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Vithavuori for the 30-40

Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2020 4:40 pm
by donki1967
Hello
Does anyone have any reloading experience with Vithavuori powders for the 30-40 caliber?
It's not very easy finding IMR or Hodgdon powders in Europe.
:roll:

Best regards

Re: Vithavuori for the 30-40

Posted: Sun Oct 11, 2020 2:37 am
by butlersrangers
'Donki' - Welcome to the KCA Forum!

I don't have any experience with Vihtavuori powders. Hopefully, other members have used this maker's propellants and can provide data for good .30-40 loads.

(Attached are some pages with a few Hornady loads using N-140 and N-160. I have not used these loads):

Re: Vithavuori for the 30-40

Posted: Sun Oct 11, 2020 9:14 am
by donki1967
Thanks!
Interestingly, I have the N140 available and N160 too.
Besides surprising the use of the very slow powder N160, I use it for my CG in 6,5X55.
In any case it's a good base, which I will study
Regards

Re: Vithavuori for the 30-40

Posted: Wed Oct 14, 2020 4:12 pm
by KWK
Lyman has data shot in a pressure test barrel (24 inch), fired over Rem 9.5 primers. There are 3 jacketed bullet weights, 150 with N140, and 180 and 220 with N150. For the max loads, all are to pressures to just under 40,000 CUP (which I wouldn't shoot in an original Krag nor in my modern rolling block). Starting loads also include pressure and velocity data. At least one of these bullets is no longer in production.

There is also data available for 160 to 190 gr cast bullets with N135, but no pressure information is given.

There is less data for Hodgdon stick powders, which coming out of Australia just might be available there in Europe.

You can send me a PM or an email if you need numbers.

Re: Vithavuori for the 30-40

Posted: Mon Oct 19, 2020 10:30 pm
by Baltimoreed
I’ve been using about 10.0 gr VV Tin Star with a 193 gc Hunter’s Supply bullet. Nice easy load for our club’s BAM matches. I use the same load and bullet in my 30-06 ‘03 Springfields too. We don’t use jacketed bullets on steel at our cas club.

Re: Vithavuori for the 30-40

Posted: Sun Feb 21, 2021 10:11 am
by donki1967
gentlemen,
I will start reloading 30-40 Krag ammo with S&B 180 gr FP bullets, an RP brass.
The Hornady #3075 RN bullets are expensive and hard to find here in France.
What is your brass length ?
Regards

Re: Vithavuori for the 30-40

Posted: Sun Feb 21, 2021 8:16 pm
by butlersrangers
Hi 'donki1967':

My Hornady manual gives .30-40 case dimensions that add-up to 2.314 inches, (5.87 cm), case length.

Measuring some new Winchester .30-40 Brass cases, the case mouths are slightly irregular, but, the cases are shorter than 2.310 inches in length.

I use a simple Lee case trimmer with a fixed .30-40 'spud'. This trims the Brass to 2.308 inches, (5.86 cm), case length.

I normally just "neck-size" my .30-40 Brass. I use a Lee Collet-Die, intended for the 7.5 mm Swiss cartridge. This sizes more than 1/2 of the long .30-40 case-neck.
It is very gentle on the Brass and requires no lubricant. There is enough 'neck tension' to grip a wide variety of .30 caliber projectiles.

My Brass cases actually get a bit shorter on 'Firing', as the case-shoulder forms to the Krag's chamber.

'Fired' Brass averages around 2.305 inches, (5.85 cm), case length. I find additional trimming usually unnecessary, except, occasionally to 'square' or even-up the case-mouth.

Recently, I've started 'squaring-up' any case-mouth irregularity 'by-eye'. Carefully, using the Lee cutter & guide with light pressure, just trimming the edge of the mouth, until even.
(For this process, I dispense with using the 'Stop' that holds the cartridge rim and limits the cutter travel).

p.s. - Any time I trim Brass, I de-burr the case-mouth with a RCBS hand tool.

Re: Vithavuori for the 30-40

Posted: Mon Feb 22, 2021 5:55 pm
by donki1967
Hi,

I am always pleasantly surprised by the quality of your answers "Butlersrangers"; thank you very much !

Re: Vithavuori for the 30-40

Posted: Mon Feb 22, 2021 6:17 pm
by Baltimoreed
I use the Lee trimmers all the time. I recently expanded some .44-40 to .45 and then cut it back to .45 autorim length for a project. Also used one to cut .45-70 down to .45-60 for my 1876 NWMP carbine. They are pretty much fool proof. But I wish that the cutters were a little bigger in diameter for trimming .45 brass. The brass wants to go over the corner of the cutter sometimes, then you have to use a file to clean it up. I use my drill press or mini mill for the big trims. I center the cutter in a vise bolted on the table and put the shell holder in the chuck. Trim it and then use the chamfer tool to finish it. Works good

Re: Vithavuori for the 30-40

Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2021 5:04 pm
by donki1967
Hi

I'm planing to shoot my reloaded 30-40 ammo, for the first time in my 1898 this Sunday.Not knowing the calibration of the rear sight, what range should I display on the ladder for a shot at 100m?
The goal is to hit the target to be able to correct according to the result.

Best regards