What to expect?

[rafterob]

I wouldn't doubt that all hooked breach rifles will do that. But you are supposed to put the barrel in with the tang screw loose, put in the wedges and then tighten the tang screw.

 

[David W.]

I wouldn't doubt that all hooked breach rifles will do that. But you are supposed to put the barrel in with the tang screw loose, put in the wedges and then tighten the tang screw.

One is NOT supposed to loosen tang screws, or any other screw to seat a barrel. No hooked breech should cause a difficulty seating the barrel, ever!
Something is out of alignment, or maybe an inletting problem, but it is a serious problem and would not suggest that a tang screw be loosened and then retightened. If there is a bind in that area, firing the rifle will cause a future, or immediate failure (cracking) of the stock.