What do I have? 30-40 krag

[Biggreen7mm]

Hello. I purchased a 30-40 Craig a few months ago and I am curious as to what exactly it is. From what research I have done it was made in 1903 and has what I think is a 1902 rear sight. Front site is missing the blade. It has a 30" barrel measured from the bolt face to muzzle. I believe the stock is a shortened rifle but I'm not sure. It has two cartouche one is the typical above trigger guard on the left side I think it says 1896 or 1898 can't make out the last number( I believe the stock was refinished) there is also a cartouche 3/4" behind the trigger guard but I can't make it out. I will include pictures and would like as much help as possible. I measured the muzzle and it came out to .625" I read somewhere that this can help determine exactly what it is.

[Biggreen7mm]

Serial number is 456326

[Biggreen7mm]

More pics

[psteinmayer]

Welcome to the wonderful world of Krags!

Looks like you have an 1898 rifle. Fortunately, your barrel has not been cut. The stock has been shortened to carbine length, but this can be repaired by grafting on a new forestock. Otherwise, it's not too bad looking. The cartouche on the left side of the wrist is the inspection stamp. The mark behind the trigger guard should be a circled P and this indicates that it has passed "Proof." There are more knowledgeable people here who can tell you more than I can!

Again, welcome!

[Biggreen7mm]

Thank you for that much. I appreciate any info you give me. Also, I am a hand loader and would like any leads on accurate load/bullet combos. (Don't worry I'm a competent reloader and I know to stay under the tested safe limits) right now I'm starting in the middle with 180 grain nosler spitzer. I'd like to go to both ends of the spectrum. A light fast bullet for target practice, and a big heavy slow bullet for hunting. (I'm a firm believer in throwing paint cans instead of needles ;D)

[psteinmayer]

I also load for both of my Krags.

For my sporter, I load a Hornady 165 gr boat tailed spitzer over 38.9 grains of IMR 4064 and a CCI standard primer. For my 1898 rifle, I load a Hornady 220 gr RN bullet over 40.0 grains of IMR 4350 and a CCI Magnum primer. The 220 gr round nose with 40 grains of 4350 is as close as you can get to the original .30 US Army (30-40) round. The Magnum primer just insures a complete burn with the slower burning 4350. I only shoot my 1898 rifle in competitions and practice. I used to hunt with my sporter, and have fired many different bullet/loads over the years... but she seems to like the 165 grain spitzers.

Of course, there are a ton of loaders using a plethora of different loads and bullets. The best advice I can give you is to try lots of different loads until you find what works best for you... and once you find a load you/your Krag like, stick with it!

[Pentz]

As a handloader, get some 180-210 grain cast boolits; round or spire. The 311299 round nose, or 311334 spire point, both shoot great over 16 gr of 2400 or 20 gr of 5744. Other shooters have good cast shooting data as well. You will be surprised at how much fun and how well these group.

[Biggreen7mm]

Thanks for the sujestions. Actually that first load is close to what I just did this morning 180 grain on top of 40 grains of 4064