IMR 4198

[Olpeddler]

I acquired my model 1899 .30-40 Krag carbine 4 years ago, and using several reloading manuals, powders, and bullets I have not been able to find a recipe that delivers consistent reliable groups at 75 yards. I have not taken my Krag whitetail hunting because I want to fire one-shot, humane kills, and I did not have confidence my Krag was capable of that.
That has now changed. This past Saturday I reloaded 30 cartridges using 15 Hornady 180 gr spitzer bullets and 15 Hornady 180 gr RN bullets. I loaded the cases with 28 grs of IMR 4198 powder which I have used for years reloading .45-70 cartridges with 405 gr bullets.
I know 4198 is a faster burning powder and pressure builds quickly with it. I figured that 28 grains would keep pressures below 40,000 lb. Yesterday, at the range I saw no signs that pressures were too high, and felt recoil was mild. Now, here is the good part: at 75 yards with both the spitzer and RN bullets, I shot consistent 3" groups at 9:00 o'clock between the 7 and 9 rings with no flyers. I was surprised that both bullets hit the same area on the target. I did not crony the rounds, but I will do that after i reload the brass I used yesterday. If the rounds achieve velocities exceeding 2,000 fps., I will take my Krag deer hunting this fall in the Adirondack mountains of upstate New York. If velocities are lower than 2,000 fps., I'll have a fun plinking load.

[Olpeddler]

This is an addendum to my post above of 9/18/23 regarding my recent experience with IMR 4198 Powder beneath 180 gr Hornady RN and Spitzer bullets. Today, in a 25 year old Lee reloading manual, I found a .30-40 Krag reloading recipe using IMR 4198 powder and 180 gr. jacketed bullets.
'Never exceed' 29.5 grs. of 4198, pressure 39,500 psi, muzzle velocity 2250 fps. I'd say that makes for a fine whitetail load for use in the northeast's densely wooded mountains where most humane kills occur inside of 75 yards.