Headspace Q? from a new handloader

[Wannashootit]

New handloader... doing .223 for a semi (Mini) and a bolt (Rem. 700 VTR).
Just purchased a Hornady (Stoney Point) headspace gauge.

Help me interpret these measurements? Five random fire-formed cases (once-fired) and some random new cases. All Winchester

New brass Semi F.F. Bolt F.F.
3.464 3.472 3.471
3.466 3.473 3.470
3.465 3.472 3.470
3.465 3.473 3.470
3.466 3.473 3.470

Out of the Hornady die, set to touch the shellplate, the cases read 3.470.

Do I have this right?- Should I set the bolt die down to read 3.468, allowing .002 for expansion?

The die for the semi should be set at 3.471, allowing the same .002? EDIT...Guess I can't do that? If the die bottoms out at 3.470, I can't make it 3.471 can I?

Sooo confusing...

Are these tolerances close enough for a "one-size" to fit both, or should I just get a second die (the lock-n-load bushing makes it easy to change them out)and have one for each? My next step is to get an OAL gauge so I can measure for that, so I'm leaning towards just getting a set of dies for each rifle.

Best way to go?

Also...
The Rem 700 primers are badly cratered (CCI). It can't be from hot loads- all of the primers look the same, from starting load to ending load. None were within .5 grains of max. with Varget. I've read that the 700 is known for a "sloppy" firing pin hole that allows the primer to flow into the gap. Given that they're cratering with minimum loads, and there are no other overpressure signs, does that sound like the cause? Is it something that needs to be fixed, it's a new gun...

Thanks in advance for the advice...

 

[SONIC SAAMI]

Re: Headspace Q? from a new handloader

The way I understand things it may take 3 firings on the brass before it will stop growing as measured at the datum line.
For now just neck resize it shoot it and see if after its second firing the case measured at its shoulder datum line it gets any longer.

 

[MitchAlsup]

Re: Headspace Q? from a new handloader

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Wannashootit</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Out of the Hornady die, set to touch the shellplate, the cases read 3.470.
</div></div>
This looks right to me. Semi gets sized 0.002, bolt gets just barely sized, new cases will expand to fill the chamber in either gun.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Also... The Rem 700 primers are badly cratered (CCI). </div></div>

This is due to the lack-of-a bushing on the firing pin of the Remmington Bolt--that is they (the Remmingtons) all pretty much do this. If if bothers you, you can have it bushed and make the problem go away (for a non-inconsequential cost).

 

[Wannashootit]

Re: Headspace Q? from a new handloader

Thanks guys.