After consulting with the owner of a local gun shop, part of the problem may be related to the gentle way I was operating the lever; and potentially the condition of the dummy rounds.
Hey Skip,
Let's back up. Welcome to the Savage Collector forum.
It doesn't sound like you have heeded the gun shop owner's advice. ?? This may be a totally self inflicted wound or operator error. The best kind of problem.
If doing what he said doesn't take care of the cycling issue then adding some tightness to the rotor spring is the next place to go.
Only then explore other "fixes" based on what happens after you perform the above. It may be "fixed".
Good luck.
