Hi Miles, thanks for the report, and it is little tips and tricks that make the drums such a challenge! I will suggest that you again dissemble the drum and polish the whole length of the magazine tube with 320 W/D sand paper and a Scotch bright blending pad? Or 0000 steel wool! The slicker it is, the better it will work! polish the drum bowl / cup, both parts, and follower ends as well (need a fine polish grit? 600+), and re-grease! It should be slipper like a bearing anywhere the rounds run! BTW, I have up-graded the drum specs to use 124 grain bullets if available? I'm now testing American Eagle 124 9mm ball.. with excellent results so far... Best to all, til....lat'....GT