Will a misaligned head space cause a sticky bolt in a model 1903 a4?

Answer 1

To begin with headspace is a given figure of measurement that exsists between the face of the bolt and the shoulder of the 30-06 cartridge.this is set so that a cartridge will not detonate in the chamber of a rifle upon firing.There are many causes for a sticky bolt.If the bolt is stickey upon lifting after a cartridge is fired then yes the headspace could be considered to long and the barrel would have to be turned inward to relieve this problem.( only a qualified gunsmith should attempt this procedure with the appropriate head space gauges,go,no go gauges.)The sticky lift is caused by undue high pressure in the chamber.Your bolt could also be sticky due to the recoil lugs not being clean(i e cosmoline in the recesses) or that the bolt body may need to be removed and cleaned along with the firing pin spring and firing pin.The bolt should be completely stripped and cleaned with the cocking piece included.watch your rifle cases upon ejection because they may have flattened primers which indicated high pressure.Also use a micrometer to measure a case before firing just ahead of the rim on the case body record the measurement and then remike it after firing.I fit is more than .003-.004 th. that is a indication of high pressure also.