1898 .30-40 vs 1894 6.5x55 for action stregnth?

[Dick Hosmer]

The test Dick is referring to was performed many years ago by Michael Petrov... and demonstrated that the US Krag was actually incredibly strong. As Dick said... it took a LOT to cause a failure!

https://www.doublegunshop.com/forums/ub ... ber=211013

Rest assured, I wouldn't go and purposely remove the locking lug... but that guide rib provides quite a strong backup safety, should that single lug crack!

Thanks Paul, I'm pretty sure that's the SAME test, but not the only write-up of it? I'm remembering some different pictures, and the verbiage was different too, because there was the zinger at the very end - "Oh, and by the way, the bolt lug had been machined completely off . . . ." Any one else have the other write-up?

[psteinmayer]

If you want a magnum ... buy a magnum ... not a Krag.

Well said Chuck!

[psteinmayer]

I used to have MP's original report Dick. I'll see if I can dig it up...

Continued:
Well, I did some searching, and it seems that the link I shared was MP's original post on the DoubleGun forum (dated 12-27-2010). The part about the locking lug is contained in the reply below the post. Most of the pictures were either removed or have expired (at the photobucket site) - this could be because Michael passed away in 2014. I wish the photos were still there because they were very interesting and integral to the story!

[Dick Hosmer]

Wasn't the whole thing also posted here - and so should be available somehow - or was it by link reference only? Hope it isn't gone - was kinda neat . . .

[psteinmayer]

Agreed!

[waterman]

Wasn't the whole thing also posted here - and so should be available somehow - or was it by link reference only? Hope it isn't gone - was kinda neat . . .

I'm old, also, but I seem to recall that, once upon a time, MP's Krag destruction article was posted here.

[butlersrangers]

"OLD" ... is so overdone!

[Rapidrob]

Thank you for the replies.
I do not reload any higher than 7/8 of the max load for any of my rifles. I want the best accuracy and case life.

[butlersrangers]

Mild loads, with accuracy and long case life? - That is what a .30-40 Krag does.

[Rapidrob]

I'll be shooting the Krag at 500 meters this Saturday. 185 grain BTHP over IMR-4350. Hoping the rifle does well.
Also 220 grain RNFB as well.