I figured it out recently. Last time I shot it was a couple years ago, would cycle fine all day, as long as you didn't pull the trigger on a live round. Then it took a lot of finegelling to get the action opened, and it would cycle just fine again.
Bought a box of shells a couple weeks ago and decided to fire one to see if I could find the problem. Worked perfect.
When it started acting up a couple years ago, I was running Hornaday's LeverEvolution ammo through it.
Must have been hot enough to expand the shell out against the chamber- and maybe move the head back into the bolt- enough that friction was stopping it.
Even if I had the rest of that box, I wouldn't use it.
Bought a box of shells a couple weeks ago and decided to fire one to see if I could find the problem. Worked perfect.
When it started acting up a couple years ago, I was running Hornaday's LeverEvolution ammo through it.
Must have been hot enough to expand the shell out against the chamber- and maybe move the head back into the bolt- enough that friction was stopping it.
Even if I had the rest of that box, I wouldn't use it.