I have incorporated some changes to my rifle and reloading process based on feedback here. Shout out to Gray Fox. I have not tried the carbine stock and standard buffer yet so that remains on my to do list along with some more bolt work. I started over with load development and reduced my powder charge expecting no bolt lock. Surprise, every shot locked the bolt back and the Saturday groups were some of my best ever. I filled in a few powder gaps today and results were similar with six sub MOA groups and three sub .5 MOA groups. Saturday was dead calm but today was gusty. I am pleased with the results. The rifle seems to like 26.9 to 27.1 gn Lever. I was probably pushing things way too hard before. Every ejection pattern still indicated an undergassed condition so the buffer change is on my list.
Monday update: I looked over my ejector and it appears to have the proper geometry and no sharp edges. I stoned the ejector hole as it was a little rough. The extractor also had some pretty sharp edges on the surface that contacts the head stamp. I stoned those edges just enough to break the corners. Some of my Alpha brass showed rotational smear corresponding to the edges that I worked but none of the Hornady brass had these marks. I measured the rim thickness on two pieces of brass and the Alpha is maybe .002" thicker if that is enough to matter. I will continue working with the Hornady for now and save the Alpha.
Monday update: I looked over my ejector and it appears to have the proper geometry and no sharp edges. I stoned the ejector hole as it was a little rough. The extractor also had some pretty sharp edges on the surface that contacts the head stamp. I stoned those edges just enough to break the corners. Some of my Alpha brass showed rotational smear corresponding to the edges that I worked but none of the Hornady brass had these marks. I measured the rim thickness on two pieces of brass and the Alpha is maybe .002" thicker if that is enough to matter. I will continue working with the Hornady for now and save the Alpha.