What is ecessive headspace for a semi-auto pistol?

[Carcassonne]

What is considered excessive headspace for a semi-auto pistol?

I looked at the SAAMI specifications for 45ACP. They list the case length dimension as 0.888" to 0.898", and the chamber length dimension as 0.898" to 0.920". The difference between the minimum case length 0.888" and the maximum chamber length of 0.920" is 0.032"

380 Auto has a difference of 0.033"
9mm Luger has a difference of 0.032"

I guess that means anything under 0.032" head-space is OK.

What difference would 0.032" headspace make as compared to something like 0.005" headspace (besides the actual dimension)?

Maybe the case would slam into the breachface or the firing pin would hit the primer. It must be somewhat safe otherwise SAAMI would list those dimensions.






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['ol shooter]

My opinion, the more case movement, the greater the possibility of a light firing pin strike.

[krwada]

Proper headspace for a rimless semi-auto pistol round

Here you go...

[Carcassonne]

Here you go...

I know that. I was just wondering if 0.030" seemed like too much headspace.



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[ar15barrels]

What is considered excessive headspace for a semi-auto pistol?

I looked at the SAAMI specifications for 45ACP. They list the case length dimension as 0.888" to 0.898", and the chamber length dimension as 0.898" to 0.920". The difference between the minimum case length 0.888" and the maximum chamber length of 0.920" is 0.032"

Ignore the specs for a moment and simply measure a BUNCH of cases and a few guns and see what you are REALLY getting.
Don't worry about "worst case" scenarios.

It may end up that 50 cases measured an average 0.895" and your gun measured 0.902"
That would mean you are really only running 0.007".

[kendog4570]

SAAMI 45 and 9MM show .022" differential from min to max. Service gauges have a .030" +- spread.
Match guns are held tighter.
Why are you worried about something that was solved 50 or 100 years ago??

[kendog4570]

What is considered excessive headspace for a semi-auto pistol?....

Anything over .030" in your particular circumstance.

[Gunsmith Dan]

Depends on your definition of "excessive".

Close the pistol into locking position and remove the magazine. Shake the pistol and if you hear the round rattling around you definitely have excessive headspace

If you can not close the slide into locking position then you would have insufficient headspace.

[klewan]

Depends on your definition of "excessive".

Close the pistol into locking position and remove the magazine. Shake the pistol and if you hear the round rattling around you definitely have excessive headspace

If you can not close the slide into locking position then you would have insufficient headspace.

Doesn't the extractor snap over the extraction groove and hold it tight to the bolt face? At least in normal operation. If you're inserting the round in the chamber and then gently closing the side, then I can see your way.