SO I got this 7mm WSM and all seemed well until I tried cycling a few through it. It just wouldnt grip the cartridge. So, I took it all apart, cleaned it and then lubed it. Got better. Then I worked it a bunch, a little better yet. Anyone lese have these issues? EJ

What rifle is it? I owna model 70 Super Shadows in 7mm WSM and have no problems, but I always put it in the magazine and let the bolt pick up and chamber the round. Are you loading the cartridge from the magazine or just laying it on the follower and trying to chamber a round.

I think we have the same rifle, It wouldnt work either way at first but after some cleaning and just alot of cycling it has gotten better. I think it does work better when loaded from the magazine. I like the pre 64 bolt better for extraction, but other than that it seems awesome!The problem is in that little spring loaded lip on the end of the bolt face. EJ

You have a Mauser type action. I am not the expert, but the people who are tell me that picking up the cartridge from the mag is not only better, but essential. They tell me NEVER to load the chamber directly with this action, or else you put pressure on the extractor that can mess it up.

You can read more about the Mauser type action that Winchester and Ruger use on several websites. Try Chuck Hawks' website.

You know, that makes sense because if it is loaded from the magazine it is slid directly into the bolt face as opposing the forcing like you were saying. It definatly has an open bottom supporting this theory. I have a remington 700 and I much prefer the bolt design it has compared to this. I like this rifle and I am sure all is well, I am just used to the other. EJ