Does anyone load a round directly into the chamber/ejection port?

[Retlawman]

Hi,

I have read that some do this with their lever actions. I did this with my Henry BB Side leading Carbine and one round a couple of days ago at the range. I didn't feel comfortable doing it or really saw any advantage other than you can cycle with having only one movement. Anyone else?
Thx

[JEBar]

I often load a single round through the ejection port with sighting in my rifle .... never had a problem doing so

[BigAl52]

Yup me to especially if you have some rounds you are testing. Never had an issue

[Retlawman]

I often load a single round through the ejection port with sighting in my rifle .... never had a problem doing so

Ah, that makes sense if I want to try out some $$$ defensive loads. One at a time x 3 manufacturers. Three rounds is good enough for now. Some premium.357 jhp is almost $2/rd.

[BrokenolMarine]

My only suggestion would be to open the bolt, drop the single round down into the carrier/lifter then close the bolt. This allows the round to ride up into the bolt properly and engage the extractor. I would suggest you not load the round directly into the chamber then close the bolt. This causes the extractor to ride over the case rim to engage.

I was told by two well respected gunsmiths not to load single rounds into the chamber of my semi auto handguns for this reason, it can weaken the extractor. Rounds stripped from the magazine slide up behind the extractor rather than forcing it to bend out and ride over the rim of the chambered case. Not sure about the extractor on the Henry.

[GunnyGene]

My only suggestion would be to open the bolt, drop the single round down into the carrier/lifter then close the bolt. This allows the round to ride up into the bolt properly and engage the extractor. I would suggest you not load the round directly into the chamber then close the bolt. This causes the extractor to ride over the case rim to engage.

I was told by two well respected gunsmiths not to load single rounds into the chamber of my semi auto handguns for this reason, it can weaken the extractor. Rounds stripped from the magazine slide up behind the extractor rather than forcing it to bend out and ride over the rim of the chambered case. Not sure about the extractor on the Henry.

I just load them in the mag tube in the order they will be fired in, and make a note of it in my little black book, which I'll record the results in after each one is fired.

[BrokenolMarine]

Better solution.

[Luv the lever]

If it has a side gate why not just load it there? I’ve loaded that way trying different rounds but remembered it is best to let rounds feed properly.

[220]

Would love to be able to single load a round into the chamber with the mag partially loaded.
My 327 and 357 I usually carry the rifle with the tube 3/4 loaded with my full power hunting loads and some reduced loads for small game or trap dispatches in a pocket. The 357 is easy being a marlin I can just put 1 or 2 in through the side gate as needed. With no side gate on the 327 that isnt an option. I havent found a way to short stroke it and not have a round on the lifter need to empty the mag and either drop a reduced load in the mag or onto the lifter.

[BrokenolMarine]

Would love to be able to single load a round into the chamber with the mag partially loaded.
My 327 and 357 I usually carry the rifle with the tube 3/4 loaded with my full power hunting loads and some reduced loads for small game or trap dispatches in a pocket. The 357 is easy being a marlin I can just put 1 or 2 in through the side gate as needed. With no side gate on the 327 that isnt an option. I havent found a way to short stroke it and not have a round on the lifter need to empty the mag and either drop a reduced load in the mag or onto the lifter.

Open the lever, the spent case (Or loaded round) will eject, and a round will pop from the tubular mag into the carrier.
Turn the rifle on it's side to dump the round in the carrier into your hand.
Pocket that, and turn the rifle upright.
Drop your chosen alternate into the carrier and close the action. Viola!
You have your alternate in the chamber and still a tube of the original loads.
* If you ejected a loaded round, pick 'er up.

[Travlin]

When I go to the range with my BBS 44 I always load one shot at a time through the port. This is for two reasons, one I don't have to chase my brass and two when the range is called cold, I won't be caught with rounds in the tube magazine.

[BrokenolMarine]

I just pulled the Big Boy 357 Carbine from the SAFE and tried the technique again, just to make sure my memory was correct. Of course I used training rounds left over from my time as an instructor... but it worked slick as owl um... snot. Give 'er a try when you get a chance. The round you drop in will fall nose down, but... it's supposed to. Remember to close the action correctly... of you'll have to give 'er a shake to get the incoming round to track into the chamber.