I understand what you are saying mprtech, but the cartridges feed fine when the follower isn't bound up. With the mag follower stuck in the mag at the front, the cartridges aren't even touching the front half of the feed lips. This is allowing the cartridges to "dive" down as the bolt is closed, causing the bullet to hit or slip under the feed ramp.

I do appreciate the suggestion and I'll probably "tune" the new mag once I get it.