User Instructions for Headspace Gages Issue 4

1.0 GENERAL INFORMATION 3.2 Rimmed and Belted Cartridges

Headspace = distance between the bolt face and the top of the
According to the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ rim or belt (where it meets the chamber face) when the bolt is
Institute (SAAMI), which sets product standards for firearms and closed.
ammunition, headspace is “the distance from the face of the
closed breech of a firearm to the surface in the chamber on Figure 3. Rimmed and Belted Cartridge Dimensions
which the cartridge case seats.”
Excessive headspace may lead to gas leakage around the case
or head separation and the sudden release of high-pressure gas.
Insufficient or excessively tight headspace may cause
malfunctions, such as failure to lock. Headspace can increase
with continued firing of ammunition loaded to excessive
pressures. One should routinely check rifle chamber headspace
every thousand rounds.
The proper use of Headspace Gages is the most reliable way to
test chamber length. Forster Products manufactures Headspace
Gages for a wide variety of calibers and chamber types (Fig. 1).
They are manufactured from top-quality, hardened steel and
precision ground to SAAMI standards (±.00015").
Figure 1. Examples of Headspace Gages

3.3 Terminology: Headspace Clarification

In popular speech, “headspace” is used to describe three related
measurements.

3.3.1. The Dimensions of the

Cartridge Itself Headspace
of Cartridge
Gun owners often refer to the
“headspace” of the new or fired
cartridge, whether or not it has been
sized to specification.

2.0 SAFETY INFORMATION 3.3.2. The Dimensions of the Headspace

 Always wear safety glasses. Firearm’s Chamber of Chamber

 Make sure the firearm is not loaded. Additionally, gun owners will refer to
the “headspace” of the chamber’s
3.0 UNDERSTANDING HEADSPACE GAGE TYPES capacity.
3.1 Rimless Cartridge
3.3.3. Measuring Meaningful Headspace
Headspace = distance between the bolt face and a datum line, Properly speaking – and for safety
determined by SAAMI, where the front of the cartridge rests on
purposes – one measures “headspace”
its shoulder when the bolt is closed. as the difference between the length of a
Figure 2. Rimless Cartridge Dimensions standard cartridge, as represented by a
gage, and the gun’s actual chamber
length , when the head of the cartridge is
flush against the bolt face.

3.4 Gage Sizes

Forster Products offers three lengths of headspace gages for
most rifle calibers. In order from the shortest to longest, they are:
GO, NO-GO, and FIELD.
 GO: Corresponds to the minimum chamber dimensions. If a 6.1 Rimless Headspace Gages
rifle closes on a GO gage, the chamber will accept Several popular calibers of rimless and beltless Headspace
ammunition that is made to SAAMI maximum specifications. Gages are manufactured.
The GO gage is essential for checking a newly-reamed
Figure 4. Example Rimless Headspace Gage
chamber in order to ensure a tight, accurate, and safe
chamber that will accept SAAMI maximum ammo.
NO-GO: Corresponds to the maximum headspace we
recommend for gunsmiths’ chambering new bolt-action rifles.
This is not a SAAMI-maximum measurement. If a rifle closes
on a NO-GO gage, it may still be within SAAMI
specifications, or it may have excessive headspace. To When they are not designed for a bottleneck case, such as with
determine if there is excessive headspace, the chamber the 30 Carbine Headspace Gage (Fig. 5), rimless gages perform
should then be checked with a FIELD gage. The NO-GO slightly differently. Their headspace is the overall length of the
gage is a valuable tool for gunsmiths’ reaming new case.
chambers, in order to ensure tight and accurate headspace.
FIELD: FIELD gages are slightly shorter than the SAAMI Figure 5. Special 30 Carbine Headspace Gage
maximum in order to give a small safety margin. If a rifle
closes on a FIELD gage, its chamber is dangerously close
Front Back
to, or longer than, SAAMI-specified maximum chamber size. (Bore) (Breech)
If chamber headspace is excessive, the gun should be taken
out of service until it has been inspected and repaired by a
competent gunsmith. 6.2 Rimmed and Belted Headspace Gages
A number of Rimmed and Belted Headspace Gages are also
WARNING offered.
PERSONAL INJURY Figure 6. Example Belted Magnum Headspace Gage
 Do not force the bolt closed on a Headspace Gage.
 Do not fire any rifle that will close on the FIELD gage. It
may have dangerously excessive headspace.
Failure to comply with these instructions could result in
death or serious injury.

4.0 PROCEDURE FOR CHECKING HEADSPACE

6.3 NATO Chamber Headspace Gages
1. Slide the bolt out of the action. The bolt must work freely in These rimless chambers require a slightly longer maximum
the receiver. It is impossible to have the proper feel of a headspace than commercial .223 or 308 Win calibers. No
Headspace Gage if the bolt is tight, dirty, or sticky. midrange length is available.
2. Remove the extractor from the bolt, if they are not riveted
Table 1. 5.56 and 7.72 NATO Headspace Gages
together, and the ejector if a spring-loaded plunger type.
3. Clean the chamber and the bolt face. Order Number Length
4. Gently attempt to close the bolt on the Headspace Gage. 5.56 NATO Headspace Gage
When checking AR-style firearms, you may need to engage HG0223G Min. Chamber 1.4636"
the forward assist to assure full bolt closure. HG556NATOMax Max. Chamber 1.4736"
7.62 NATO Headspace Gage
A rifle with the correct headspace should close easily and without HG762NATOMin Min. Chamber 1.6355"
feel on the GO gage, but should not close on the FIELD gage. HG762NATOMax Max. Chamber 1.6455"
If it does close on the NO-GO gage, but not on the FIELD gage,
We recommend ordering from a dealer or distributor. Their
the rifle is still serviceable.
experience and knowledge will help you select the best products
5.0 AFTER USE that meet your specific requirements. In addition, they usually
1. Store lightly oiled Headspace Gages in a cool, dry location. offer the best prices and convenient delivery options.
6.0 ORDERING INFORMATION To find a Reseller, go to forsterproducts.com and click
Gages are organized into three product groupings at Distributors. If your distributor cannot supply you, or if you need
forsterproducts.com: 1) SAAMI Dimensioned Rimless parts, please contact Forster Products directly by email, phone,
Headspace Gages, 2) SAAMI Dimensioned Rimmed and Belted or fax.
Headspace Gages, and 3) NATO Chamber. At the website, you
7.0 CUSTOM MACHINING SERVICES
will also find charts that list additional compatibility for Headspace
A complete list of services, including prices and lead times, is
Gage case calibers.
available on our website. Visit forsterproducts.com, then click
First, find the product that matches your rifle’s chambering. Then, Resources » Custom Machining.
select the caliber and length (GO, NO-GO, or FIELD; min. or
max.) to check availability and determine the gage’s part number.

WARRANTY
All Forster Products are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the product. Parts excluded from the warranty are those
that, by nature of their function, are subject to normal wear (such as springs, pins, etc.) or that have been altered, abused, or neglected. If the product
is deemed defective by workmanship or materials, it will be repaired, reconditioned or replaced (at Forster’s option). This warranty supersedes all other
warranties for Forster Products, whether written or oral.

forsterproducts.com
HG001-001 Issue 4, October 2020