M1 "tanker" in 308 loading problem

I have an M "tanker" in 308 that has been cut down from the full length M1, that I purchased in the 1990's. It is extremely hard to load the 8 round clips, almost impossible. I had a gunsmith look at it and he shortened a spring(?) that made it a little easier to load a clip but it is still very difficult to load. I have left it stored, unfired, for 2 decades now and have just now looked at it again. The question I have is can it be fixed to load easily like the original M1's in 30-06 or should I get rid of it? As it is now I would never depend upon it in a shooting situation. Thank you for your time and comments. odg

M1 "tanker" in 308 loading problem