Greetings patriots. Doing the help out a buddy deal with loading 30-40 Krag and would greatly appreciate some insight. Consulting old and newer manuals has resulted in to many differences of opinion. The rifle is a sporterized unit with a 22 inch bbl. The rifles twist rate is 1/10. The confusing factor is some manuals list data for original length bbl's. Since this round has been with us forever there must be some info that can be shared. I have 150g bullets and 180g bullets. Thanks in advance for any info. Newysan Don't trust a govt. that does not trust you to own a gun.
30-40 Krag reloads
- Thread starter Newysan
- Start date
DrMike
Ballistician
- Nov 8, 2006
- 37,314
- 5,983
Maximum pressures are maximum pressures, and all load manuals will list what they found to give maximum chamber pressure. Barrel length will allow for some increase in velocity, up to a point. For instance, with a 150 grain Partition and a maximum charge of IMR 4064, a 22 inch barrel generates 2612 fps. Extending the barrel to 28 inches increases velocity to 2755 fps. However, maximum chamber pressure remains the same. The date in the manuals at your disposal should work just fine, though they won't necessarily be accurate in suggesting velocities you may anticipate. Figure that you are going to lose about 25 fps with each inch of barrel lost or gained.
Guy Miner
Master Loader
- Apr 6, 2006
- 17,746
- 5,822
The .30-40 Krag has been offered in several different firearms. I'd bet this one is an old military bolt action - they're very cool - but relatively weak. Use care and caution, the old gal doesn't need to be run hard.
My experiences with the Krag over the years is limited to using rifles owned by my uncle and a couple of friends. They all gave me that advice - must have known something about my tendency to use heaiver powder charges in many of my rifles!
Good luck with the ol' beast. I like those Krag actions, and also the cartridge.
My experiences with the Krag over the years is limited to using rifles owned by my uncle and a couple of friends. They all gave me that advice - must have known something about my tendency to use heaiver powder charges in many of my rifles!
Good luck with the ol' beast. I like those Krag actions, and also the cartridge.
Follow the book and work up carefully. It is a great old cartridge that will approach 300 savage ballistics in that rig, plenty of medicine for deer or Elk to 200 yards.
I'd stick with conventional sp 150 grain or 165 grain bullets or perhaps the ballistic tip, maybe a RN in the 180s for deer sized game as your velocity will be a bit lower than you want for modern 180 gr. spitzers to expand properly. The 150 Partition would also be a great all purpose bullet in your application. You will probably find it easier to get good accuracy with flat based bullets in that round. If all your brass will be fired in the same rifle you can improve your accuracy potential by moving the headspace to the shoulder by backing off your sizing die a full turn.
I'd stick with conventional sp 150 grain or 165 grain bullets or perhaps the ballistic tip, maybe a RN in the 180s for deer sized game as your velocity will be a bit lower than you want for modern 180 gr. spitzers to expand properly. The 150 Partition would also be a great all purpose bullet in your application. You will probably find it easier to get good accuracy with flat based bullets in that round. If all your brass will be fired in the same rifle you can improve your accuracy potential by moving the headspace to the shoulder by backing off your sizing die a full turn.
- Thread starter
- #5
Patriots. Thanks for the excellent reply's. I had forgotten to mention the Krag was a sporterized military unit. I had my friend have the action/receiver magna fluxed just to be sure and it is fine. After reading all my reloading manuals I went back to Ken Waters "pet loads" and utilized his data and knowledge with the sage advice from you folks mixed in for making decisions. Sticking with 150g and 165g Sierras as I all ready have them in stock. It is a remarkably smooth action and who ever did the sporting up grade did a nice job. Thanks once more for the good advice. Newysan
Guy Miner
Master Loader
- Apr 6, 2006
- 17,746
- 5,822
Those old Krags run really slick - very easy bolt manipulation.
Of course there's that whole thing of only one locking lug, but they surely do run slick. Good luck with the project, it should be fun and rewarding.
Of course there's that whole thing of only one locking lug, but they surely do run slick. Good luck with the project, it should be fun and rewarding.
clearwater
Handloader
- Feb 5, 2005
- 464
- 225
Great round for cast bullets too. Nice long neck.
I have great luck with gas checked bullets and 18 grains of Alliant 2400. 50 yard groups
often all in a 1" bullseye.
I have great luck with gas checked bullets and 18 grains of Alliant 2400. 50 yard groups
often all in a 1" bullseye.
