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Head space is the distance between two points in a firearms chamber. In firearms that use rimmed cartridges this measurement is between the bolt face and the face of the chamber. With rimless cartridges the measurement is between the bolt face and the datum line on the shoulder of the cartridge case. This datum line is specific for each caliber.

Basically head space measures how much the cartridge can move within the chamber when the action is closed. Excessive head space can cause the casing to slide rearward and rupture, allowing gas to violently escape, and causing potential injury to the shooter or bystanders. As well as damage the firearm. Insufficient head space can prevent the bolt from closing or compress the bullet further into the case causing an increase of gas pressure when the round is fired. This may result in a similar condition as excessive head space, hot gas escaping the action and potentially harming the shooter or those in close proximity.

Military firearms have more lenient tolerances for head spacing, so the firearms can accept a wide variety of ammunition and weather conditions. They are designed to compensate for this wider tolerance. Civilian firearms have less tolerance, therefore proper head space becomes more important.

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Q: What is the importance of cartridge head space in weapons and on ammunition?
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