I don't know if it's proper, but I've seen a lot of people do it.
I honestly haven't fired a lot of bolt-actions. A K-98 Mauser once or twice, but otherwise just my K-31 and semiautos like my father's Garand.
The Vetterli, while it's in perfect condition mechanically, hasn't been fired yet because...well,
you tell me where I can buy .41 Swiss Rimfire ammo.
The only round I have looks about as old as the rifle, has a Swiss cross on the base, and has the bullet sealed to it with paper tape. I sincerely doubt it'd work! (and I actually wonder if I should have someone pull it, if it's got 57 grains of black powder still in it...) ?
Yes, it's gate-fed tubular magazine like a Winchester, but it's a bolt action. It confuses people.