British SMLE headspace problem

[7.62x63mmUS]

I have an SMLE I got with a mismatched bolt. I removed the extracter, re-screwed on the bolt head and it closes on a field gage. What are the chances of getting a new/different bolt head would some this problem?

[smle-man]

.303s have generous headspace and the commercial gauges don't always match the military specs so you may not really have a problem but if it is a #4 or #5 then you can get a longer bolt head by number. if it is a #1 then you have to get a group of random bolt heads and keep trying them until you resolve your issue. The #1 bolt heads were not marked according to length.

[7.62x63mmUS]

It's a No. 1 MKIII*. I noticed liberty tree collectors has bolt heads for $30 apiece.

[smle-man]

You'd need a quantity of them to try. You may get lucky with the first one or it may take several. Some are shorter and some longer than yours. Try shooting the rifle before you buy anything. Use commercial ammo without the primer crimped in. If the primer doesn't back out then headspace is ok. Or, if you reload, resize a case to proper dimensions, seat a primer in the empty case but not flush and chamber the case. If the primer is seated flush when you open the bolt (don't fire the primer) then you are ok.

[Rustybore]

On a SMLE, I have, the head space problem was only resolved by obtaining a new bolt body.
The original bolt head on the new bolt body, head spaced perfectly.
This guy has new bolt bodies for $25 and bolt heads for $15 each.

http://www.ssporters.com/parts/enfield-1-mkiii.html

I used the '50's production BSA bolt body (item 4A) to resolve my problem.
YMMV
Good luck

Rb.