1895 Winchester vs. 1896 Krag

[filmjunkie4ever]

I was curious about the difference in strength between these two actions.

For years I have loaded ammo for a best friend's 1896 Krag Carbine in .30 U.S. Army caliber.

Recently here in Idaho I met an old man at the range with an 1895 Winchester rifle in the same caliber. He claims to have clocked 2500 fps with his 180 grain handloads. I have clocked no higher than 2300 from my friend's Krag though to be fair we have NEVER attempted to hot rod that old mil-surp rifle.

Is there anything published regarding the difference in strength between the two? The Winchester has a longer barrel by several inches whereas the carbine was only 21 or 22 inches at most.

Any experience to share?

Thanks -

Dale

 

[CMBTshooter]

I don't know about the comparative strength of the two, but the Krag was not considered capable of handling the higher pressure .30-03 or .30-06 round. The 1895 was chambered by Winchester in .30-06 so maybe the action is a lot stronger.

I probably wouldn't hot rod a rifle designed 120 years ago and made maybe a few years after that but I guess it works out for that guy.

 

[SJB358]

I'd likely stick with book data and stick close to the 25-30fps rule per inch of barrel to estimate the psi's. The Krag is a single locking lock so there isn't a ton holding it out of your face if it does go bad.

Cool old cartridge though. 180's around 2200-2300 have probably taken a bunch of moose and other animals just fine over the last 100 or so years.

 

[1Shot]

Barrel length is your friend for more velocity. If you want 30-06 performance get a 30-06 don't try to to push the Krag or you will be sorry.

 

[filmjunkie4ever]

Thanks for the advice fellas. Wasn't thinking to hotrod the .30-40 at all, merely to understand how this gentleman was able to achieve substantially higher velocity.

If I want a .30-06 that is what I will grab. Same with a .300 Magnum or bigger.

Was just curious about the different strengths etc.

Thanks again -

Dale