I recently acquired an 1898 Krag (actually made in 1903) that I plan to use in CMP Vintage Rifle matches.  I have searched the Internet for what might be the most common loads for competition.  Based on the post found on other forums I have decided to start with either the 180gr Hornady RN and 42gr of IMR4350, or the 220gr Hornady RN and 42.2gr of IMR4350. 

Powder/Bullet choice -- Any comments?  180gr or 220gr?  What are other CMP Krag shooters using?  Again, based on the comments on other forums I went with RN over spitzer due to concerns with chambering the round.

COAL - Both Sierra and Lee state that the maximum COAL length should be 3.089"  This seems to fit and flow through the magazine with no problem, but I have had an occasionaly hang up with the second or third cartridge.  I think this is due more to a dirty follower than cartridge length.  Thoughts?

180gr vs 220gr Bullet -- As with my 1917 Enfield and 1903A3 I tried to come up with an "on the lands" COAL.  I have a tool I use to push a bullet forward through a chambered case until it contacts the lands and grooves, but it seems the extended throat of the 1898 makes this impossible.  Using the 180gr bullet, the bullet falls out of the case long before it makes contact with the lands and grooves.  The 220gr bullet just reaches the lands and grooves before losing contact with the neck of the case.  For this reason it seems far less power will be lost by using the 220gr bullet over the 180gr bullet.

What are your thoughts and recommendations on this subject?  Thanks in advance for any and all comments and suggestions.