Finding reliable headspace gauges helps gunsmiths and enthusiasts verify chamber dimensions with precision. The following five headspace gauge sets cover popular calibers from small to magnum, offering GO, NO-GO, and Field options where relevant. Each product is designed to test rimless cartridge headspace accurately, with hardened steel, precision ground gauges, and SAAMI-compliant tolerances. Use these gauges to ensure safe, consistent chamber dimensions before loading ammunition.
| Product | Brand | Calibers Covered | Gauge Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| 308 Winchester Headspace Gauge Set GO and NO-GO | Forster Products | 243 Win, 260 Rem, 7mm-08, 308 Win, 338 Fed, 358 Win | GO, NO-GO |
| Forster 6.5 Creedmoor Headspace Gauge Set GO and NO-GO | Forster Products | 6 Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor | GO, NO-GO |
| Forster 243 Win, 260 Rem, 7mm-08, 308 Win, 338 Fed, & 358 Win, NO-GO Headspace Gauge | Forster Products | 243 Win, 260 Rem, 7mm-08, 308 Win, 338 Fed, 358 Win | NO-GO |
| Forster 223 Remington GO, NO-GO, & Field Headspace Gauge Set | Forster Products | 223 Remington, 6mm x 45 | GO, NO-GO, Field |
| 308 Winchester Headspace Gauge Set GO – NO-GO – Field | Forster Products | 243 Win, 260 Rem, 7mm-08, 308 Win, 338 Fed, 358 Win | GO, NO-GO, Field |
308 Winchester Headspace Gauge Set GO and NO-GO
Forster’s 308 Winchester Headspace Gauge Set provides GO and NO-GO gauges designed for multiple rimless calibers, including 308 Win. The set emphasizes headspace accuracy with SAAMI-aligned measurements and a durable steel build. This gauge is suitable for gunsmithing new bolt-action chambers and verifying safe reamings, with a focus on tight tolerance control and reliable results.
Forster 6.5 Creedmoor Headspace Gauge Set GO and NO-GO
This gauge set covers 6 Creedmoor and 6.5 Creedmoor, with rimless headspace testing and clear GO/NO-GO designations. It emphasizes precise headspace measurement using SAAMI standards and is intended for use by gunsmiths reaming new chambers to achieve tight, accurate tolerances. The field-check option can help identify excessive headspace when required.
308 Winchester Headspace Gauge Set GO – NO-GO – Field
This Forster set features a full range for 243 Win through 358 Win with hardened steel and precision ground gauges. The field gauge provides an additional check for excessive headspace beyond NO-GO, valuable when testing freshly reamed chambers or assessing long-term service reliability.
Forster 243 Win, 260 Rem, 7mm-08, 308 Win, 338 Fed, & 358 Win, NO-GO Headspace Gauge
This NO-GO gauge consolidates multiple calibers for efficient verification of headspace in rimless cartridges. It provides a practical balance between broad applicability and targeted reliability for gunsmithing workflows, ensuring chambers are within acceptable limits before ammunition is cycled.
Buying Guide
- Caliber coverage: Choose gauges that cover your primary rifles. If you work with several calibers, sets that include GO, NO-GO, and Field options offer the most versatility.
- Gauge construction: Look for hardened steel and precision-ground tolerances (often to ±0.00015 inches) for consistent measurements and durability in daily use.
- SAAMI compliance: Reliable gauges align with SAAMI specifications for rimless cartridges, ensuring accurate testing while avoiding false readings.
- GO vs NO-GO vs Field: GO checks minimum safe chamber dimensions, NO-GO indicates a maximum recommended headspace for chambering new chambers, and Field gauges help confirm excessive headspace. Use all as a tiered safety check.
- Gage handling: Some sets include ergonomic features or larger bodies to improve grip during reaming or swaging tasks. Compatibility with common hand tools can enhance workflow efficiency.
- Usage scenario: For new chamber work, emphasize GO and NO-GO with a Field gauge for confirmation. For routine checks, select sets with broad caliber coverage and tight tolerances.
Headspace gauges are essential in maintaining firearm safety and reliability. When used properly, they provide a quantitative measure of chamber length and proper seating depth, reducing the risk of over- or under-sized chambers. Always follow manufacturer guidelines and verify gauges against corresponding field gauges if unexpected readings occur.