Your Preferred C96 Loading Style

[barr44]

Calibrator,
You might want to try the C96 Forum:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/C96_Forum/

They are a great group of guys there, just like they are on this forum.

Loading the C-96 can be a bit troublesome. You just have to work with it. You want to be sure that you have the right stripper clip as well. There are several that will work, but the original Mauser ones seem to work best.
Another thing that you should be aware of is the right rear portion of the barrel extension. The area directly behind the bolt stop. If there is any distortion in the back portion of this area, then you might want to not fire the gun. The very back edge should be straight and vertical with no bowing backwards. This can be a weak area in these older guns especially since the steel tends to change over the years. I've seen several that have fatigued in this area and eventually will let loose and the shooter can end up with the bolt striking them in the head. Not a pleasant thought.
The guns are fun to shoot, and definitely get some attention at the range, but one needs to be safe.
Practice with your loading and you will eventually get the hang of it.
barr