Any idea why a WF action set on before record load wont trigger but when setting it on entry it works?

It depends on the action and context. You can only set field values and perform actions on before record load if the record is being edited in the UI You can perform some backend functions like transitions or display types on before load but can't manipulate fields or send emails on before load

what is the trigger action of the workflow? If it's not "before load" or "all" then before load never occurs