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Headspace problem

countershaft
Where can I find a gunsmith who will correct the large amount of headspace that exists on a old Jap 6.5 mm rifle . All the locals say the barrels are too hard to take off . It was a really good shooter in its day.
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12 comments

Date Votes
  • cussedemgun
    Countershaft,
    when you say "large amount of headspace" something does not seem right. guns as strong as the 6.5 Arisaka do not just lose headspace mysteriously by themselves. following WW II many Arisaka rifles were rechambered to take a wildcat 6.5x257 roberts. then Arisaka amunition or brass was not avaliable and the rechamber job got them shooting again. your rifle may be one of the guns that was reworked. I would suggest you get a chamber cast to see just what is up.

    "all I really need to know I learned in kindergarten" Robert Fulghum


    anyone who says "nobody needs a full auto" has never been in front of a brown bear charge
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  • MIKE WISKEY
    realy not worth the trouble. first you have to set the barrel back one thread and then come up with a 6.5 jap reamer to recut the chamber. an easyer way is to rechamber to 6.5x57 mauser (or 6.5x55 swede) as both of these will 'clean up' a 6.5 jap chamber. either way your looking at +- $100 to get a $75 rifle shooting again.
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  • countershaft
    No , it's not a re-chambered caliber . I've used it for years and have shot many 6.5mm Jap handloaded rounds in it . I had it sporterized and it's a nice light , small recoil good shooting rifle. I have several 6.5mm caibers for different purposes a 260, a 6.5/55, a 6.5/284 and the Jap ( 6.5/50 )I don't know why it started to head space, usage I'd guess.It is definetly backing the primers out .I know it will cost me , but I want to do it .Put it back into shooting condition. I've shot alot of grondhogs with that rifle.thanks
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  • countershaft
    quote:Originally posted by MIKE WISKEY
    realy not worth the trouble. first you have to set the barrel back one thread and then come up with a 6.5 jap reamer to recut the chamber. an easyer way is to rechamber to 6.5x57 mauser (or 6.5x55 swede) as both of these will 'clean up' a 6.5 jap chamber. either way your looking at +- $100 to get a $75 rifle shooting again.


    Please read my latest reply. bryson
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  • countershaft
    quote:Originally posted by MIKE WISKEY
    realy not worth the trouble. first you have to set the barrel back one thread and then come up with a 6.5 jap reamer to recut the chamber. an easyer way is to rechamber to 6.5x57 mauser (or 6.5x55 swede) as both of these will 'clean up' a 6.5 jap chamber. either way your looking at +- $100 to get a $75 rifle shooting again.


    Mike , please read my latest reply. bryson
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  • Tailgunner1954
    If your confident that your not experancing bolt lug or receiver lug seat set back, simply raise your die in the press so that it is just barely touching the shoulder of the fired cases.
    The biggest hassel with the jap rifle barrels is the bolt counterbore at the breach face.
    If the lugs (either) are set back, it's time to retire the old girl.

    Whittemore
    Some guys like a mag full of lead, I still prefer one round to the head.
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  • MIKE WISKEY
    COUNTERSHAFT; I FIGURED THE RIFLE HAD BEEN SPORTERIZED AND AS SUTCH ISN'T WORTH A HOLE LOT. IF THE SIGHTS AREN'T THERE ANY MORE YOU COULD JUST FACE OFF THE BARREL SHOULDER AND SCREW THE BARREL ON A LITTLE MORE (SEE ABOVE ABOUT THE COUNTERBORE ALSO). ANOTHER OPTION I DON'T LIKE TO RECOMMEND IS MAKING YOUR BRASS FIT THE CHAMBER, I.E. LIGHT LOAD, LONG SEATED BULLET (HEADSPACE ON THE BULLET/LANDS) AND A LIGHTLY LUBRICATED CASE, AFTER FIRE FORMING NECK SIZE ONLY (BACK THE SIZING DIE OUT 1 TURN). THE JAP. ACTION IS ONE OF THE STRONGEST EVER AND BOLT SETBACK USUALY ISN'T A PROBLEM WITH THESE, HOWEVER WAR TIME PRODUCTION RESULTED IN SOME SLOPPY FITTING.
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  • countershaft
    Thanks for the input ! My biggest problem is finding a gunsmith who will try to take the barrel off. All around here say the Japs are rusted tight and can't be turned. I don't like the handloading idea either , I'd rather have it right or not at all. I don't know about the lugs or bolt face, that will have to be determined by someone who knows. I've tried to locate a barrel maker , who could make a barrel for it with the 71/2 " twist needed. But no luck . I just want to shoot the 6.5mm/50mm round in something.
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  • king999
    Hi; I've been shooting the Arisakas for 40 years and have never come across one with serious headspace problems, even when bolt is mismatch. Please be aware that primer protrusion CAN be the result of an excessively LIGHT load, and that you may also have a situation caused by an excessively tight sizing die or a thin shell holder. Check that out before you go to any expense. Try a new Norma cartridge also as a check. If all your testing indicates that you actually DO have a bit of excess headspace, realize that in most rifles, and especially in the Arisaka, it is not really dangerous. (The worst that happens is delayed or inconsistant ignition.) Try neck sizing only, and that should solve your problem. Good luck!
    Morty
    Have fun, be careful!
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  • king999
    Hi; I've been shooting the Arisakas for 40 years and have never come across one with serious headspace problems, even when bolt is mismatch. Please be aware that primer protrusion CAN be the result of an excessively LIGHT load, and that you may also have a situation caused by an excessively tight sizing die or a thin shell holder. Check that out before you go to any expense. Try a new Norma cartridge also as a check. If all your testing indicates that you actually DO have a bit of excess headspace, realize that in most rifles, and especially in the Arisaka, it is not really dangerous. (The worst that happens is delayed or inconsistant ignition.) Try neck sizing only, and that should solve your problem. Good luck!
    Morty
    Have fun, be careful!
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  • countershaft
    quote:Originally posted by king999
    Hi; I've been shooting the Arisakas for 40 years and have never come across one with serious headspace problems, even when bolt is mismatch. Please be aware that primer protrusion CAN be the result of an excessively LIGHT load, and that you may also have a situation caused by an excessively tight sizing die or a thin shell holder. Check that out before you go to any expense. Try a new Norma cartridge also as a check. If all your testing indicates that you actually DO have a bit of excess headspace, realize that in most rifles, and especially in the Arisaka, it is not really dangerous. (The worst that happens is delayed or inconsistant ignition.) Try neck sizing only, and that should solve your problem. Good luck!
    Morty
    Have fun, be careful!


    Gee ! That's a whole different slant on things. I don't have a neck die and don't know if their available , but I've loaded years with these dies and use Norma brass and have not had any problems until recently . Can a gunsmith check for headspace ? Does he need something special ? The shell holder seems thick enough .I have RCBS dies used since the 50's , can't find that they produce them any more, so as to replace them . thanks I'll keep trying .
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  • Tailgunner1954
    Neck sizing can be easily simulated by backing the F/L die off 1 turn (or insert a 7/8 flat washer under the lock nut). It's properly called partial F/L sizing. Somewhere between where you are now and up 1 turn, you will be at the "just touching the shoulder" adjustment.

    Whittemore
    Some guys like a mag full of lead, I still prefer one round to the head.
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