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Questions re: AR-10’s, LR.308’s, Bolts

Ntxglock

Private
Minuteman
Dec 9, 2023
12
10
Sherman, Tx
I’m all-in with AR’s. Have a bunch of 5.56’s. I’ve moved on to AR-10’s. I already have two .308’s I’ve done and currently building a 6.5cm. Bolts. What is the opening size for firing pins re: ..308’s vs 6.5cm….Noveske sent me a headspaced hp bolt but no firing pin. Also, can I use dual ejector bolts in .308’s?? The pin size is obviously different in my visualization. I know firing pin size is different between the two. TIA
add:
8l8tkB4.jpg
 
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There isn't really a spec for AR-10/308 firing pins, other than a particular manufacturer's own spec.
The original DPMS LR-308 bolts were a 0.080" bolt face firing pin orifice with a 0.076" firing pin tip diameter. Those were not suitable for anything other than a .308 or similar pressure cartridge. Not very common these days in anything other than bottom budget brands or surplus.
The 0.070" bolt face firing pin orifice is probably the most common today. Those typically use 0.067"-0.068" firing pin tips for the better examples, but can vary with budget bolt/FP makers. These can be marketed as "HP" by some, and you can even find some using 0.062" firing pins in 0.070" bolts, which is really bad. The higher quality ones will work with 6.5CM pressures if the barrel has a proper gas system design. I would consider the KAK LR-308 firing pin as being the most common design example.
Actual high quality "HP" bolts and firing pins should be considered proprietary and not interchangeable. Those orifice/tip diameters can vary, depending on the manufacturer.
 
The bolt is probably a toolcraft bolt and they take the reduced diameter .065” firing pin. And yes you can use the bolt for .308.
There are 2 with reduced diameter pins that use different bolts. JP has their design and others with hp bolts/pins include aero precision, KAK and a few more that escapes me right now. Different hp pins in pics. Only 1 is non.
 

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Seeing so many variants, I think the best thing for OP is to contact Noveseke and have them send one out.
 
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Seeing so many variants, I think the best thing for OP is to contact Noveseke and have them send one out.
Noveske told me they do not sell individual pins and they sourced that bolt from Rubber City Armory.. I have sent Rubber City Armory a email. No reply yet. I did get another dual ejector bolt today w/pin from them (RCA).

Update: Rubber City Armory called me this afternoon. The tech told me that they do NOT sell AR10 bolts to Noveske, only 5.56 bolts. So, I will get back with Noveske. Jeez.
 
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I also got the dual ejector firing pins from KAK today. They said they fit dual ejector bolts. I also got another bolt w/pin today from Rubber City Armory. I'm gonna get a JP bolt too, to compare the three. Toolcraft does not make bolts, only carriers.
 
I also got the dual ejector firing pins from KAK today. They said they fit dual ejector bolts. I also got another bolt w/pin today from Rubber City Armory. I'm gonna get a JP bolt too, to compare the three. Toolcraft does not make bolts, only carriers.
Where are you sourcing your info from? This is their add at arm or ally. https://www.armorally.com/shop/toolcraft-ar15-bolt-kit/ it clearly says “manufactured and warrantied by toolcraft. Then scroll on down and it clearly says,
Manufacturer: Toolcraft.
Here’s the double ejector 308/6.5 version.
Again stating they are the manufacturer
 
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Gotta love having to search out the right FP for a bolt.... Lol


Thanks for posting all your findings !
 
Where are you sourcing your info from? This is their add at arm or ally. https://www.armorally.com/shop/toolcraft-ar15-bolt-kit/ it clearly says “manufactured and warrantied by toolcraft. Then scroll on down and it clearly says,
Manufacturer: Toolcraft.
Here’s the double ejector 308/6.5 version.
Again stating they are the manufacturer
On another forum, but, that’s 5.56. AR10’s are a different animal. Sorry. I’m learning. These AR10 bolts/pins are a puzzle for sure.
 
