I am currently reading "Hatcher's Notebook", since it is too hot and humid to be outside. It is definitely a must read.

I am only a third of the way through (it is a pretty thick book) but he has mentioned the Krag a few times. In chapter 8 he briefly mentions the strength of the action.

He mentioned that at one point a magazine article once claimed the Krag was stronger than the '03! He quickly proves it as hogwash. He does state the Krag action is perfectly strong enough for the pressures/loadings it was designed (around 40,000lbs max). He says the Ordnance Department found that the absolute limit is 42,000lbs.

He also discusses that while Krags had cracked lugs or split in two from hot loads he never saw one where the bolt flew out the back end of the gun. The rib on the bolt body serves as a safety lug as does the bolt handle.

I'll put in my disclaimer: just because Hatcher makes these statements doesn't mean you should test them!

The Krag has three lugs - one obvious lug at the front of the bolt, the bolt guide rib and the bolt handle seat in the receiver mortise. Keep in mind the Krag was made with the exact same steel alloy as the low numbered '03s and utilized identical steel processing. It handles gas release into the receiver much better than a Mauser based design however.

psteinmayer wrote on Jul 17^th, 2016 at 12:07pm:


WOW!  Thats impressive! Quite a read! Guess I can breathe easy when shooting the Krag.