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.
IMR 4198
Re: IMR 4198
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.
'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.