Hello Kenm,
Bought my first Krag 30/40 in 1976. It was a “sporter-sorter”. I had a variety of ammo to get started. Even then I felt compelled to begin loading. Those days powder was 4 or 5 dollars a pound. Much later had a long hiatus then dug out my fire arms and the loading gear. Most of my brass was really old and I wound up buying new Winchester 30/40 brass for about $0.53 per each in bags of 50.
I fooled around with factory rounds with pointy bullets and was not satisfied with the deformation of the exposed lead tips. After a lot of information from the guys you have already met on this forum I settled on a nice 110gr/2000fps from Butlers Rangers and conclusively selected the “get serious” from P. Steinmayer - 220RN pushed by 40gr 4350 for a comfortable 2000fps.
Components are still available, prices are tough but 1 lb. Of powder is 7000grains. The math still works for me.
Best of luck with your entry into the captivating world of Krags,
RicKrager, just a shooter.