Originally Posted by
hoghunting
Did someone at the gunshop run Go, No/Go gauges in your rifle to check headspace? Would have been very easy to do.
No they didn't, and yes that would have been easy to do. They removed the bolt from the gun and released the firing pin so that the pin protruded through the bolt in fired position. They didn't measure that either, but it was obvious the pin was out a significant amount and should deliver a firm strike to any primer. The firing pin strikes on the misfires is a significant dent.
I think I will get some new Federal primers and load a new batch. I have been able to get some very decent groups out of this rifle already so that is why I am inclined to leave it as it is. The misfires have come from new Remington 200 gr SP Core lokt ammo and handloads using new unprimed Remington brass stamped 35 Whelen that were primed with Remington primers.