Noveske told me they do not sell individual pins and they sourced that bolt from Rubber City Armory.. I have sent Rubber City Armory a email. No reply yet. I did get another dual ejector bolt today w/pin from them (RCA).

Update: Rubber City Armory called me this afternoon. The tech told me that they do NOT sell AR10 bolts to Noveske, only 5.56 bolts. So, I will get back with Noveske. Jeez.
 
On another forum, but, that’s 5.56. AR10’s are a different animal. Sorry. I’m learning. These AR10 bolts/pins are a puzzle for sure.
No worries brother.
Large frame ARs definitely need some standardization. I wonder if they really use toolcraft and someone got confused. Toolcraft is used by several manufacturers.
 
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Pin diameter and shape are 2 that can make 1 work and 1 not with the bolt. BCG's don't matter only it they are the same style or gen (armalite, dpms gen1, dpms gen 2 and sfar with not counting others that are fal and other off breads. m110, sr25 and ar10 witch may use the same mag, but the ar10 might not use the same firing pin (don't have enough info about the differences).
 
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Where are you sourcing your info from? This is their add at arm or ally. https://www.armorally.com/shop/toolcraft-ar15-bolt-kit/ it clearly says “manufactured and warrantied by toolcraft. Then scroll on down and it clearly says,
Manufacturer: Toolcraft.
Here’s the double ejector 308/6.5 version.
Again stating they are the manufacturer
Thanks. I got one. I also recd the pins (I got from KAK) and the first bolt w/pin I got from RCA yesterday
(after talking with their tech I ordered a second one too).

They look to be identical except the color. RCA’s is dark while the others are silver,
same color as what you see w/5.56 and Aero’s .308 BCG’s.
 
I spoke with the tech and traded emails at Rubber City Armory. He told me it’s not mandatory to utilize a
dual ejector bolt for 6.5cm. It’s the pin size as I understand it.

Anyone care to share insight to this?

Add: but it looks to me that it’s the dual ejector that requires the 0.065 pin.
I’m gonna post some picks after I get some chores done.
 
Where are you sourcing your info from? This is their add at arm or ally. https://www.armorally.com/shop/toolcraft-ar15-bolt-kit/ it clearly says “manufactured and warrantied by toolcraft. Then scroll on down and it clearly says,
Manufacturer: Toolcraft.
Here’s the double ejector 308/6.5 version.
Again stating they are the manufacturer

I called and spoke to a person at Toolcraft a couple years ago. I was told at that time that they did not make any bolts, just carriers.
 
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I called and spoke to a person at Toolcraft a couple years ago. I was told at that time that they did not make any bolts, just carriers.
Yep. But, from what I can reference from Arfcom, that’s 5.56.
Rubber City makes their own 5.56 and some .308, but not
all inclusive. There’s a lot of variables to large frames.
Add: not to say Toolcraft does not produce bolts. I firmly believe that they do NOT.
I just cannot reference large frame bolts inclusively

I’ve found I trust RCA. From the looks of and for what I seek they’ve been right on target, lots of laughs
 
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I emailed Toolcraft, I’m intrigued now. I’ll post the response when I get it.
 
I use the Toolcraft high pressure dual ejector bolt in both 6.5 CM and 308 it has an .062" firing pin, vs the .075," they work great. I like the small firing pin dia. as the preferred option, the dual ejectors come with it. They are not designed to push the limits...but I do anyway, so if they offer any extra assurance that's fine.
Do not do what I do...most of my loads are in the +p category, but they work in my rifles...not necessarily yours, and you mudt be an experienced handloader.
I Run these as at 68,000 psi according to QL in AR 10 ...16" 308...shooting 208 eldm at 2442 fps Ave. 155 gr 2850 fps, 168 eldm 2755 fps. from the 6 lb 3 oz AR 10 with some .5" and less 5 shot groups...the AR 10 is 7 lbs 12 oz complete with a Leupold Mark 4 3-10X. 1200 yd capable with a light AR 10. And you can use cheap LC brass to achieve this. It has a magnesium upper, titanium bolt carrier, ti muzzle brake, 15.5" carbon fiber hand guard, and No it's not inaccurate pencil barrel, but a fluted SS WC barrel 11.25 twist.
A delight to carry and handle lighter than most of my AR 15s...and accurate, just dial & smile set up.
 

