How do you lap bolt actions locking lugs?

[corelokt308win]

I'm curious how anyone does this at home, what if any special tools might be needed.  What grit you use etc.

[gunnut69]

Lapping the locking lugs on a bolt action rifle affects that rifles headspace measurement.  If done incorrectly it can create a hazardous condition.  I lap actions with the barrel removed.  Inserted in it's place is a fixture with a screw adjustment that allows putting pressure on the boltface. The grits is introduced into the action and the bolt inserted.  The tensioning screw is adjusteduntil the boltface is touched.  If the bolt opens and closes easily the screw can be turned in increasing the tension. This tensioning screw should not be spring loaded. Of course for this to be useful the action should first be squared and the seats squared to the centerline of the action.  Be very careful removing too much metal from one of the casehardened mausers can cause the locking lugs to imprint or setback and the action is them ruined..  Not a job for the beginner..

[longgun]

If you want to lap the lugs without removing the barrel you can do this easy enough.    Remove the firing pin and spring.  Take a spent case and cut it in half and insert a strong spring inside.  Fit this in the chamber and it will exert a rearward force upon the bolt as you work the bolt handle up and down.  Be careful to remove all the grit from the action and chamber when finished.   don

[gunnut69]

You should be very careful lapping a bolt.  The headspace will change and not for the better.  Can be done but very little metal can be safely removed.. Also using a spring loaded device to press of the bolt will allow the lugs to follow the existing conture and the effectiveness of the lapping process will be reduced.  A solid pressure on the bolt face not only polishes but trues the lug,recoil shoulder surfaces to each other..  It is in effect hard fitting the lugs to their locking shoulder.