"... Main problem was people could not get the bolts closed without hammering the bolts shut w..."
The plot thickens. Sounds like that one lot had brass that was longer than spec. Now if, like mine, many Garands have head space on the long side, but M1903's are on the tight side the original observation would make sense.
I have something else to check on my HXP (so far unmolested in the spam cans. Purchased as a reserve)