Krag Collectors Association Forum

I test-fired my 1898 rifle for the first time today. All shots hit close to point of aim and all brass extracted normally. The necks of all five cases show some unusual marks, but they re-sized without trouble. Is this something to worry about ? The rifle was badly neglected when I got it but it cleaned up nicely. New Winchester brass, Hornady 220 grain roundnose bullets, 40grains H4350.

I've never seen brass mutilated quite like those fired rounds from your chamber. You do seem to have a serious chamber problem.

It appears someone damaged the chamber-neck area with some type of cutter, reamer, or tap. This cannot be good for brass.

It would probably be wise to have it inspected by a competent gunsmith and refrain from further shooting.
There may be no practical remedy, except a replacement barrel.

Sorry, for this development.

I agree completely with BR. Looks very serious to me as well, including the cuts near the case mouth. Criterion makes a quality replacement. https://criterionbarrels.com/product-ca ... dc5da36527
Vic

FWIW - It almost looks like the impression of 'rifling' on the brass at the case-mouth.

Out of curiosity, it would be useful if 'misanthrope' precisely measured his barrel length, from muzzle to 'closed' bolt-face.

Possibly, the barrel has been shortened at the breech, to set it back a thread, and crudely "re-chambered"???

I agree with the previous comments. A rotary tool was in the neck area. If those are left over rifling marks on the end of the neck the neck may not be expanding enough to let go of the bullet when fired and could result in over pressure. Not sure if there is enough material left in the chamber to finish with a proper reamer.
A peak at the extractor clearance on the barrel might give you some clues if the barrel was set back a thread or 2. Measuring to the rear sight screw holes from the receiver would tell you something also.
I could put a fired case on my optical comparator and give you some more guesses, but it seems that you will need a replacement barrel whether it is a used one or a new Crterion.

Bolt face to muzzle measures exactly 30 inches.

Could it be a wad of steel wool left from someone's chamber cleaning?

FWIW - I measured two Krag rifle barrels of 1903 vintage today. The dimension for both, from muzzle-crown to bolt-face was close to 30 & 1/16 inches.

I also measured three model 1898 actions, from the front-edge of the receiver to the middle of the barrel's rear sight-hole. I got three different dimensions, but,
the average was around 3.33 inches.

(I guess the front edge of the Krag receiver was not a critical surface to take dimensions from)?

misanthrope wrote: ↑Sat Dec 12, 2020 4:53 pm Bolt face to muzzle measures exactly 30 inches.

What does an unfired cartridge look like after it inserted and extracted. Any land and groove marks at the case mouth?

Chambering and extracting a round doesn’t leave any visible marks. From center of rear sight screw hole to front of receiver is approximately 3.3 inches.