Abstract: A bolt carrier that facilitates seating a full magazine in the lower receiver of a magazine-fed gas-operated firearm with the bolt in a closed position. The bolt carrier includes a recessed portion that aligns with a top cartridge in a full magazine when the bolt carrier is in a closed position to provide additional space for the full magazine to be inserted into the magazine well. The recessed portion provides a space for the top cartridge to nest when the bolt carrier is in the closed position.