Gunsmithing Bighorn TL3 Headspace issue???

[fish1260]

I’m having an issue with the headspace on a brand new TL3. I’m no gunsmith by any means, but I’m no idiot either and pretty good with my hands, so this Bighorn TL3 with a PVA shouldered barrel should be no issue right?

Some say with a shouldered barrel, just torque it down and go, but I just HAD to check...low and behold, I find that the bolt closes EASILY on a PTG NO-GO Gauge....

TL3 SA (brand new)
PVA shouldered barrel (used, bought here)
PTG go/no-go gauges (brand new)
Bighorn action wrench, torqued to 85 LBS.

What did I forget guys? Or any ideas before I make some phone calls and have it looked at?

Thanks

 

[Shoots 700's]

What torque setting did you us?

 

[____________]

From experience, if there is an issue it’s likely an issue with the barrel.

Send them to PVA, this is an issue that can be repaired.

 

[MOUNTIC]

As stated above. I would say it's a Barrel issue most likley.

 

[padom]

Barrel. I have 3 TL3's and all my shouldered barrels headspace perfectly. They were all done by the Smith without having the action in hand.

 

[fish1260]

The thing is, I bought the barrel here on the hide, with only a couple hundred rounds through it, and presumably it headspaced correctly for that member, I’ll reach out to see if they had it checked.

Originally I cleaned all threads, installed with anti seize, torqued at 75 ft/lbs. When the bolt closed easily on the No-Go, I thought “could it be the anti seize?”.

Pulled it apart, re-cleaned the threads, reassembled dry and torqued to 85 ft/lbs, and that’s where it sits now. Now, on the No-Go Gauge, the bolt closes about 1/2 way with no resistance, then you can feel the gauge there, but can still easily close the bolt the rest of the way with it inserted.

 

[EXTREMEPREJUDICE]

It still might be ok, you need a field gauge to be sure.

 

[Codiekfx400]

What cartridge is it chambered for?

 

[fish1260]

6.5x47 Lapua

 

[Codiekfx400]

If you are hand loading it should not be a issue just adjust your full length die accordingly. If your shooting factory ammo I would get the problem fixed. If it is a barrel issue (most likely) pva backlog is crazy right now and you might not see your barrel again for quite some time.

 

[fish1260]

If you are hand loading it should not be a issue just adjust your full length die accordingly. If your shooting factory ammo I would get the problem fixed. If it is a barrel issue (most likely) pva backlog is crazy right now and you might not see your barrel again for quite some time.

It will be all hand loads. Starting with new brass, and likely only neck sized unless the body die becomes necessary.

 

[Sig Marine]

May have been shouldered/headspaced for a different Bighorn other than a TL3 as there are differences between Origins, TL2s, TL3s etc..

 

[Chevynbow]

Barrel. I have 3 TL3's and all my shouldered barrels headspace perfectly. They were all done by the Smith without having the action in hand.

Same here, I’ve had a large amount of shouldered barrels spun up (3 diff smith’s), action never printed by any of them and all headspace the same.

 

[Sig Marine]

Same here, I’ve had a large amount of shouldered barrels spun up (3 diff smith’s), action never printed by any of them and all headspace the same.

Exactly. That’s the reason I mentioned tenon length is different between Bighorn models. Also, OP said it was a used barrel...it would not be the first time that specs for a barrel could have been in error.

 

[fish1260]

Yes, it’s a used barrel, and definitely for a TL3.

Just got back from the smith, and it measures .0005 off. At that measurement, we were both of the opinion that I’ll shoot it as is, unless any other issue arises from this.

 

[Sheldon N]

Half a thou off, or 5 thou off?

 

[fish1260]

Half a thou off, or 5 thou off?

Half