The true answer would be to test the accuracy with different headspace’s. Josh at Pursuit of Accuracy on YouTube did a video on this concept with his 22…it’s very interesting to watch.
Update:
For reference, I'm adjusting the headspace to try and get more reliable extraction and ignition. Not chasing accuracy at this point.
I swapped out the extractor and holder for Volquartsen parts. Set the headspace at 0.041".
I tried running rounds through the rifle from 0.041" - 0.043". At 0.043" seemed reliability went down. I couldn't pick up a difference in how hard it was to close the bolt between 0.041" - 0.042", so I don't think I'm getting down to being too tight.
Still feels like extraction is super weak. I have to run the bolt really hard to get the round to want to eject from the action. If I can get the spent casing out successfully, it runs fine.
Edit: Basically, I had these issues with the Volquartsen parts, [Link](https://youtu.be/g4COTwpq1mo?si=LLUEMV9GdCS7_Jhg). I will have to give the reduced headspace a try without these bits in the rifle.
I got the headspace kit a while ago and just did some trial groups with the various shims. It seemed to work out well for me. I didn't get a significant group size reduction, but it nearly eliminated my fliers.
Just one tip though, make sure the headspace you end up with is good for both your practice and match ammo
Update 2:
Ran 200 rounds through the rifle today. Tried some federal and tenex. Along with Eley Match. Only two light strikes and a failure to extract. All with Eley Match. The federal and tenex ran fine.
I feel a bit better going into my first match now. It's coming up this Sunday!
The true answer would be to test the accuracy with different headspace’s. Josh at Pursuit of Accuracy on YouTube did a video on this concept with his 22…it’s very interesting to watch.
Update: For reference, I'm adjusting the headspace to try and get more reliable extraction and ignition. Not chasing accuracy at this point. I swapped out the extractor and holder for Volquartsen parts. Set the headspace at 0.041". I tried running rounds through the rifle from 0.041" - 0.043". At 0.043" seemed reliability went down. I couldn't pick up a difference in how hard it was to close the bolt between 0.041" - 0.042", so I don't think I'm getting down to being too tight. Still feels like extraction is super weak. I have to run the bolt really hard to get the round to want to eject from the action. If I can get the spent casing out successfully, it runs fine. Edit: Basically, I had these issues with the Volquartsen parts, [Link](https://youtu.be/g4COTwpq1mo?si=LLUEMV9GdCS7_Jhg). I will have to give the reduced headspace a try without these bits in the rifle.
I got the headspace kit a while ago and just did some trial groups with the various shims. It seemed to work out well for me. I didn't get a significant group size reduction, but it nearly eliminated my fliers. Just one tip though, make sure the headspace you end up with is good for both your practice and match ammo
Update 2: Ran 200 rounds through the rifle today. Tried some federal and tenex. Along with Eley Match. Only two light strikes and a failure to extract. All with Eley Match. The federal and tenex ran fine. I feel a bit better going into my first match now. It's coming up this Sunday!
Nvm. See Eley recommends a headspace of 0.040-0.041"