I've been tentatively considering a project and I'm curious if it is possible. Would it be safe, to rebore a Model 1898 U.S. Krag, from .30-40 to 35 Winchester? I understand Krag actions should be kept to minimum loads of approximately 40,000 psi. While this is low, I note on other conversions of necking up calibers from .308 to .358, SAAMI pressures tend to be lower for the larger bore (35 Whelen and .30-06 and .358 Winchester and .308 Winchester) than the parent cartridge. Given availability of Bertram brass, and lack of loaded ammo (aside from Buffalo Bore's fodder), all loads would be handloads, with probably 220-225 grain loads. I've seen some decent Krag sporters (I wouldn't do this to a military configured matching number Krag) that might be an ideal candidate for the project. I'm a fan of the .35 calibers and while the .35 Winchester is ballistic similar to the .358 Winchester, I just can't get too excited about a .358 Winchester. But an older Krag so chambered would be an interesting rifle to prowl the timber with. However, I've been unable to find any pressure stats on a 35 Winchester and did not know if this would be safe to do.
I have been in contact with one gunsmith that has done this conversion before. He stated that it can be done, and the only metal work besides reboring would be to ream the magazine to allow for the slightly larger shoulder of the 35 Winchester cartridge. He also stated that as far as he knows there were never any problems to the rifle. He has also done this conversion on several chopped up 1895's.
Anyone else ever heard of doing this conversion? If so, what were the results.
