Reloading data for Krag .30-40

[saflintlock]

I have reloaded .30-40 Krag ammo for a Ruger No. 1 and have just bought an 1898 Krag rifle in very good condition.  I would like a "plinking" load for the old Krag, say in the 1800 fps range using 180 grain jacketed projectiles.  Any advice?

[243dave]

I can quote the old #11 speer manuel but I don't have no experience with loading the krag.  Speer uses imr 4198 for their reduced loads.  They start with 24.0 grs at 1591fps.   26grs will get 1733fps.   And 28grs is good for 1854fps.  These loads are made with a 1898Krag rifle with a 21" barrel.  Primers are cci 200 and winchester cases are used. And this is for 180 grain jacketed speer bullets.  You probably already know this but most starting loads in any loading manuel starts at 1800 to 1900 fps.  So if you got a suitable powder already you can get the kind of load you want without buying a different powder.     Dave

[243dave]

Check out this article its a good read even if you don't want to experiment.  Just keep in mind Paco uses cast bullets so don't use his red dot loads with jacketed bullets, they would probably get stuck.  He discusses the 30-40 krag in the 308 section of the article.   Dave   http://leverguns.com/articles/paco/small_charges.htm 

[saflintlock]

243dave,

Thanks for the tips.  I looked in my Speer #13 and found the IMR 4198 data using a 180 gr bullet.  I have used 4198 for mild loads in a .45/70 GOVT. Trapdoor with very good results.

saflintlock

[Autorim]

I can't offer advice on loading the 30-40, but am willing to learn. If you want to sell that old single shot Ruger and concentrate on the Krag, let me know.

Ken

[saflintlock]

Ken,

Thanks for the interest in the Ruger No. 3, but it's not for sale.

saflintlock

[Autorim]

saflintlock,

If I had one it would not be for sale either. Enjoy it well. I have looked for a nice 30-40 No. 3, but no luck yet. My grandson is a lefty and I am acquiring some No. 1 and 3's for him. The 30-40 is a great classic round.

I looked in my old Lyman 42nd edition handbook and it lists 4198 only for the 110 grain bullet. 4895, 3031, 4064, 4320, and 4350 are listed for 125-220 bullets. I think if I had a Krag, I would look at 180 plus bullets at about 2100-2200 - probably with 4895. 4198 performs well for me in the 45-70 and 38-55.

I'm still looking.

Ken

[saflintlock]

Ken,

I am leaning toward using 4198 in the Krag.  Thanks for your tips.

By the way, the Ruger in .30/40 Krag is not a Ruger No. 1, but a Ruger No. 3 Cabine!  I think it has something to do with my being 70 years old!

I just changed my post above so as not confuse the rest of the GBO readership.

saflintlock

[Autorim]

saflintlock,

I know what you mean. I will turn 70 next month. Now that I know the 30-40 is a No. 3, I am really envious.
The 30-40 is the one I am really looking for. So far I have the Hornet, .223 and .44 mag. The .44 is pretty rare. I have a No. 1 in 45-70 and have passed up a couple of No. 3's in that caliber. I would imagine that recoil from heavier loads could be brutal in the No. 3. Heavy loads in the 45-70 No. 1 are all I want - kicks more than my .338 Win Mag.

My 1968 edition of the NRA Handloader's Guide lists 4064 and 4350 as the preferred powder for loads in the 34-39,000 class for the Krag. My 1958 edition of the Lyman Handbook of Cast Bullets lists several loads with 17.0 to 30.0 grains of 4198. Send me a PM with mailing address and I could send you info if you want.

Ken

[saflintlock]

Ken,

PM with address sent.

saflintlock

[Autorim]

I mailed your data today.

Ken

[saflintlock]

Ken,

I received your load data on the .34/40 Krag yesterday.  I really appreciate the materials you sent from the Sierra manual, from the NRA handloading book, and the Lymam manual.  I will read every line of data on the 180gr and 200gr bullet loads, but will expecially benefit from the cast lead bullet data in the Lyman book. 

I loaned my Lyman book to a local gent about 10 years ago, he died about 5 years ago and I called his son and he had no idea what I was talking about.  My mistake was not buying another Lyman book.

Thanks again for your kind assistance on the data for the .30/40 Krag.

Best regards.

Ben Wickersham