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I use the Toolcraft high pressure dual ejector bolt in both 6.5 CM and 308 it has an .062" firing pin, vs the .075," they work great. I like the small firing pin dia. as the preferred option, the dual ejectors come with it. They are not designed to push the limits...but I do anyway, so if they offer any extra assurance that's fine.
Do not do what I do...most of my loads are in the +p category, but they work in my rifles...not necessarily yours, and you mudt be an experienced handloader.
I Run these as at 68,000 psi according to QL in AR 10 ...16" 308...shooting 208 eldm at 2442 fps Ave. 155 gr 2850 fps, 168 eldm 2755 fps. from the 6 lb 3 oz AR 10 with some .5" and less 5 shot groups...the AR 10 is 7 lbs 12 oz complete with a Leupold Mark 4 3-10X. 1200 yd capable with a light AR 10. And you can use cheap LC brass to achieve this. It has a magnesium upper, titanium bolt carrier, ti muzzle brake, 15.5" carbon fiber hand guard, and No it's not inaccurate pencil barrel, but a fluted SS WC barrel 11.25 twist.
A delight to carry and handle lighter than most of my AR 15s...and accurate, just dial & smile set up.
QL doesn't account for freebore/lead. GTR might be able to run that way, but I don't use it.
 
I emailed Toolcraft, I’m intrigued now. I’ll post the response when I get it.
I thought that it was generally accepted that Toolcraft only makes carriers. Form their website: "Toolcraft manufactures the finest quality AR10, AR15 & M16 bolt carriers at the most competitive price.", nowhere do they state that they make bolts. I don't see a problem with that, it's not like they're going around buying bargain bin bolts wherever they can find them at the lowest price. I would imagine that the bolts are made by a reputable sub-contractor specifically for and to Toolcraft's specs and QC, and warrantied the same as if they were made in-house.
 
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QL doesn't account for freebore/lead. GTR might be able to run that way, but I don't use it.
Yep, QL is only a gustimate...it say so right on the computer screen...and I alter most guns chambers, dies, recievers, muzzle brakes, magazines, etc...so there's not much standard...so don't do what I do.
 
I thought that it was generally accepted that Toolcraft only makes carriers. Form their website: "Toolcraft manufactures the finest quality AR10, AR15 & M16 bolt carriers at the most competitive price.", nowhere do they state that they make bolts. I don't see a problem with that, it's not like they're going around buying bargain bin bolts wherever they can find them at the lowest price. I would imagine that the bolts are made by a reputable sub-contractor specifically for and to Toolcraft's specs and QC, and warrantied the same as if they were made in-house.
Toolcraft...Go to Arm or Ally for the complete bolt carrier group OR JUST THE BOLT KIT with the bolt, the firing pin, etc and order your Toolcraft bolt with dual or single ejectors by itself or the complete bolt carrier group.Your choice.
 
Toolcraft...Go to Arm or Ally for the complete bolt carrier group OR JUST THE BOLT KIT with the bolt, the firing pin, etc and order your Toolcraft bolt with dual or single ejectors by itself or the complete bolt carrier group.Your choice.
I don't use Toolcraft LFAR BCGs. Not dissing their products, I just prefer other designs/specs/brands.
 
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IMG_1622.png

This their response. Apparently they have a sister company. I assumed they did manufacture them because of how they word their bolt kit add on arm or ally. Definitely misleading a little bit, but it won’t stop me from using them.
 
I think PSA acquired Toolcraft as I understand it. Forgotbtheir holding company name though

Add: Rubber City Armory makes OEM for some companies. Noveske is one in 5.56.
 
