I did a search for this subject but came up empty. What have you done to relieve tension on the ladle spring?
The ladle and "spring" are one piece. To lighten it you need to grind then polish the skinny part behind the actual ladle.
When you are loading the magazine, lay the piece on the loading surface and press in the first round and place your left thumb to hold it about 9/10ths loaded. (Just the rim still exposed) Then push the next one in until your thumb has it secure and repeat until all rounds are loaded. This way you only have to depress the "ladle" once on each loading sequence.
Of course you know all this & I'm teaching an ol' dog new tricks.
Thanks Pettifogger and Sir Charles. I've been shooting a Marlin and the '73 is new to me, so your information is appreciated. At the loading table I've seen how effortless some '73's load. I haven't been to a match since I got this one and that's why I was asking the question here rather than wait to ask at the range.
And Pettifogger, thanks for your response in the other thread.
Why not round off the sharp edge and not get cut?