Can't load mags without having the bolt back

[2006highsierra]

I have some of my Barrett mags and in my 6.8 carbine when fully loaded or even with 28-29rds loaded I cannot get them to lock into my rifle. I tried a fully loaded 5.56 mag and although I had to pop it in there pretty hard it did go and catch. but yesterday when hunting and running my trapline, every time I'd get in and out of my truck I'd have to hold the bolt back when putting a mag in the rifle. This a common problem?

[sharpshooter33]

I have some of my Barrett mags and in my 6.8 carbine when fully loaded or even with 28-29rds loaded I cannot get them to lock into my rifle. I tried a fully loaded 5.56 mag and although I had to pop it in there pretty hard it did go and catch. but yesterday when hunting and running my trapline, every time I'd get in and out of my truck I'd have to hold the bolt back when putting a mag in the rifle. This a common problem?
Doesn't sound like a normal problem that I know of. Is this a new problem or new mags? :|

[2006highsierra]

I don't know if they are closed for the Holidays till January but I am gonna try and call Barrett I guess. There shouldnt be any reason that I know of for this. I bought 3 mags earlier this year and didn't have as much trouble although they where abit hard to get to catch. but the last ones I ordered just won't catch no matter how hard you try(within reason of not bending/breaking something).

[jbone]

I had the same problem with my pri mags. When loaded they were a pain but one less round and they went right in. I did not have that problem with the cp mags.

[ron169]

I am also going to suggest takaking a round or two out. I had a similar problem with a dpms LR-308. They come with 19 rd mags, but somehow i loaded 20 rounds into it.... but wasnt able to get the mag in with the bolt home. I then locked the bolt back and loaded the mag.... but had a misfeed when i dropped the bolt.

[paulosantos]

Contact Barrett and they will exchange them.

[rcrandall]

I have a bunch of Barrett's and none of them have any problems seating fully loaded. Are you making sure to only load 30 and not 31 rounds in them? Sometimes you can lose count....I know I do....stupid brain.

[2006highsierra]

I have a bunch of Barrett's and none of them have any problems seating fully loaded. Are you making sure to only load 30 and not 31 rounds in them? Sometimes you can lose count....I know I do....stupid brain.

Indeed I did remove and recount to make sure.

[mattrogers00]

I just bought a Barrett m468 this weekend, load up 30 rounds in a mag and I am having the exact same problem you are...for some reason the bolt needs to be back for the mag to go in. Let me know if you hear anything about this problem.

[Mark21]

I think this is why all the rifle/carbine courses teach you to load your 5.56 to a maximum of 28 or (even better) 26 rounds. On any rifle, there is always a chance it won't lock if fully loaded, especially as mags age.

I use the same theory with my 6.8 and download both my PRIs and C-products to 22 rounds and they never fail to seat.