Okay,
mauserand9m, you had the correct answer.
A little persuasion in both tubes using a solid brass rod saw the action opening a bit each time until almost there, and then locked up again. The employment of a light finish carpenter’s hammer completed the job.
Here’s the evidence!
Obviously, the shells were stuck in the chambers.
Thanks to both you and Alan_C. Please carry on with the diagnosis…..
Ted