I've previously owned Krags but,

[S.B.]

buying another now and would like reloading advice now again. I know the velocity should be kept within certain limits(because of the single bolt lug) but have forgotten what this is. Any and all advice will be appreciated.
Steve

[Parashooter]

It's the chamber pressure, not the velocity, that's critical. Given acceptable pressure, velocity will vary with bullet weight, barrel length, and powder characteristics.

SAAMI specs on the .30-40 Krag cartridge call for a maximum average pressure of 40000 c.u.p.. Loads listed at or below this figure by trusted sources can be considered appropriate for U.S. Krags in sound condition.

[S.B.]

Sorry but, not much of an answer? I knew that thought you'ld understand.
Steve

[Ned Butts]

??????

[Parashooter]

OK, seems you're looking for something else. Here's IMR's "maximum load" data.

.30-40 Krag
Speer 150 GR
.308" DIA.; 25.5" BBL.; 3.00" C.O.L.
Powder Charge Vel. C.U.P
SR- 4759 24.5 2080 37300
IMR 4227 23.5 2090 37700
IMR 4198 30.0 2355 38100
IMR 3031 42.0 2695 39500
IMR 4064 44.0 2695 39000
IMR 4895 36.0 2435 39700
IMR 4320 37.0 2420 39700
IMR 4350 48.5 2615 36300

.30-40 Krag
Rem. 180 GR. SPCL
.308" DIA.; 25.5" BBL.; 3.00" C.O.L.
SR- 4759 24.0 1940 39100
IMR 4227 23.0 1900 37800
IMR 4198 29.5 2150 39800
IMR 3031 38.0 2375 39300
IMR 4064 41.0 2435 39000
IMR 4895 35.5 2270 38800
IMR 4320 35.5 2210 38100
IMR 4350 46.0 2445 38700

Do you see how the velocity changes with different bullets and powders although the pressure stays about the same? This is why it's not possible to recommend a safe velocity without knowing at least what powder and bullet will be used. For example, with a 150-grain bullet and 4064 powder, 2695 fps would be a maximum safe velocity, while only 1940 fps would be safe with SR 4759 and a 180.

[psteinmayer]

Exactly! As long as you stay below 40,000 cup, you're golden!

The best advice I can give anyone would be to get a good load data book from Hornady, Lee, Speer, IMR, etc. It might be best to use a book (or chart) for the bullets you plan to use. I load Hornady bullets almost exclusively, so I mostly stick to the Hornady load book, although I sometimes bounce that against the Lee charts and the IMR data.

I load two different rounds, a 165 grain SPBT over 39.6 grains of IMR-4064, and a 220 grain round nose 40.0 grains of IMR-4350.

[Dick Hosmer]

So, 4350 clearly seems to give the best velocity/pressure ratio of the powders listed.

[Century2]

IMR 4350 is my main powder. I use the orange "Loadbook" I bought at Midway. I primarily shoot 30" barrels. I worked out the following logic a few years ago:

180-grain, 30 Barrel, IMR4350, COAL=3.089

Minimum: 38.9gr/1900fps (Hornady, Pg. 5)
Start: 40.0gr/~2090fps, 41.0, 42.0
Accuracy: 42.0gr/2190fps (Nosler, Pg. 10)
Accuracy: 2200fps (22 Sierra)
Maximum: 42.6gr/2200fps (Hornady, Pg. 5)
Maximum: 46.0gr/2460fps (Nosler, Pg. 10) HOT
Factory Ammo: 2478fps (measured for 30) HOT


220-grain, 30 Barrel, IMR4350, COAL=3.000(Sierra)/3.080(Hornady)

Minimum: 34.5gr/1600fps (Hornady, Pg. 6)
Start: 39.0gr/~1875fps, 39.5, 40.0
KCA: 40.0gr (Universally Documented as THE LOAD)
Accuracy: 2000fps (22 Sierra)
Maximum: 40.5gr/2000fps (Hornady, Pg. 6)

Note how hot the factory loads are and except for hunting use they are excessively powerful - no benefit for shooting paper.

[psteinmayer]

I generally run 4064 for my lighter bullets because it's a faster burning powder, and burns completely as the bullet is expelled from the muzzle.

4350 is slower burning, and as such, can leave unburnt powder deposits in the barrel with lighter/faster bullets. With slower moving bullets (200-220 gr), there is more time with the bullet in the pipe for the powder to burn completely. I've been told (here, and on Culver's forum) that Magnum primers with 4350 will help achieve a more complete burn. Therefore, I intend to start using Magnum primers with my competition loads (220 gr / 40.0 grains of 4350).

Using Magnum primers has no added benefit when using faster powders like 4064 though...

[Century2]

I worked up the following plan for my carbines:

150-grain, 22 Barrel, IMR4064, COAL=3.089 (Sierra, Pg. 13)

Minimum: 38.7gr/2200fps (Sierra, Pg. 13)
Start: 39.3gr/~2245fps, 40.3, 41.3/~2375fps
Accuracy: 42.7gr/2400fps (22 Sierra)
Maximum: 44.7gr/2500fps (Sierra, Pg. 13)


165-grain, 22 Barrel, IMR4064, COAL=3.089

Minimum: 37.3gr/2100fps (Sierra, Pg. 14)
Start: 38.0gr/~2150fps, 39.0, 40.0/~2250fps
Accuracy: 41.3gr/2300fps (22 Sierra)
Maximum: 43.3gr/2400fps (Sierra, Pg. 14)