Another possible cause would be a battered lug seat, if the rifle was fired a lot or with heavy loads. The result is that the bolt lugs peen the lug seats and create dented spots. When the bolt is turned, the lugs have to be moved out of that "hole". Plus, the excess headspace allowed the case to back out slightly and so it is holding the bolt back, making it even harder to turn. Obviously, this suggestion is sight unseen, but if that is the problem, the action needs a really competent gunsmith to correct it, if it can be corrected at all.
Jim
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