I think PSA acquired Toolcraft as I understand it. Forgotbtheir holding company name though

Add: Rubber City Armory makes OEM for some companies. Noveske is one in 5.56.
FWIW...I am currently diving feet first into typical 308 size v. small diameter 308 / 6.5CM FP's and FP Bolt hole sizes.
It really is a messed up world Lol.

I can't help but wonder how FUBAR'd it could be for someone , if they accidentally, ( through lack of knowledge ) bought a typical 308 bolt with a large FP hole, and used a small FP tip with it. Or in this threads issue... can't seem to find a FP that fits their bolt.

Those odd Tapered Small diameter HP FP's are in quite a few OEM brand BCG's ... but I can't find the Tapered FP's for sale by themselves.
I have a few... but I don't remember were I bought them.

I have measured a bunch of on hand 308 / 6.5CM FP's, bolts, and BCG's , and have other brands on order.
So many odd combo's exist... For example, Lantac Enhanced 308 BCG's use a small tip FP... but Lantac's individual 308 bolt uses a larger "308" FP and bolt hole diameter.
I will post more tomorrow. Lots of interesting info for those interested.

And Rubber City Armory is currently selling 308 HP FP's ... but are described as "ONLY functions with RCA HP-308 Bolt"... I have some on order. Due next week.
I also have a RCA HP Bolt and FP on order...

https://rubbercityarmory.com/product/firing-pin-for-308-hp/
https://rubbercityarmory.com/product/308-win-multi-hp-calibers-bolt-firing-pin/

As well as some JP "Standard" 308 FP's ( not the enhanced HP one ) on order just to measure FP tip size.
 
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There are 2 with reduced diameter pins that use different bolts. JP has their design and others with hp bolts/pins include aero precision, KAK and a few more that escapes me right now. Different hp pins in pics. Only 1 is non.
Do you remember where the tapered FP version came from ?

And ( does anyone know ) is the tapered version have the taper at the neck strictly for "strength" ?
I see LMT uses a tapered neck as well, I realize the LMT does not fit a DPMS bolt, but is that for "strength" ?

I ask because Toolcraft sells a SD HP FP, but it is not tapered like your photos... so more importantly, could the ( non tapered neck ) ToolCraft 308 sized SD HP FP be used in a BCG that originally came with a tapered SD HP FP ?
 
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Do you remember where the tapered FP version came from ?

And ( does anyone know ) is the tapered version have the taper at the neck strictly for "strength" ?
I see LMT uses a tapered neck as well, I realize the LMT does not fit a DPMS bolt, but is that for "strength" ?

I ask because Toolcraft sells a SD HP FP, but it is not tapered like your photos... so more importantly, could the ( non tapered neck ) ToolCraft 308 sized SD HP FP be used in a BCG that originally came with a tapered SD HP FP ?
I can't say if it has anything to do with strength, but the tapered (I've bought) only fit the hp bolts. The tapered pins I have are the reduced/smaller striker compared to dpms, faxon, rubber city and some jp bolts. The only place I've found any tapered pins in stock is at KAK (not KAC). Photos on brownells, primary arms, midway usa and so many others show a pic of a tapered pin and reviews/questions state they fit hp bolts and have a taper......................they don't as I've ordered from many places and KAK is so far the only place that have the correct 1's.
 
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Also, the design keeps you from using a tapered pin in a non-hp bolt and vice versa. I can't say that about all hp bolts/fp's, only the few I have.
 
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FWIW...I am currently diving feet first into typical 308 size v. small diameter 308 / 6.5CM FP's and FP Bolt hole sizes.
It really is a messed up world Lol.

I can't help but wonder how FUBAR'd it could be for someone , if they accidentally, ( through lack of knowledge ) bought a typical 308 bolt with a large FP hole, and used a small FP tip with it. Or in this threads issue... can't seem to find a FP that fits their bolt.

Those odd Tapered Small diameter HP FP's are in quite a few OEM brand BCG's ... but I can't find the Tapered FP's for sale by themselves.
I have a few... but I don't remember were I bought them.

