In a post subsequent to this post I related that loading using New Guy's technique worked smoothly and without issues. I don't quite understand why, when using his technique, the belt issue disapears but it does.

It isn't quite as fast as just dropping them in but its close and easy and with just a bit of drill would easily become second nature. The ejector clips are always in the same position relative to the action or say the barrels so its not like you have to hunt for them to push them down as you slide in fresh rounds. I actually tried it while jogging between shots, loading on the run from my cartridge belt. Felt kind of silly running around but figured that if I could do it on the run I could do it anytime. I've now shot thirty rounds doing this and even without prechambering rounds to weed out any misfits I've had not a single issue.

This rifle will probably end up a 450NE 3 1/4" at some point but between now and my Oct Zimbabwe trip it will most likely stay 458 since I can easily and cheaply shoot the shit out of it and can become thouroughly accustomed to it.

JPK