"Banging on the bolt handle with a 2x4 is never necessary". I would agree, but sometimes the bolts will stick. I've never had to do it, but apparently some others, HAVE. I see lots of things at a public range........... most of which make me cringe. I HAVE had some factory ammo split cases and make it pretty tough to open a bolt, but I've always managed to get it open without tools. I won't buy Remington ammunition for that reason. I tend to load conservatively, myself, to extend life, limb and barrel life, haven't shot factory ammo in anything but .204 or rimfire, for many years (and the .204 was toget brass, when it wasn't easy to find). Again,I see lots of stuff happen at public ranges......