You shouldn't have to work the action hard enough to feel as though you may damage something....sounds like the rifle may have a problem with the chamber but I can't be sure----the last inch of travel would be were the round gets chambered....It just doesn't sound right to me.
As far as velocity goes, I get anywhere between 1800 to 2100 fps out of my marlin 1894c shooting 357 magnum ....depending on the load I am using.
check out this link for some info on velocity for 357 magnum in rifle.
It's a different cartridge when fired from a rifle versus revolver.
http://www.buffalobore.com/ammunition/default.htm#357
For the cost of a check over, I would have a good smith take a look at it and tell me what he thinks.