30-40 Krag

[Dinny]

I have been offered a great price on a stubbed 30-40 Krag barrel. It would be a heavy/bull stainless barrel in 1:8" twist. I'm not a huge fan of heavy barrels, but it's not everyday that one is found with a fast twist like this in 30-40 Krag. Will this twist be optimal for shooting heavy cast bullets? Would this twist be more suitable for something like the 300 Blackout or Whisper?


Thanks, Dinny

[Goatwhiskers]

Dinny, I'd be inclined to say get it and try it if the price is right.  I have no personal experience with that fast a twist in a .30 caliber.  My 30/40AI Martini wears a 26" tube that is 1 in 10", delivers a 180RN Hornady at 2200 to a cloverleaf group @ 100 yds.  My idea is that it might be better with middle to lighter weight bullets, but I'm no expert.  I might be interested in it if you decide you don't like it.  Goatwhiskers
 

[cwlongshot]

At 1;8 it's a fast twist not slow. (1;12 or so reg 30 cal) But the 30-40 was built for the 220gr bullet.

Personally I would already own the barrel if I was you...

BUY IT !! Or let me!!  Lol

CW

[jeepmann1948]

Dinny.
Just my 2 cents worth:
 The 1-8 twist might work really well with the longer 30cal. bullets,ie the sierra matchking loads and other long bullets. Have you considered a 307/308 chambering?Several of the members here have cut a rim for the 307 and still can chamber and shoot the 308 as well I think. I am sure they will step up and correct me if I am wrong
Happy Trails
George

[cwlongshot]

Dinny.
Just my 2 cents worth:
 The 1-8 twist might work really well with the longer 30cal. bullets,ie the sierra matchking loads and other long bullets. Have you considered a 307/308 chambering?Several of the members here have cut a rim for the 307 and still can chamber and shoot the 308 as well I think. I am sure they will step up and correct me if I am wrong
Happy Trails
George

I got one!!
 
I STILL would like the 30-40!!
 
CW

[gcrank1]

IIRC, Springfield Armory concluded in trials that the 1:12 twist was the most accurate for the service rifle, but the military wanted the capability of shooting the 220s so they went with the 1:10 twist. The 1:12 became something of the 'std' for the 30-30, and still is great if you dont go over 200ish.
Now, that info was for factory/service smokeless loads, with reduced velo, cast bullet loads you need more twist to stabilize the long heavies, especially if you are going sub-sonic.
I would think it would work nicely for 180 or more cast bullets at something like 1150-1350 fps and have great wind drift figures, though trajectory will be a bit loopy. It might be a real sleeper for CF cast bullet silhouette matches.

[Dinny]

In the Krag's velocity range, the 1:8" twist would optimally stabilize bullets in the 180gr-250gr range. It certainly would be heavy (about what an Ultra Slug weighs) but at the same time, it should be superbly accurate. I'm liking this idea more and more....


Although not a fabulous deal, the offer is $450 for the custom-stubbed barrel using a Shilen Select Match blank. I could get it throated for any bullet of my choosing.


  Also, I think that some great loads could be developed using TB powder and some heavy cast bullets. All of them combined should make for a splendid subsonic thumper.



Thanks, Dinny