I have measured a bunch of on hand 308 / 6.5CM FP's, bolts, and BCG's , and have other brands on order.
So many odd combo's exist... For example, Lantac Enhanced 308 BCG's use a small tip FP... but Lantac's individual 308 bolt uses a larger "308" FP and bolt hole diameter.
I will post more tomorrow. Lots of interesting info for those interested.

And Rubber City Armory is currently selling 308 HP FP's ... but are described as "ONLY functions with RCA HP-308 Bolt"... I have some on order. Due next week.
I also have a RCA HP Bolt and FP on order...

https://rubbercityarmory.com/product/firing-pin-for-308-hp/
https://rubbercityarmory.com/product/308-win-multi-hp-calibers-bolt-firing-pin/

As well as some JP "Standard" 308 FP's ( not the enhanced HP one ) on order just to measure FP tip size.
The carriers I've used work with all hp and non bolts that are dpms compatible. I'll need to recheck my aero precision bolts.
 
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Do you remember where the tapered FP version came from ?

And ( does anyone know ) is the tapered version have the taper at the neck strictly for "strength" ?
I see LMT uses a tapered neck as well, I realize the LMT does not fit a DPMS bolt, but is that for "strength" ?

I ask because Toolcraft sells a SD HP FP, but it is not tapered like your photos... so more importantly, could the ( non tapered neck ) ToolCraft 308 sized SD HP FP be used in a BCG that originally came with a tapered SD HP FP ?
The toolcraft I no knowledge of as I don't own any of their products, but I could have something manufactured from them with a different name on them? Trying to get some yard work in today, so it might be tomorrow or the next on giving measurements and pics of bolts and fp's. I'll list the brand as it's sold as also.
 
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FWIW... so far the BCG's and bolts with the Tapered SD Tip FP's I have are..
Lantac "308" Enhanced complete BCG...
https://www.lantac-usa.com/product-page/enhanced-bcg-full-auto-style-308-7-62-nitrided
CMC / SanTan ( identical, w/ 3 exhaust ports ) "308" complete BCG...
https://cmctriggers.com/product/cmc...ppressor-optimized-milspec-black-nitride-308/
PSA / Toolcraft ( both a 308 and various single and dual ejectors 6.5CM versions over the years... ( Current production 308 PSA BCG's are not HP )
https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-nitride-6-5-creedmoore-bcg-with-double-ejector.html

And a just bought w/ barrel, matched head-spaced bolt from Craddock for a 308 RTR barrel. It has a Tapered SD FP tipped as well.

Some where I bought 2 spare SD tipped FP's as well... long ago, and I have no idea from where. Maybe Arm or Ally.

The first time I saw a tapered SD FP .068" was back in May of 2018.... in both a complete PA10 ( 308 ) and PA65 ( 6.5CM ) bought from PSA.

As mentioned earlier, the Lantac "308" bolts sold as individual parts, ( both nitrated and NiB ) are a .081 FP hole... and the replacement FP's sold individually are .076.
So typical non-HP parts.

FWIW... The 2 Tapered spare SD Tip FP's will slide into the non-HP bolts firing pin channels just fine... but the gap at the small tip to larger bolt hole will be excessive.
 
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1000005005.jpg

L to R
1: JP HP
2: ToolCraft HP Dual Ejector
3: No Name LMAS non HP marketed
4: Faxxon non HP.

Notes: 2 & 3 are probably both Tool Craft. The firing pins and bolt apertures in the bolts are identical. Both firing pin tips are .0675" and correspond to .069" bolt apertures.
 
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FWIW... I e-mailed Arm Or Ally to see if the on hand 2 spare Tapered Small Tipped FP's were from bought from them ... But they don't retain order info after a year.

And Thank You Cascade Hemi for the added info.
 
