Re: Timing the bolt on a Rem700
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: glock63</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have two remmy 700s, one long action PSS 300 win mag with .028 spacing between the handle and rear receiver ring, and my new SPS .308, wich has .022 spacing. Will I benefit from having these clearances tightened up?</div></div>
As I stated earlier, this is an often debated issue, but if you aren't having problems why try to fix something? Whether we are talking about lug timing or camming timing, neither of those things will change the accuracy of your rifle to any noticible degree. If you are not having troubles with extraction the distance in front of your bolt handle changing won't make a difference if how your rifle performs. If your lugs aren't engaging fully (This has to do with the location of your handle not foreward and aft, but radially on the bolt body), then it may be worth having the handle moved. That said, lug engagement cannot be determined from the gap in front of your bolt handle. It could be noticed from the wear pattern on the lugs, but it would have to be pretty extreme and would likely be noticible in the handle position as you are inserting the bolt into the action. There would be very little handle movement when lowering the bolt into battery. This is the situation where not enough lug engagement could be dangerous and should be remedied.
Other than that, why try to fix something that isn't a problem?
Dave