Win. M70 magazine problem

[CNJarvis]

I have a push-feed m70 in 300 win mag with a blind magazine that I'm having intermittent problems with. Sometimes the rifle will hold the first round going into the mag, sometimes it spits it right back out. I don't have another M70 to compare it to so I'm having trouble diagnosing the problem. I did try an aftermarket follower with no improvement. Any ideas about what's wrong and how to fix it would be much appreciated.

 

[CNJarvis]

BTT

 

[blksno]

...Sometimes the rifle will hold the first round going into the mag, sometimes it spits it right back out.

I think you'll get a lot more help if you can clarify that comment.
I have 3 M70's and have no idea what you're trying to describe.

 

[CNJarvis]

When I try to insert a cartridge into the empty magazine, it pops right back out. If I hold the cartridge down and insert another on top, all subsequent carts will be retained.

Does that make sense?

 

[Red_SC]

Where are you located? Someone may be local who can help you.

 

[CNJarvis]

OKC

 

[tipper]

It sounds like the feed lips or tabs have spread open. If you can bend them in a little, it could be both sides or one side. do a little an check THOUSANDS

 

[CNJarvis]

The M70 doesn't have "feed lips" per se. The bottom of the receiver where the magazine box fits forms the "feed lips".

Both the OEM and the replacement mag follower have plenty of room both front/back and side/side in the magazine box. This extra clearance allows the follower to slide fore-aft as well as tilt in the box. It appears that this could be the problem but I don't have anything to compare it to so I can check.

I've ordered a new magazine spring and will report back once it's installed.

 

[CNJarvis]

Stretching the mag spring has solved the issue for now but I still have a new spring on the way from Numrich. At some point this rifle is going to be a candidate for a DBM because I prefer them by far to blind mags and mags with floor plates.