Any good 30-40 Krag loads?

[Fatelvis]

I just bought a like-new Ruger #3 in 30-40 Krag. I'm getting new Win brass, ordered Redding dies, and am planning on using some cast 30 cal bullets of my making, or some jacketed that you recommend. Please share your pet Krag loads! Thanks -

 

[Tolkachi Robotnik]

Lyman book.

I guess the most current one out there is #49. In my #47 they say the data is for Ruger No. 3 Carbine, not the older Krag. I do not use this level for the 1898 model, but use some of the same powders, a few grains less than their starting loads. I never even go up past the start loads. They have listed IMR numbers 3031, 4895, 4064, 4320, and 4350, as well H380 and H4831 in this #3 only data listing.

I would guess the newer version has something similar.

I like IMR 3031, but only for 150 grain or lighter loads. I would use something else if I went into 180 grain or larger bullets, something with a wider spread and less pressure. Maybe H4831 for the heavier bullets, it gets good speed compared to the faster powders and usually does not peak pressures.

 

[Rodfac]

Great cartridge...I've got two original Krags, both the carbine and the infantry rifle.

I've had good luck with both cast lead alloy bullets and jacketed as well. For the cast ones, sized .310", I use SR4759 or 4227 with Lyman's #311291 gc and #311359 gc. Starting charges at 14.0 gr and working up slowly.

For jacketed, I've found that Remington's 170 gr Core Lok .30-30 bullet is very accurate with either SR4759 or 4227. I load mine to 1700 fps for deer. For target use, 4227 did the best and got me a silver medal at Camp Perry in the Vintage Match. It's a good bullet.

For higher velocities, I've tried both 4064 and 4350 and had good luck.

Either rifle or carbine will do 1" gps at 50 yds for me off an improvised rest with the original sights.

Check your manual and give lead alloy bullets a try if you have a source. They're fun to shoot, and will never wear out a barrel on you.

I don't have any experience with modern rifles in .30-40, but the original military ones were throated for the long 220 gr FMJRN military bullet. I had the best luck, seating my bullets out as far as possible to account for the long leade. Too, I found that round nose bullets did the best for me, again, probably due to that long leade, and their greater bore riding dia.

Best Regards, Rod