Load Suggestions

7th1st · Post by **7th1st** » Mon May 25, 2020 5:01 pm

I am just getting started on reloading for my 1898 Krag rifle. The 220 RN with 40 gr of IMR 4350 went fine. I have some other bullets at my disposal and was wondering what some of your favorite loads are. I think next I'll use the Hornady 178 gr BTHP Match. Powders at my disposal are IMR 4350, IMR 4895, IMR 4064, VIHT N-160, and VIHT N-150. I also have the 168gr Hornady Match (which was recently covered in another post...another post I saw had 41.3 gr IMR4350 which looked good) and the 155 gr Hornady ELD. I have the latest Hornady reloading manual.

Is IMR 4350 generally the favored powder? Any other favorite loads...especially for the 178 gr? I've been scouring the forum so let me know if I missed something.

psteinmayer · Post by **psteinmayer** » Mon May 25, 2020 7:58 pm

I normally load the Hornady 220 gr RN with the 40.0 grains of IMR-4350 and a CCI #34 mil-spec primer. I've been shooting this load in matches for ten years now! That said, I recently (a month ago) loaded some Hornady 178 gr A-Max bullets with 44.6 grains of H4831SCl. I'm told this might be a somewhat reduced charge with this powder and bullet combination. Here's the thread where we discussed this load: http://www.kragcollectorsassociation.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1586303564

I haven't made it to the range to try this load out... but I will hopefully soon. My reason for this is because although my 220 grain round does well enough, I really want to try and tighten up my groupings. I have a friend who routinely shoots in the 290s with his 1896 Krag at Perry, and he shoots a very light load with a 150 grain RN bullet (he told me his load, and I can't for the life of me remember it). I tried his load, but it wouldn't group very well in my Krag, so I stuck with my 220s.

By the way, Parashooter is pretty much the Guru around here when it comes to load data and powders!

Mike4MSU · Post by **Mike4MSU** » Mon May 25, 2020 9:04 pm

40gr Hodgdon H4350
220gr RN Soft Point

37gr H4895
Sierra Match King HPBT 175

Both with CCI 200 primers

IMR4895 and H4895 are similar, but not the same. So I wouldnt use them interchangeably.

psteinmayer · Post by **psteinmayer** » Wed May 27, 2020 1:04 am

I've used both IMR-4895 and H4895 in my 30-06 rounds, and I prefer the Hodgdon H4895. I just think it performs better.

Mike4MSU · Post by **Mike4MSU** » Wed May 27, 2020 1:55 am

I've used both IMR-4895 and H4895 in my 30-06 rounds, and I prefer the Hodgdon H4895. I just think it performs better.

Thats interesting. I prefer IMR4895 in 30-06 but use H4895 in the Krag.

Capt. Frank · Post by **Capt. Frank** » Wed May 27, 2020 5:24 pm

My Krag also likes the IMR 4350, but H 4350 has done well. My 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser only likes the H4350. You will have to try some different loads to see what your rifle likes. there are some threads here showing a few different loads I tried, and pictures of resulting groups.

psteinmayer · Post by **psteinmayer** » Thu May 28, 2020 12:41 am

That's the interesting thing about Krags - they are almost human in that different Krags like different food!

Charlesmep · Post by **Charlesmep** » Sat Aug 29, 2020 10:06 am

Ive slugged the barrel...I need .311 bullets jacketed...much of the load data in the manuals and books is for .308 bullets...Is there a need to interpret anything for the load data from .308 up to the .311 diameter? I have a .311 expander plug for my dies. Im not a hot rodder and would start with mid range of the .308 data if this is the correct method. Ive used some loads from a trusted friend with IMR 4550 and some of the .310 Hornady when they were available but Im running short of powder and out of bullets....have plenty of Varget and figure to use some of that up...150 grain PRVI Partisan bullets just ordered from Graf. Any help appreciated...not a hunter..not a long range "precision shooter"...just an old guy that likcs to shoot 100-200 yard targets..
Thanks

butlersrangers · Post by **butlersrangers** » Sat Aug 29, 2020 9:56 pm

'Charlesmep' - A .311" jacketed bullet may not work safely with the dimensions of your Krag's chamber. The cartridge case-neck needs room to expand and release its grip on the projectile. If this tolerance is impaired, pressures will rise.

I measured the inside diameter of some of my "fired" .30-40 Brass, today. The inside diameter measured between .309 and .310". These were "Fired" cases and the stretched case-mouth would accept a .308 diameter bullet. Cases would not accept a .312" bullet.

I would suggest you try inserting a .311" jacketed bullet into cases that were fired in your Krag. If the stretched case mouth is too tight to accept a .311" projectile, your chamber may be too tight in the neck area to allow safe use of the over-size projectile.

FWIW - The KCA site is being repaired. Very few members are seeing this stuff, right now.

KWK · Post by **KWK** » Sun Sep 13, 2020 10:15 pm

I have only one load for my .30-40: 35 gr of IMR 4895 with the Rem 9.5 primer and Hornady 220 gr RN giving 2000 fps from 30". Based on Lyman's pressure tested data, this should be in the mid 30's in pressure.

Lyman's data suggests 4350 requires about 15% more powder but won't lower pressure much. Of course, it might regulate to fixed sights better.

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