As I sat here I was sure I'd be telling you that polishing and greasing the cocking ramp would help you out. I was convinced of it. The ramp on one of my Axises is polished and I was sure it was easier to lift the bolt handle. Then I remembered that I have a box stock Axis as well and I could measure the force needed to open the bolts with a spring scale hooked around the handle/knob junction. There's nothing like empirical data to prove a point. However, I was shocked to find the actual measured bolt lift was about the same for both when the rifles were being cocked, or at least they both exceeded my 50N scale. The polished ramp was easier to lift when the rifle was already cocked (~8lbs compared to >11lbs), but what utility that would serve is beyond me. The polished ramp felt smoother, but that could have been entirely perceptual. Furthermore, the bolt with the polished ramp also felt easier to lift, but I also have an aftermarket knob attached, extending the effective length of the handle half an inch or more, though the force measurements were taken from the same relative points above the knobs.