When I was a kid I saw someone take a expensive bolt action rifle and when barrel was tipped down bolt slid smoothly into receiver and locked. I was impressed. After years of polishing turds and never attaining total desired result I decided to lower the follower down from bolt. I was shocked how even the turds improved. My zeal got me into trouble a time or two but it always was redeemable. I am not telling you to do this but I found it helpful. If this is attempted the cartridge on follower obviously must be high enough for bolt to push it forward. When is enough cartridge enough is for the gun to tell you. I simply get two responses consistently when others handle my bolt actions, one is this gun is really light and the other is I can’t believe how smooth the bolt works with cartridges. Are thes guns expensive hand built guns, nope, just a average pawn shop find that was cheap!