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If you want THE lightest carrier, go with V7 titanium. Don't measure weight with bolt, pin, retainer and cam as weight varies as much as 2 combined ozs. If you do a 6.5creed and want to go with rifle length gas AND not want to use more buffering mass............go with aero precision and you won't have issues. My most accurate 6.5creed barrel is a criterion. 22" barrel w/hornady (factory ammo) is 123sst/123a-max as both yield .322" and less moa, but required a heavier buffer to stop popping primers. Also, you don't have any "off" dpms gas tube lengths to figure out. All will be lengths as noted, unlike wc barrels (iirc).
 
If going 308win there's no need for a hp bolt and I've used some non hp bolts in 6.5creed, 260rem and 243win ar's. Granted none are high count rounds and no sign of bolt issues.
 
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I run alot of Toolcraft bolts...in both 6.5 CM and 308. I tend to order the small firing pin HP bolt with dual ejectors.
But either bolt will take the same pressure, small or standard firing pin...just less chance of primer flow into the smaller hole.
I run the 6.5 CM and 308 to the same high pressure in ARs. Have no problem with the Toolcraft brand, as many are made by the same vendors with the same steels, snd same heat treatment...means they are all the same, just a logo on the side of the carrier changes nothing.
Example Toolcraft bolt in AR 10 308 18" shooting 200 SMK at 2670 fps. Ain't no light load, but handles the pressure just fine.
 

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I run alot of Toolcraft bolts...in both 6.5 CM and 308. I tend to order the small firing pin HP bolt with dual ejectors.
But either bolt will take the same pressure, small or standard firing pin...just less chance of primer flow into the smaller hole.
I run the 6.5 CM and 308 to the same high pressure in ARs. Have no problem with the Toolcraft brand, as many are made by the same vendors with the same steels, snd same heat treatment...means they are all the same, just a logo on the side of the carrier changes nothing.
Example Toolcraft bolt in AR 10 308 18" shooting 200 SMK at 2670 fps. Ain't no light load, but handles the pressure just fine.
“COL?"
45-90: “Yes"

That’s obviously single-fed. Looks like a 300 Norma at a glance almost. You’re 200fps faster than 22-24” bolt gun data with 200gr at 2.800”.

Looks like you’re at about 3.149” COL if my math and image scaling is close.

Does that throat work with mag-length COL .308 loads and tangent ogive bullets?
 
“COL?"
45-90: “Yes"

That’s obviously single-fed. Looks like a 300 Norma at a glance almost. You’re 200fps faster than 22-24” bolt gun data with 200gr at 2.800”.

Looks like you’re at about 3.149” COL if my math and image scaling is close.

Does that throat work with mag-length COL .308 loads and tangent ogive bullets?
Yep, single feed, like many of those shooting those long bullets...
I "can" feed 2.960" out of my modified AR 10, incase you really wanted to know, and run the 200s there.
But if you insist on standard mag feed, I change to the 6 lb 16" AR 10 and bullets like 208 ELDM my 16" AR10 runs those at 2442 fps, and fit the mag or 168 ELDM at 2756 fps in the 16" AR 10 also mag feed, and very accurate...But all with the same Toolcraft bolt.
Picutred 208 ELDM and 155 gr Starting loads with the 155 gr went over 2800 fps, top load 2929 fps wasn't accurate in the 16" AR 10, again same Toolcraft bolt, couldn't do better with any high dollar bolt made from the same material, and heat treatment, that was probably made by the same company, only the lazered logo is the difference, with many.
 

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Another oddball tip size....

JP Enterprises 308 ( Non HP ) Firing pins tip sizes, for all 3 products linked... .0735
https://jprifles.com/buy.php?item=JPBC-PINS-308
https://jprifles.com/buy.php?item=JPFP-308TI
https://jprifles.com/buy.php?item=JPFP-308

So those will fit.. ( I assume, since JP does pay attention to their parts ) the NON HP Enhanced JP bolts... IE...
https://jprifles.com/buy.php?item=JPEB-308
https://jprifles.com/buy.php?item=JPEB-308 S
I'll check the jp's I have and compare against other pins and bolts.
 
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