Springfield M1903 Mk1 feeding trouble

[blackpowderbill]

I've had a few (3)  03s and they have all been problematic feeders. As long as the rounds stay to the back of the mag they feed failry well but sometines the round will move fwd in recoil to where the tip of the bullet rests against the front of the mag. When this happens that round will not feed out of the mag untill I have manipulated it backwards in the mag. I am not talking about very much movement, one eigth inch or so.
  The two I have left are great shooters, just not reliable when reloading. I have been lead to understand that the m1903 was an attempt to circumvent various Mauser pattents. Is this a problem in the design? It is frusterating and has led to them becoming safe queens while the Mauser, Enfield and K31 go out to play.

[Mikey]

I'm not so sure about the design of the 03 being developed to circumvent Mauser design issues as the US had to pay Mauser for patent infrictions.  However, as for your feed problem, your rifle may need a new magazine spring.  The follower is designed to  orient the cartridge to the feed ramp so that by manipulating the bolt the cartridge slides into the chamber unfettered.  The magazine spring is supposed to bring the follower up and into position so the chambering process is smooth. Your magazine spring may be old and weak.  I would pull the spring and just stretch it first and see if that helps - if it does, then get some new magazine springs and you should be alright.  Also, your magazine itself, the box part may need some 'smithing' at the front to enable the nose of the bullet to rise up to proper orientation to the chamber.  HTH.  Good luck and let us know what happens.

[S.B.]

What's the dimension between the top of your magazine box and the bottom of your receiver? Should be close between .020" and .040"
Steve