It does expel the spent cartridge. No hangups there. The bolt cover remains open. The bolt is closed. When I pull the charging handle to the rear, I can see that there are still roungs in the magazine--but they are just as they are when I put them in. And, I made sure they were pushed to the back, clean, not dented, etc. If I releasted the charging handle, it locked up fine. No need to push the assist. It would fire just fine--and eject. But, it's like a single action--or bolt action. In other words, like, say, a Mauser or 1903, you pull the bolt (charging handle) back, a new round pops up on the follower. Releasing the charging handle sends the round home and locks. It's ready to fire. It just won't cycle automatically. It's sort of like a nonsemiautomatic rifle. And, it's like a Ruger Mark I versus the Mark III in that the bolt remains closed after the last round is expended.
The magazine is the one that came with the rifle. It's one of those you can't take apart. Since it's a brand new rifle, I feel Bushmaster should get it right. I would like to buy a GI magazine--any suggestions where to buy? But, I still feel the rifle should work with the equipment I purchased. After all, it's a new rifle. Thanks, guys.