psteinmayer
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Krag Enthusiast!
Posts: 2391 Location: Ypsilanti, Michgan Joined: Aug 30 th, 2011 Gender:
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Re: Loading for my M1898 Krag
Reply #19 - Apr 17th, 2016 at 12:47pm
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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.
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