Abstract: In a method and system for loading a magazine capable of feeding the material into a molding machine, a material to be loaded is placed into a hopper above the magazine. The magazine is slidably seated on a slide plate. The slide plate is moved with a reciprocating motion, causing the magazine to move with a reciprocating motion, and causing the material to fall from the hopper to the magazine. The reciprocating motion of the magazine may be allowed to lag behind the reciprocating motion of the plate, and may, at times, include motion in a direction opposite that of the slide plate. The step of moving the slide plate may include rolling the plate on a plurality of bearings. The motion of the magazine may be limited relative to the slide plate, using at least one stop. A pneumatic cylinder may be included to actuate the at least one stop. The operation of the pneumatic cylinder may be controlled with a solenoid valve.