H4350 and Cast?

[RPRNY]

I am familiar with loading cast in 45LC and 357 Mag / Max but have only used jacketed bullets in various rifle calibers previously. I recently purchased a sporterized '96 Krag (Bubba actually did a very nice job on this one, including a new - @ 1958 - 1:10 barrel that slugs a true .308) and will load cast for it, using the Lyman 311284 210 gr at BHN 22. I am looking for 1800 - 1850 fps MV.

I was intent on using H4350 as a nice slow burner that would help keep pressures down. But now I am concerned by repeated references to people's pet loads all using relatively fast powders like 4227 SR4759, 3031 and 4895. With a 22" barrel, I may not get absolute full burn, but I'm not after 2000 + velocities with cast and want to keep chamber pressure mellow.

So, is H4350 too slow and a bad idea, or is it just a matter of personal preference?

With the greatest of respect, I am not soliciting pet loads. What I really want is affirmation that 4350 will be fine or a well-reasoned explanation as to why it is a bad choice.

Thanks very much.

 

[rcmodel]

It is too slow.
I doubt you will ever find a load for cast bullets using it.

Lyman #49 shows 30-40 Krag 210 grain cast bullets loads.
But Varget is the slowest powder they show data for.

I have no facts as to why.
But I imagine it is because a grase lubed cast bullet slips through the bore so easily slower powders will not get a clean uniform burn going.

Was it me?
I'd get some IMR-4198 and call it good.

rc

 

[BruceB]

NO, 4350 is NOT too slow for the .30-40.... nor is it too slow for cast loads in .32 Special, .30-30, .303 British, .30'06, and a host of other cartridges.

For solid info about all sorts of cast-bullet shooting, go to

www.castboolits.gunloads.com

and, for a good article on cast .30-40 loads, go to

www.lasc.us/FryxellCB30-40krag.htm

You will note he mentions H4831 in that article...even slower than 4350.

Many powders work well in this cartridge, and the mentioned 4198 is also one of my favorites.

 

[RPRNY]

Bruce,

Thanks very much for the very useful links. Looks like 4350 and cast in the Krag is loved by some and scorned by others. What's new in the gun world ?