No go does go

[Scoots]

I received my .221 go, no-go gauges today. Unfortunately, the bolt closes on the no-go gauge. This is a brand new barrel and bolt. I did mount the barrel to a different upper receiver. Could not having the barrel snugged up enough be the problem? What's next?

[tp555]

You didn't say what the barrel fits.

[Scoots]

Originally Posted by tp555

You didn't say what the barrel fits.

Oh, yeah!! I forgot that one little item. The barrel is an AR barrel made by Olympic. I don't know the make of the bolt, but an Oly made bolt may be what I have to order next.

[320pf]

Scoots,

As pug has suggested try different bolts (You do not have to change the carrier). There is enough variation in the various bolts out there so you might be able to find one the works.

If you are making your own brass, there is an alternative. You can make brass that just fits your chamber.

Start with the forming die set about 0.15" from contact with the shell holder and make one piece of brass and try it in your AR. The bolt should not close on this cartridge. Close the distance between the forming die and the shell holder what ever distance that you think will put you close and refrom that same brass and try is again. Continue to repeat this process until the bolt just closes on the shell. Now you have you press set to make custom cases that will fit you chamber.

320pf

[pug]

Basically it is the depth of the chamber and the depth of the cup in the bolt face that the gauge measures not the position of the barrel. Since it sounds like you built it I would remove the barrel and bolt and try them up close to see if the gauge just does allow the lugs to clear. If so then the bolt they were using may have been cut at slightly different specs and changing the bolt may fix it. If there is a lot of clearance then the barrel will have to be worked to your bolt as long as it isn't chrome lined. Maybe someone has another bolt you can try as they really do vary in manufacture.