range time
Re: range time
Not surprised that the Krag shot better than the 03A3. With Krags, both pairs of opposing grooves are usually the same diameter. Not necessarily the case with the 03A3. 2-groove 03A3 barrels often shoot better than 4-groove. 50 % less possibility of error.
Re: range time
The Krag is not that hard to load cast bullets for. I use Lyman no.2 alloy or linotype for casting. No leading of the barrel easy clean up (except for the 2400 powder). With the 03A3 i have shot some of my best groups with jacketed bullets. I will get it to shoot with cast. I can still shoot 30-06 and 30-40 for about 20 cents a pop (I stocked on primers long ago). I hope i can get good enough to shoot in an upcoming match. I better stop texting and get to work.
Re: range time
Has anyone noticed that modern (+/-) 2400 powder is a bit stronger/faster than the 2400 powder of 25 years ago (or further back)? Might this be part of the cleaning problem?
I loaded a few .401 WSL rounds with the standard 2400 load from Phil Sharpe's (1937) Complete Guide to Handloading. Sharpe said the load produced 50,000 psi. I used the same load with modern 2400, batch dated 2005. Tried one shot in my M-1910 Winchester, a blow-back semi-auto. Breech bolt was blown back much faster than with factory load or the standard IMR 4227 load. Tremendous flash out of ejector port. Breech bolt slammed forward, trapping & crushing the fired case.
That ain't supposed to happen. Pulled the rest of my .401 loads.
I loaded a few .401 WSL rounds with the standard 2400 load from Phil Sharpe's (1937) Complete Guide to Handloading. Sharpe said the load produced 50,000 psi. I used the same load with modern 2400, batch dated 2005. Tried one shot in my M-1910 Winchester, a blow-back semi-auto. Breech bolt was blown back much faster than with factory load or the standard IMR 4227 load. Tremendous flash out of ejector port. Breech bolt slammed forward, trapping & crushing the fired case.
That ain't supposed to happen. Pulled the rest of my .401 loads.
Re: range time
I learned to back off 10% when i bought a new lot of whatever powder brand i was using. You would work up from there. With a new purchase of powder 20 years newer then the last batch i would give a call to the manufacturer. Some powder is way different than its original recipe. They usually will give you load info. I do not trust a lot of the "experts" on the innerweb.
Re: range time
Deacon in the Church of the Mighty Krag. Member of PETA (People Eating Tasty Animals). Liberty Works Radio