Second Photo

Very interesting, several variations but most seem to share the aftermarket sights and stocks.  Has anyone seen one quite like mine before where they used all milsurp parts to build?

If you read some of the old books, particularly Fred Ness' "Practical Dope for the Big Bores", you get the impression that there were Sedgleys and then there were Sedgleys.  Some were just put together from surplus parts.  Others were extensively modified, apparently including re-heat treating the actions.  I have read that the latter are sometimes found with a Sedgley serial number instead of the one applied by Springfield Armory.  Those are mostly found with low numbered 03s, but apparently Sedgley did the same things to Krags.

I think mine would fall into the 'poor boy' group, though it is nicely done with the milsurp parts.  I guess the nicest part is that original 1896 carbine sight which has already gotten me unsolicited offers of more than I paid for the rifle.  I've got a couple of boxes of new ammo coming this weekend and the set of dies to begin reloading for it, should be a fun shooter.

If you have not hand-loaded for the Krag before, just a bit of advice.  It is not necessary to duplicate the original loads.  The newest of these rifles is over 100 years old  and there is nothing to be gained from squeezing the highest possible velocity from them.   

You might read (at least in old Lyman manuals) about inspecting Krag bolts for cracks around the locking lugs.  They are found and it is easy to add to the number.  If you are going to shoot the old 220 grain bullets, stay away from the loads giving 2,000 fps or more.

There are several loading manuals out there with recommended loads that (IMHO) are way too hot for old Krag actions.  It is easy to pour more of a modern powder into the Krag case than the old bolt, action and barrel will take without negative consequences.

Our old Krags usually shoot quite well with loads tamed down a bit.  Lighter loads are easier on both our old rifles and our shoulders. 

There are several cast bullet designs developed with the Krag in mind.  If you have access to Phillip Sharpe (1937) "Complete Guide to Handloading", check out the section on the .30/40 Krag cartridge.  There are modern day equivalents of most of the recommended components.

Many Krag shooters have their own prefered loads that they have found to work best in their respective Krags.  Me personally, I sometimes load a 180 grain soft point spitzer from Hornady, but lately, I have started loading a Hornady 165 grain boattail soft point and 38.6 grains of IMR 4064 with amazing results.  The trick is to try several different bullets and loads to find what you like best.  I agree about hot loads... stay away from them!  Hornady has a complete reloading guide book which offers many load options for each different bullet weight and powder.  Good to have even if your not using Hornady bullets.

A word of advice: in both of my 1898s, I must use bullets with a crimping ring.  An un-crimped bullet will push back into the cartridge case when trying to chamber from the Krag magazine.  I know that not all Krags will do this, but both of mine do.  Round nose bullets do not have this problem, but pointed (180 or 165 grain) do.  Lee has a factory crimper die... but use with caution.  Keep the crimp light so you don't damage the case neck.

Enjoy shooting your Krag!