ARs: New Barrel Require a New Bolt?

[Phil3]

When a barrel is replaced on an AR15 or AR10, is it standard practice to replace the bolt or bolt carrier group. I ask because I am considering using 260 Remington for an AR10, and given that this round eats barrels much faster than a 308, the cost for using this round is even higher if I have to replace the bolt with the barrel. Just trying to get some operating costs nailed down before I make a decision.

- Phil

[motorwerks]

I would if I could afford it, but if I cant afford it right away and its a low-ish round count, have it head spaced. If it checks out okay I say have a party and run it.








I am in no way a gunsmith or an expert. I'm simply a home-smith, I hold no responsibility or liability for anything you do at home.

[brando]

Headspace is the main thing to watch out for. Get some go/no-go gauges and test it once you install the new barrel.

[Nathan Krynn]

I would. Bolts wear to the extension.

[Sicarius]

Idealy yes.
Kevin

[TangoCharlie]

Bolts are so cheap, $45 or so for a new one. No reason not to.

[rero360]

Bolts are so cheap, $45 or so for a new one. No reason not to.

but you could buy a sweet red dot scope with that and be true ballin

[Phil3]

Bolts are so cheap, $45 or so for a new one. No reason not to.

This is an AR10. A new bolt assembly is $115. The bolt, stripped, with no gas rings, or anything else on it, is $71. Complete bolt carrier group is $257.

- Phil

[CHS]

Depends on at what kind of round counts you're thinking you'll be replacing barrels at.

If we're talking 2-3 thousand rounds, yes you should replace the bolt along with the new barrel.

If we're talking 1-2 thousand, you can probably go every other bolt at least and not run into any headspace issues.

If you're talking less than a thousand rounds, don't bother.

[motorwerks]

This is an AR10. A new bolt assembly is $115. The bolt, stripped, with no gas rings, or anything else on it, is $71. Complete bolt carrier group is $257.

- Phil

this!

[bohoki]

i would assume that risk its not like you were firing the other one in automatic mode with extremely warm nato rounds

if anybody out there has a worn out barrel let me know i want to put together a rimfire and have an army conversion kit but dont want to pollute a good barrel with my cheapo bulk walmart ammo

[fmunk]

No need as headspace can't be adjusted in an AR. Do a google search on the subject and you'll find plenty of confirmations from AR specific forums like arfcom. You just have to make sure you tighten the barrel nut to the correct torque spec. Off the top of my head I think it's 55 ft-lb, but do your own research to be sure.

[TangoCharlie]

You just need a new bolt, not the whole BCG. Even at $71, it's cheap insurance...

[Hoop]

If the headspace is good then you are fine. Check with go, no-go and field gauges to be sure.

Also buying a new bolt IN NO WAY GUARANTEES PROPER HEADSPACE.

[CHS]

You just need a new bolt, not the whole BCG. Even at $71, it's cheap insurance...

A quality barrel extension and bolt can go several thousand rounds without wearing enough to actually change the headspace. Especially to unsafe levels.

Since it sounds like the barrel will be replaced quite often in this particular case, and will mean a new extension which will mean a slight reset of the headspace, I wouldn't even worry about changing the bolt out until a few thousand rounds have gone through the gun.

Cheaper insurance than a $71 bolt would be a quality set of headspace gauges for the cartridge, and just to check it each time a barrel is changed.