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Posted: 12/2/2008 4:47:18 AM EDT
| Ok I have seen people talking about a kit passing the tape test for headspace what exactly is the tape test? |
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It refers to using masking tape on the base of a live round to determine if headspace is safe. There are no confirmed reports of false negatives that I know of but it is definitely a stupid idea. From lot to lot ammo is going to have different characteristics, so using it as a baseline to determine if a rifle is safe is flawed logic at best and gross negligence at worst. There is a reason gauges are made to very specific tolerances and dimensions: headspace isn't just an arbitrary number.
Invest in some headspace gauges and sell them later if you like your face. eta taking it to a qualified gunsmith would also be a good idea. If you know him or he is a good guy he may only charge a small fee or not at all to check headspace. It only takes 2 minutes max. |
| BS is right on the money. A tape test tells you nothing because you have no idea where you're starting from. The difference between a go and no-go in a 7.62x39 is only .006. that doesn't leave much room for error. either buy the gauges, borrow them from a friend or take it to a gunsmith. |
| I personaly am a little disillusioned by head space gages. There appeares to be somthing very arbitrary. I bought a set only to find that one out of 6 romys will pass a go gage. I read more posts and the word is "Oh they wont pass US gages they have to use Euro gages". WHAT THE HELL. Not Arbitrary, give me a brake. |
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