So many M98's.....
There are different lengths of M98's,too.
And M70's. Generally Winchester stopped making boxes matched to the cartridge in 1964 and everything since has been a "one size fits all" arrangement. Take a look at Rules book on the pre 64 M70 to see what I mean.
On M70 Classics and other after 1964 they may have generic boxes to fit (say)30/06-270-7x57...mostly OK but not really perfect.
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"One size fits all"???? My parts book lists 14 different magazine boxes for the Classic M70 - although a handful just designate between blued and SS...
IIRC, the pre-64 had a total of 8 boxes..
Lee I have found the pre 64 boxes work better. But I'm not a gunsmith.
In general my experience has been the pre 64 is not as prone to function issues as a Classic.
Again I am no smith but it must be the box, the follower or the spring tension that is causing the OP's problem. Neve seen a pre 64 do something like that.
Something doesn't fit right......