Rifle is a pre-64 model 70 Winchester in 30-06 caliber.
When cycling the action, the front of the 3rd cartridge fails to elevate sufficiently, causing it to jam into the front of the magazine.
Never happens with any other round. I understand that rounds in the magazine alternate sides. I can understand round 1 not jamming due to additional spring pressure, but if 3rd jams, why not last (5th) round.

I am thinking that there needs to be a little polishing.

Any other thoughts?

Check the front of your magazine and make sure it is not under the receiver feed ramp, causing a ledge for the bullet to catch on. Of course, that should happen to all cartridges feeding from that side. Look at it carefully and study the dynamics of what is happening and you will/might see something.

May need a new magazine spring.

quote:

Originally posted by Toomany Tools:
May need a new magazine spring.

+1