Maybe a pic(s) of the top cover open, with the feed tray setting on the receiver and the bolt forward would help everyone see if there's a problem in that area.
From what your saying about the scratches on the side of the round it does sound like the bolt isn't hitting the back of the round, or it's just catching the edge and popping past the rim
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and result in what could only be described as horizontal flex
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left to right or front to back?