Loading directly in the chamber?

[LeverX10]

Is this at all harmful to a model x 30-30? I know you should load via side gate or tube, then chamber one, uncock, and add to the side gate for +1. But is there any harm to the rifle by opening the lever and putting one directly in the chamber prior to loading or for emergency situations?

Thank you

[brianpa]

I would not think that would harm anything. I've done that a few times myself.

[fortyshooter]

Never had a problem with dropping one in.

[Mags]

Is this at all harmful to a model x 30-30? I know you should load via side gate or tube, then chamber one, uncock, and add to the side gate for +1. But is there any harm to the rifle by opening the lever and putting one directly in the chamber prior to loading or for emergency situations?

Thank you

No harm at all.

[Sir Henry]

I think the key here is prior to loading. If the tube or magazine has any ammo in it the forward action will want to chamber another round.

[Rifletom]

Won't hurt a thing.

[GunnyGene]

There's a right way to do this and a wrong way. The right way is with the bolt to the rear, lever down, drop a round into the ejection port and allow the bolt to pick up the round and chamber it as it normally would. The round will rest on the lifter slightly nose down - don't worry about it, the lifter will position the round properly when you close the lever. Smooth and easy.

The wrong way is to put the shell into the chamber with your finger and then close the bolt. This is difficult and not smooth and easy, and will force the extractor to ride up over the cartridge rim - not good.