03a3 headspace

[skscj]

I have a Remington 03a3 with a Smith-Corona bolt. If i buy a Remington stripped bolt, and assemble it. Will i have to check headspace? If headspace is not correct, what will I have to do to make it headspace correctly? Is it a pain in the ***** ?
Thanks

[ocabj]

Well, yes, you would need to check the headspace if you changed out the bolt. If the headspace exceeds a field gauge, then you'd need to get another bolt or rebarrel and have the new barrel's short chamber cut to the proper headspace for the intended bolt.

If the headspace is too short and won't chamber a go gauge, then I guess you could have the chamber reamed for the new bolt.

[skscj]

So, my best bet is to just stick with the S.C. bolt.

[gunboat]

You can try the new bolt - If headspace is too tight, a simple rechambering is possible, but if headspace is over max, you would have to remove barrel, add a thread, replace and rechamber -- A lot of work for the home smith and a lot of cost to have done -- Are you trying to have all matching parts? Any 03 or 03a3 that went back to the arsenal likely has mixed parts - in fact some were even mixed when built new -- my- ha-penny