IIRC, the Hornady 220 grain FMJ disappeared from the market in the 1980s, about the time that "bullet-proof" vests showed up in large numbers as police equipment.  I suspect that the FMJ 220 round nosed bullet would have gone through those "like corn through the new maid".

I made up my first three test loads using 38.0 grs of IMR 4350 with the 220 Hornady RN.  I may go shoot them tomorrow so I'll let you know how it works for me.  (I'm sure they will work fine)  I will check the velocities too. My bore slugs at 308 and appears to have almost no use so we will see how it goes.

I have a friend who I shoot with at matches, all at 200 yards.  He WINS the matches every time he shoots his Krag (an 1896).  His load consists of a Hornady 150 grain RN bullet, and I believe he uses 4831... but I'm not positive about the powder (consult a load chart for a good 150 gr powder and charge).  He said he uses the lighter bullet and a light load for reduced recoil, which helps keep on target in Off Hand position (standing).

I've tried to make 150s work in my Krag, but the accuracy is not what I like... but here is the important thing to remember:  Not ALL Krags like the same ammo!  What works in one Krag, may not really work well in another.  Also, I worked the 150s with 4350, and a different powder would most likely give different results too!

Sticking with the 4350 and reducing the charge would result in a reduced recoil... but I can't guarantee the accuracy would remain the same, as the bullet would be moving slower, and thus ballistic would change.  Your 100 yard zero calibration on your rear sight would absolutely change, which is no big deal as long as you compensate for it at other distances, i.e higher at 100 yards = higher at 200 yards... etc.

Speaking of matches, There are usually CMP matches all over the place (I'm in Michigan, and there are a few every month near me in different cities).  If you are thinking of shooting it in a Vintage CMP match, let us know and we can help you with what to know about that.  The National Matches, held at Camp Perry Ohio are held every summer (end of July/early August), and are great fun too!!!  Lots of Krags show up for the Vintage Match.  Also, this year, there will be a Theodore Roosevelt commemorative match, which will be open to only Krag and early 1903 rifles.

I am well into double digits on some of my brass.  Anneal your case necks!  That will pay dividends in longevity!  The biggest problem I run into is cracking in the necks right at the lip.  Some cracks are very tiny and I don't really worry about them... but when the cracks start showing signs of gas leakage (i.e. carbon marks around the cracks) or the cracks are in the side wall of the neck, I immediately discard the brass - no sense tempting fate!!!

No problem at all... that's what we're all here for!  Let us know how things work out.

Are you thinking of shooting local Vintage matches or the Nationals?  Just curious...  A bunch of us here do!

Cheers
Paul

If you go to the CMP site, and find Competition Tracker, you'll find listings of all of the CMP matches around the country.  You should be able to find one that's reasonably close to your location. For instance, Fort Hill Rifle and Pistol Club in Cumberland, MD is holding a As Issued Military Rifle Match (Vintage, Springfield, and Garand matches) on June 4th (might be a bit of a drive from Annapolis, but just as an example).  Most of the time, these matches are open to non-club members too. Anything that says Vintage is open for Krags and other mechanically operated military rifles.  Springfield is only for M1903/1903A1/1903A3 rifles.  I shoot in at least one match a month... and sometimes more - in addition to the National Rifle Matches.  I'd shoot every weekend, but I think my wife would kill me (she'd beat me to death with one of my rifles, LOL)!

Culpeper/Pstein:  I really appreciate your help.  I'm familiar with the Thurmont range, going there with the Maryland Schutzverein a few times a year.  The Caroll County range is new to me and I shall follow up. 

In return, may I alert you all to something called the Victorian Rifles Association. It encompasses all British service firearms issued during the reign of Victoria.  So we go from flintlocks (75 cal)  to Mk I Lee-Enfields (303).  It meets in the Fall of each year at a range in the vicinity of Easton, Pa. for 2 days.  A lot of Martini-Henry's, Sniders, Lee-Enfields at 100 -200 yards.  There are several categories of completions and medals awarded.  Everyone is welcome.  Folks from GB, South Africa, Canada, U.S., Australia and fellow-travelers from Europe attend. A pig-roast has become a tradition.  Authors on military history offer evening discussions. 

Thanks again.  Annapolis