Barrel fit

[DPRinks]

I have 2 complete Handi's, a '97 RMEF .35 whelen Ultra and a 2003 .45-70, plain/
In messing around, I found the Ultra action accepted all the 4 barrels I have that are fitted to the .45-70 action, good lockup and a nice , tight fit, .001 or less headspace.
The .35 barrel will not latch on the .45-70 action.
I have looked at the barrels and actions and the only difference I can find is that the latching lug on the .35 barrel is about .015" longer on the .35 barrel than the 4 other barrels.
Is this a characteristic of the earlier SB2 barrels, or is this just a random variable?

[Mac11700]

It's seems to me to be more random..than anything else..The quality of workmanship has improved a-lot over the years..and the tolerances are getting tighter...NEF has been listening...and seems to be implimenting tighter quality controls...either that or they are replacing worn out equipment with newer machines..either way..it is good for us Handi-holics..