smith who I had originally look at it did gauge the chamber.

Robinhood, I am doing more reading up on form firing brass. After, I read your post, I remember my uncle had made a "seating round" for my rifle. I had completely forgotten about it. I am just starting to get into hand loading. The .338 expander button you mention, would that be the one for a .338 Win Mag? I need to read up on their use. I have not heard of them. But, I am new to hand loading.

My research indicates that my rifle doesn't have the interrupted thread. According to David Royal's book, full threads started being used in 1920. The barrel is full seated into the receiver.

[Robinhood]

The oversize expander ball creates a false shoulder. (338 might be too big.) You would expand the neck (annealed brass and lots of lube), Then go back with the 308 sizer and work down the neck in small increments until the case will chamber. Do all of your brass this way. Load and fire form. The shoulder will move forward. Then you have to set your die up for the new case head space length. Only bumping the shoulder .001" - 002" back .

[DWL62]

Thank you Robinhood. I will do some additional research on annealing brass and the expander ball.

[Robinhood]

As a starter read..............https://sierrabulletsblog.com/2016/0...forming-cases/