Low number 1903 Springfield Sporter

[Larryjk]

I looked at the history of the failures in Hatcher's Notebook and have had all low numbered Springfields re-heat treated. I have used them for 30-06, 270s, etc., but would be hesitant to use them for rounds that operate at 65,000 psi. This is because many reloaders have to push the limit so they can say they have a rifle that shoots faster than yours. (Little boys seeing who can pee farther up the wall).
Have seen serious overloads go through those actions with no sweat; but I wouldn't like to be holding one if it turned loose.
After re-heat treating the actions and bolts are rockwell'd and come up with very favorable readings.
When the head of a brass case pushes into the extractor slot of a bolt, locking the action until you hit the bolt handle hard enough to shear off the piece of brass sticking back into the extractor slot; you can say your rifle has had a load through it that exceeded 70 to 75,000 psi. At these pressure levels the rifle makes a strange sound. If you listen closely you can hear a host of angels singing "Nearer my God to thee".