I have a Winchester 94 in 30/30 manufactured in 1970. An issue developed where rounds slip back out of magazine tube under the loading gate. The loading gate screw was pretty loose. After tightening it the problem seems to have stopped, but I have not shot it yet. It will cycle all 7 rds through ok now. The first time this happened the gate actually opened up outside of receiver. So my question is, if tightening screw doesn’t solve problem do you think it is more likely the loading gate or lifter creating the problem ? I’m sure there are many many people here who know these guns inside and out. Thanks in advance for any help or advice.

Loose screws can always cause problems so you probably fixed the issue.

The Cartridges in the tube will slide back out under the loading gate by design.

Best way to see this is watching an action animation.

Bruce
animation schematic lever action winchester 94 - Google Search

Always a good idea to have dummy rounds, with just about any firearm, when troubleshooting.

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If the issue is that when you are cocking the rifle/operating the lever,,you then have an extra cartridge come out of the magazine tube and jams itself underneath the Carrier which is in the raised position with the round you are trying to chamber.

That extra round jammed underneath the carrier puts the action at a dead stop at that point.

There is a small 'tab' at the front end of the 'Link' (Lever Link)that is supposed to hold the next in line cartridge in the mag tube back in place. It's a cartridge stop.
This while the action is being operated, ejection of empty case and chambering of the new loaded rd fed onto the carrier.
Once the action is closed and locked, that 'tab' is than out of position and the next rd in the magazine is allowed to feed back onto the carrier for the next chambering.

The post 64 94's had a lot of troubles with that small 'tab' on the Link.
They wore easily,,some were never to the correct size. All part of the Post64 legecy many say.

Post64 part is different from Pre64
Post64 part has different applications when it comes to some calibers and Angle Eject guns as well.

Here's a pic of the Link.\
You can see the small V shaped tab on the front of it.
Model 94 Link: MGW

Thanks for the link to the link. Looking at mine it appears to be intact and not damaged. That tab is very pronounced. I bet this gun hasn’t had 200 rds through it. I’ll test fire it soon and if it acts up I’ll replace link and gate. I think I might also put a big loop
Lever and Skinner ghost ring on it. We’ll see.