Re: 1923 Norwegian Krag
Posted: Sat Feb 12, 2022 5:50 pm
FWIW - I once had a Greek model 1903/14 Mannlicher-Schoenauer service rifle in 6.5 X 54 mm.
The rifle's bore was very dark and rough.
The rifling could no longer stabilize 160 grain RN bullets in reloads that duplicated the original military load. My shots were all over the paper and some shots completely missed the target.
However, the same poor rifle barrel could produce one inch (100 yard) groups, with reloads using 139 grain SP spitzer projectiles.
If your bore doesn't look bad, maybe the problem is the 'muzzle-crown' or the stock bedding.
I believe your Norwegian Krag has three stock bolts?
I would try loosening all three bolts and 'wiggling things' so your action is nicely & evenly seated in the stock.
I would then slowly and alternately tighten the two front bolts, until they are very tight. (Make sure these stock-screws are actually 'compressing against wood' and not bottoming in their blind-holes in the receiver).
The rear bolt I would tighten last, until it is just snug.
IMHO - If you tighten the rear bolt too much, it creates tension and levers & lifts the front of the action 'upward' off the bedding.
(Also, not all barrels shoot well when 'free floated'. Some rifles are at their best when the barrel is 'dampened' with a few pounds of upward forearm tip pressure. You can experiment by trying a thin match-book shim at the 'tip').
p.s. Your stock appears to be developing a split or crack in the receiver-tang area. Things were moving or swelling at some point in your rifle's history. This split should be stabilized.
The rifle's bore was very dark and rough.
The rifling could no longer stabilize 160 grain RN bullets in reloads that duplicated the original military load. My shots were all over the paper and some shots completely missed the target.
However, the same poor rifle barrel could produce one inch (100 yard) groups, with reloads using 139 grain SP spitzer projectiles.
If your bore doesn't look bad, maybe the problem is the 'muzzle-crown' or the stock bedding.
I believe your Norwegian Krag has three stock bolts?
I would try loosening all three bolts and 'wiggling things' so your action is nicely & evenly seated in the stock.
I would then slowly and alternately tighten the two front bolts, until they are very tight. (Make sure these stock-screws are actually 'compressing against wood' and not bottoming in their blind-holes in the receiver).
The rear bolt I would tighten last, until it is just snug.
IMHO - If you tighten the rear bolt too much, it creates tension and levers & lifts the front of the action 'upward' off the bedding.
(Also, not all barrels shoot well when 'free floated'. Some rifles are at their best when the barrel is 'dampened' with a few pounds of upward forearm tip pressure. You can experiment by trying a thin match-book shim at the 'tip').
p.s. Your stock appears to be developing a split or crack in the receiver-tang area. Things were moving or swelling at some point in your rifle's history. This split should be stabilized.
