1898 Krag Cast Bullet Range Report

[Thomassen]

This is the first time I've shot cast bullets out of my Krag. I used a Lyman (314299) 200 grain RN sized to .312 and .313 over 16 grains of Alliant 2400. The .312s grouped better. I only shot 11 of each - 2 fowling shots and then four groups of 5. I couldn't be happier for my first time out with cast bullets. I was shooting at 50 yards. :)

[gunboat57]

Well done!

Can you remind me, what are your bore and groove diameters?

Also, when you loaded your cast bullets, did you use an expander for 308 bullets or a bigger one, like for the 303 Brit? I use the 303 Brit expander so my .311 bullets don't get sized down when I seat them in the case.

I like the idea of firing a couple fouling shots. I've learned that any change in powder or lube takes a couple shots to take effect.

[GBertolet]

I found that you can use the Lee .303 collet neck sizer on the Krag. You can turn down the mandrel slightly, in a drill press with emery cloth, if needed to get the neck tension you want. No lube with the collet die is needed, and the cases seem to last forever.

[Thomassen]

I used an M1 30L Expander die before loading.