Krag Collectors Association Forum Archive
General >> Ammunition, reloading, shooting, etc >> H4895 .30-40 Krag Load with 220 GR RN?
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Message started by Stretch32 on Aug 28th, 2016 at 4:48am

Title: Re: H4895 .30-40 Krag Load with 220 GR RN?
Post by psteinmayer on Aug 28th, 2016 at 1:00pm
Howdy!

4895 doesn't really lend itself well to heavy slow moving bullets, as it is really a faster burning powder.  You're not going to achieve 2000 fps with 4895 without extremely dangerous pressures - far in excess of what is considered safe in a Krag!  Hornady's 9th Edition lists a starting load of 30.0 grains for 1600 FPS, a medium load of 31.5 grains for 1700 FPS, and a absolute maximum load of 33.1 grains for 1800 FPS. 

My advice would be to use 4350 (either H or IMR).  The standard load, and what many of us use, is 40.0 grains with a 220 gr bullet, which gives you around 1950 FPS.  Anything higher, and you run the risk of a cracked locking lug, or worse!  This is the load I use in my Krag with Hornady 220 gr RN bullets, and I shot a 96-1X in the prone position at the recent Theodore Roosevelt Match at Camp Perry.  By the way, this is shooting at 200 yards too!

If you're still looking for higher velocities, then I would suggest using a lighter bullet with the 4895, such as a 168 gr or 150 gr.  I have a friend who routinely wins Vintage matches shooting his 1898 using 150 gr RN bullets... although he uses IMR 3031 (I can't remember his charge weight).  If you're just plinking, and not worried about feed issues (single shot), then you might consider a spitzer type bullet such as a 180 or 168 grain HPBT design bullet.  Just my $0.02

Happy shooting
Paul

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