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Chamber depth is essential for proper case support and headspace. If the chamber depth is not correct it could leave the web of the case unsupported and result in a case separation upon firing. If the chamber is cut to deep the breech of the barrel will contact the face of the bolt head before the shoulder of the case bottoms out in the chamber.
To check for proper chamber depth you will need a depth mic or a dial caliper as well as one of the following items:
- Go-Gauge
- Unfired factory loaded round
- Full-length resized case from the dies you will be using to reload for this rifle
To check the chamber depth of your barrel simply drop your go-gauge, factory round or FL resized case into the chamber and measure how much of the gauge or case protrudes from the breech of the barrel. For A Savage Axis or 110-Series barrel the go-gauge or case should protrude approximately 0.125 to 0.130".
NOTE: Case protrusion for the Savage Model 110 BA in .338 Lapua Magnum is slightly different (0.140 to 0.145") as it uses a deeper bolt head than other cartridges.
If the gauge/case protrudes less than 0.125" then the chamber was machined too deep and the breech of the barrel will need to be shortened accordingly by a competent gunsmith until the protrusion falls within the acceptable range. If the gauge/case protrudes more than 0.130" then the barrel was likely "short chambered" or not machined deep enough and the chamber will need to be finish reamed by a competent gunsmith.
The photo's above show the author measuring the case depth of a factory Axis barrel
in .25-06 Remington using a dial caliper and a factory loaded round.
| DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this article and/or the attached video are for educational purposes only. Should you choose to use this information to alter or modify your firearm you do so of your own accord. In doing so you accept full responsibility for any adverse affects, damages, injuries and/or death that may occur as a result. |
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