True controlled round feed in a bolt action rifle is when the extractor captures the cartridge as it comes out of the magazine thus controlling the cartridge as it goes into the chamber. The cartridge is always held in place “controlled” by either the magazine or the bolt. This was originally developed for the military to assure 100% reliable feeding regardless of position or movement during operation. The cartridge is held in the bolt face by the claw extractor and cannot fall out or become misaligned even if held upside down. This also prevents “short stroking” a cartridge, that is when the bolt is started forward enough to start a cartridge into the chamber, then pulled back “short” of chambering and another round picked up from the magazine. This is most prevalent in “push feed” rifles when operated in a hurry for follow up shots.
