Affordable on-person Ammo carrying for .30-40 Krag (Pouches, Bandoliers, etc)

[LeftMech]

While it's somewhat premature given that I'm still working over my Krag carbine and haven't taken it out to shoot yet, I am strongly considering attempting to use it for a few dynamic matches in the future. I've previously run a more modern rifle at the Woodland Brutality match down in West Virginia, and I have half a mind to attempt use of the Krag in one of the historic divisions for that or another active match of a similar sort in the future.
This being said, as I understand it, actual Krag pouches and cartridge boxes are a little clumsy, tend to be expensive, and originals are likely stiff and/or fragile at this point even when you can find them. I know that .303 British cases can be modified to be used for use in .30-40 Krags, so I was wondering if .303 bandoliers like this one from Sarco might be a practical solution for carrying Krag ammunition. I kinda figure it would be on the slow side for match use though.
https://www.sarcoinc.com/1888-british-b ... bandolier/

[Culpeper]

Save your money. The only thing you need for the Rapid prone in the CMP matches is either five cartridges lying on the ground next to you OR five cartridges in a Parashooter/psteinmayer speed loader. Other than that all you need is a plastic box to pick single cartridges out of during the Slow prone or Slow standing portions of the match.

As historical note Krag and Jorgenson designed the speed loader in early 1890s but we never adapted it.

Sorry. I presumed your matches would in the fashion of CMP matches. You should use a Mills belt if you are shooting while in reenactment garb.

[LeftMech]

Well, I'd be game to try more static matches like that for sure. Kinda sounds like the course of fire for Appleseed classes in a way. As for Woodland Brutality, typically that's dynamic movement, firing occasionally from awkward positions, and occasional reloading on the move or just as you arrive to a position. Mostly self-directed loading as you clear a stage. Typical shooting gets out to 300 yards at most with some bonus targets a bit further out, but most of it is closer in with a need to reload somewhat quickly. Frankly even in the historic divisions a Krag isn't really ideal though the ability to top up without engaging the magazine or fill the magazine with a round still chambered is kinda nice.

It's mostly for that sort of a match that I'd consider a bandolier or pouches. Trouble is, most historic pouches are really intended for clipped ammunition and not loose rounds unless you get to things like the Mills belt as you mentioned.

As an aside, that's a beautiful 1895. I'd been looking for one of those for a while but happened to luck out with a Krag 1899 first. It seems people are even more willing to over-bid on the 1895s over most Krags.

[Culpeper]

As an aside, that's a beautiful 1895. I'd been looking for one of those for a while but happened to luck out with a Krag 1899 first. It seems people are even more willing to over-bid on the 1895s over most Krags.

Thanks. I'll put you on the dibs list right behind RickyG.





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[waterman]

Many years ago, back when my grandson & I were playing such games, I bought 2 Krag bandoliers from S&S. IIRC, the 100-round job is longer than the 50-rounder. It might work for your purposes. You don't need to fill it to capacity. And if you put cartridges in every other loop, they would be easier to grab.

I also bought what was sold as an exact replica of the British 50-round bandolier. It fit my grandson when he was 11. Those old Brits must not have been very big.

[LeftMech]

Many years ago, back when my grandson & I were playing such games, I bought 2 Krag bandoliers from S&S. IIRC, the 100-round job is longer than the 50-rounder. It might work for your purposes. You don't need to fill it to capacity. And if you put cartridges in every other loop, they would be easier to grab.

I also bought what was sold as an exact replica of the British 50-round bandolier. It fit my grandson when he was 11. Those old Brits must not have been very big.

Good to know on that front. I had heard that trick with every other round, especially for the larger bandoliers. Did you use the British 50 rounder for .303 or were you putting .30-40 in that as well?

[waterman]

Many years ago, back when my grandson & I were playing such games, I bought 2 Krag bandoliers from S&S. IIRC, the 100-round job is longer than the 50-rounder. It might work for your purposes. You don't need to fill it to capacity. And if you put cartridges in every other loop, they would be easier to grab.

I also bought what was sold as an exact replica of the British 50-round bandolier. It fit my grandson when he was 11. Those old Brits must not have been very big.

Good to know on that front. I had heard that trick with every other round, especially for the larger bandoliers. Did you use the British 50 rounder for .303 or were you putting .30-40 in that as well?

I have a Martini-Enfield dated 1893 (the year they didn't make any) and re-dated 1897. Most of the parts of a Lee-Enfield #1 Mk. III are a simple substitution fit. So I have a Martini that looks like a SMLE.

[LeftMech]

Very nice. I've always heard Martini rifles are very pleasant to shoot and rather accurate for such an old design. Have yet to have a chance to give one a try myself though.

[psteinmayer]

Not that I'm touting my wares or blowing my own horn... but I may be doing a production run this winter of chargers... especially in the renewed interest of Krag shooters at Camp Perry! I'll definitely let people know if I do!

Yes Culp... I know I owe you a frog and template. I'm in recovery from major surgery at the moment, so please bear with me!!!

[butlersrangers]

Heal up quick Paul! Prayers coming your way!