Win 43 218 Bee; are there headspace issues?
I rarely see Winchester 43s but came across one in 218 Bee last week. I think it is all factory original but would appreciate comments from those who know the 43s. I'm guessing 1952/3 or so for manufacture given the 51126A serial number; Bert, if you can nail it down closer that would be much appreciated. Probably bought a "little too soon" at $900 plus tax but the blue is 95%+ and appears fired very little so bought it anyway. Some small scratches and nicks in the stock but essentially in excellent condition for its age. Any thoughts on value are welcome but my main question is about headspace. I've read/heard that the 43s could have headspace problems. I won't shoot it a lot but kind of like the idea of taking a coyote, turkey, or maybe a pig in the right conditions with it. Won't try to make a 222 or other fast 22 out of it (will handload at 2500fps or so). Should I be concerned about headspace and if so, anything special I should do? Thanks much.
Jeff
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Jeff
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The .218 bee is a rimmed case. Rimmed cases are very forgiving about
loose head space. Now the 43 is basically just a rimfire gun upsized to
the SMALLER .22 centerires.
As the Bee is among the lightest of the centerfires offered in the 43, I don't think you will have any worries.0 -
Made late 1951. 0 -
Nice rifle Jeff, you did good.
Take a mixture of 50/50 boiled Linseed oil and Turpintine and wipe the stock down, let it set about 1/2 hour and wipe it off. This will blend some of those scratches out. Doesn't change the original finish, just good maintinance.
Enjoy your Bee.
W.D.0 -
Very nice! 0 -
There is quite a variance in rim thicknesses of the 32-20 family of cartridges, according to "Cartridges of the World. This is might have caused the headspace problems you're referring to.
I would measure the headspace of your rifle using the old masking tape process. Once you get the data for your rifle. Make sure all the ammo you either buy or reload. Has rim thicknesses as close as possible to the maximum headspace for your rifle.
Another problem if you reload with reformed 32-20 brass, is it might be on the soft side. For a rifle cartridge that is probably over 40,000 PSI.0 -
Jeff,
November 1951, and it is a factory drilled & tapped rifle.
Head space issues primarily occur due to hot-rodded hand loads. If you stick with factory ammo or reload to the same pressure level as the factory loads, you are very unlikely to experience head space problems. You paid a fair price for it.0 -
Thanks to everyone for the information and suggestions. Much appreciate it.
Jeff0
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