My new (1904) Winchester 94 rifle needs work

[200grshiner]

I did a quick headspace check and came up with .098. I fired the rifle prior to the check and it shot well and operated properly. I need some input from you folks. What to do? If it clearly needs work to be a shooter, I would appreciate recomendations on a good gunsmith. Thanks in advance!

[gamekeeper]

Welcome to the fire I'm sure a more knowledgeable Winchester guy will chip in with advice.

[GunnyMack]

Really should use GO/ NOGO gauges. Have you measured the fired case for stretch? If the cases aren't stretching then you dont have excess head space. I don't know off hand what the rim thickness is for 30WCF case is.

[ollogger]

Hi & Welcome


try the go/nogo gauge or measure case stretch before & after firing, then what i have done
is to just neck size the case & that works about the best for me, that was always with cast bullets
& psi no more than 25,000 psi, no problems


Brad

[200grshiner]

Really should use GO/ NOGO gauges. Have you measured the fired case for stretch? If the cases aren't stretching then you dont have excess head space. I don't know off hand what the rim thickness is for 30WCF case is.

By stretch we're talking about length....or about expansion? I know that "Pet Loads" always measured expansion, but, unfortunately, I loaned both copies to a friend who passed away, and knowing him I think he took them with him. And no, I do not have go, no go gauges. Actual rim thickness at the thickest point is .061 on the new case I measured, plus the distance a fired primer backed out .0375 = .0985. Max is said to be .070.
I'm going to talk to a local gunsmith tomorrow. He's new to me so we'll see.

[Griff]

and Welcome to THE Forum.

They don't have them in stock right now, but Wisner's sells .005, .010 & .015 oversize locking bolts for the mdl 94.

[GunnyMack]

Excessive head space will stretch the case for length. This causes cases to seoerate- bad.
Expansion is normal to a point.
Gunsmith might have the gauges, not all do( unless he does new barrels) .Gauges are fairly inexpensive and a 1 time buy as they are machined , hardened steel .
I've not seen headspace figured by adding rim thickness and primer backout. Different brands of primers, heck different primers of the same lot are going to back out differently. Gauges are the way to check.

[200grshiner]

Thanks Gunny. Do any of you have a source for go nogo for Winchester .32 Special?

[Tycer]

Thanks Gunny. Do any of you have a source for go nogo for Winchester .32 Special?

30-30 will work

[GunnyMack]

Welcome!
Try brownells, best source for gummsmiff stuff. Yes 30/30 gauges will work.
As Griff pointed out , oversize locking block should cure the issue if you have excessive headspace.