From Frank de Hass "Bolt Action Rifles", I've learned that the bolt face recess for both the .22 Hornet and .222 Rem chambered rifles is .055"; and, the diameter of the recess is .352" for the .22 Hornet and .380" for the .222 Rem.  I also believe that the method of operation is for the extractor to "push" the cartridge into the chamber before engaging the cartridge rim.  It would seem, therefore, that a bolt designed for the .222 Rem, when operated in a .22 Hornet action, should be able to chamber a .22 Hornet cartridge, or for that matter, pass a NO-GO/GO gauge test.  Granted, the rim of the cartridge/gauge might not be as firmly seated as one would expect, but then what's .074% slop going to hurt?  Or am I showing a seriously lack of gunsmith savvy?

Anyway, I have an L46 in .22 Hornet but no bolt, and I have an L46 in .222 Rem with a bolt.  I installed the .222 Rem bolt in the .22 Hornet action and it fit like a glove.  However, when I ran the NO-GO/GO gauge tests the bolt would not close.  When I opened the bolt, the gauges appeared to have not seated themselves into the bolt face recess, and the extractor seemed to be the reason why.  That is, the rim of the gauge was jammed between the side of the recess and the edge of the extractor.

If there is anyone out there who knows for certain whether the extractor for a .22 Hornet and that for a .222 Rem are either the same or dissimilar, and if dissimilar, how are they dissimilar? I would really appreciate having that bit of knowledge.  Furthermore, I would appreciate the group's comments with respect to the suppositions/assumptions I have posted above...but do be gentle.  I promise, I will not fire anything through this rifle until I know for certain that it is OK to do so...and then I'll probably rig up a sled and a long lanyard.

Second BP's recommendation.  At least pull the extractor off of the bolt, better yet, also pull out the striker, and use one fingertip's pressure to try to close it on the gages.  Should close on the GO and not close fully on the NO-GO.  Don't force the bolt!  You could damage the gage, the bolt, the barrel or all of the above.   

David