Headspace

In firearms terms, headspace refers to the distance between the bolt face and chamber necessary for reliable functioning of the weapon, or as a verb, the mechanism by which the correct positioning is achieved.

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The headspace is measured from the part of the chamber that stops forward motion of the cartridge to the face of the bolt. For example, 5.56 NATO ammunition headspaces off the shoulder of the cartridge. .303 British headspaces off the rim of the cartridge.

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Headspace is measured with a set of headspace gages. Each caliber typically has a minimum and maximum gauge. The bolt must lock on the minimum gauge, and must not lock on the maximum.

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Headspace is important for the proper functioning of the firearm. If the headspace is too short, ammunition that is in specification may not chamber correctly. If headspace is too large, the cartridge case may rupture, damaging the weapon or injuring the shooter.

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