Just dropped this former SPS 25-06 into an MPI ADL configured stock and my bolt is a little tight. When I cycled some rounds through it scratched the cases. Any ideas?

Here is the rifle





And here are the scratched casings. My guess is it will be something simple but I'm damn sure not a gunsmith

Loosen the front action screw and try it again! Either the screw is too long or the action is binding.

Your follower is in a bind, would be my guess!

Could be the brass is catching on the side of the magazine box as it is chambered or a bur in the chamber area?

The bolt isn't as loose as I'd like it to be either. It's just a little tight and was tighter when chambering the rounds

And thanks for the responses!

Try to chamber some rounds with the screws out of the stock, if that helps check to see if the mag box is putting up pressure on the action-a common problem and easy fix by grinding some off the bottom of the box. Check to make sure no grit or metal made it's way into the chamber-run a clean mop in there and see if you pull anything out.

And like mentioned above, the forward recoil screw could be a bit long because of the stock difference.

Clean your chamber and feed rails. That should help.

Yes. If it started with stock swap it's likely a mag box or screw length issue. For sure there is a bedding/stress problem if the bolt if offering more resistance. If one is not familiar with such, it would be best to get the package to a smith for a proper bedding job. Operation either in or out of the stock should be identical.

this or check action screw length

Good post.

I had that happen with a scope base screw being too long.