2400 load....

[leadhead]

Would you consider 16.5 grains of 2400 under a 200 gr cast
bullet a soft load for the Krag?
Thanks for any info.
Denny

[Hoot]

My Lyman doesn't show 2400 for anything heavier than 169gr. and, for that, it shows 18-23gr. Without having any further data, I'd be hesitant to say with certainty but it sounds like a light load.

[Parashooter]

Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook, 3d ed. gives 16 gr. 2400 as starting load for 311290 (208 gr.) @1415 fps. 21 gr. maximum @1716 fps. Tested in 22" barrel.

QuickLOAD estimates ~21K psi for 16.5 gr. - fairly low pressure. (This is not tested data) -

Cartridge : .30-40 Krag
Bullet : .308, 202, LYM LRN GC 311299
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 3.089 inch or 78.46 mm
Barrel Length : 30.0 inch or 762.0 mm
Powder : Alliant 2400

Predicted data by increasing and decreasing the given charge,
incremented in steps of 6.061% of nominal charge.
CAUTION: Figures exceed maximum and minimum recommended loads !

Step Fill. Charge Vel. Energy Pmax Pmuz Prop.Burnt B_Time
% % Grains fps ft.lbs psi psi % ms

-12.1 33 14.50 1544 1085 16597 2245 100.0 2.615
-06.1 35 15.50 1610 1180 18765 2367 100.0 2.470
+00.0 37 16.50 1673 1275 21076 2489 100.0 2.343
+06.1 39 17.50 1735 1370 23529 2610 100.0 2.230
+12.1 42 18.50 1794 1465 26128 2729 100.0 2.129
+18.2 44 19.50 1851 1560 28875 2848 100.0 2.038
+24.2 46 20.50 1907 1655 31775 2965 100.0 1.956
+30.3 48 21.50 1961 1751 34830 3081 100.0 1.882

[leadhead]

Thanks guys... I have the books, and use 2400 in most all my
military rifles. But I've read some things like you shouldn't use
fast pistol powders in the Krag. That's why I asked. It shoots
great in the Krag and I have never seen signs of over pressure.
I've found it to be the best powder in my rifles and can get
some really impressive groups at 200 yards. Thanks for the
replies.
Denny