Its not scarring the brass as you described. I was using both factory and reloads, both having issues and the reloads were full length resize.

Quote Originally Posted by pdog06
put a round in it. try to take it out and make sure it is still tough to do.

Then try loosening the front action screw a couple turns. If the screw is too long it will do exactly what you are describing. If this work you may just need to file it down a couple thousandths at a time till it fits correctly.

You could also take the barreled action completely out of the stock and retry it, just to make sure the action isnt binding in the stock anywheres.

Just something quick to try before you rest the headspace.
I'll give this a shot tomorrow, thanks!