This might sound stupid but, you ARE holding the muzzle lower than the breech, aren't you? What you're describing seems somewhat unlikely even though your description sounds very clear and well written. When opened, the fired case should be ejected clear of the gun and the unfired cartridge should be raised far enough to be removed by hand. The loaded shell is normally too heavy to snap out of the gun, held in the normal, muzzle down position.

> Jim Legg <