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Special Interests - Groups & Societies => The Barracks => Topic started by: Niederlander on July 29, 2019, 11:05:06 AM

Title: Krag Bullet Sizing
Post by: Niederlander on July 29, 2019, 11:05:06 AM
Good morning, Gentlemen!  I've been working with an 1899 Krag carbine (actually it's a cut down rifle, with an 1899 stock), and discovered I couldn't hit anything with it.  I'm talking to the extent not all rounds would be on an 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper at twenty five yards level of bad.  I've always sized my Krag bullets to .309, so I decided to try .311 since I had that sizer die.  Groups (just leaning over the pickup tool box for a rest) went from 6-8" to about 1 1/2 - 2".  I guarantee they'll be better with sight black and a proper rest, but at least now it seems I won't have to re-barrel to get it to shoot. 

What are you other Krag guys doing for bullet size on your rifles?  I've never had that dramatic an improvement on any other rifle just by changing the bullet sizing.  Learn something new all the time!
Title: Re: Krag Bullet Sizing
Post by: Major 2 on July 29, 2019, 11:51:50 AM
Mine is a NRA purchase cut rifle and the SS #indicates Circa 1902 , I slugged the barrel when I first got it a year or so ago.
The bore slugged @ .308,  I have only used .311 in both Hi tech coating and GC cast 196 Grains ,  and @ 70% & 80% Trailboss.

I both cases I'm satisfied and 150 Feet with my groups     
Title: Re: Krag Bullet Sizing
Post by: Drydock on July 29, 2019, 02:09:12 PM
My molds drop .311-.312, I shoot them unsized.
Title: Re: Krag Bullet Sizing
Post by: cpt dan blodgett on July 29, 2019, 04:10:08 PM
using gas checks??
Title: Re: Krag Bullet Sizing
Post by: Blue Eyed Cabellero on July 29, 2019, 04:10:41 PM
I?ve been using 210 grain sized at .310 with gas checks from Montana Bullet Works. I?ve bern pleased with the grouping and consistency. Hope that helps.
Title: Re: Krag Bullet Sizing
Post by: Drydock on July 29, 2019, 05:10:44 PM
I have a Lee .311 die I run them thru to seat the checks.  Some do get sized just a bit.
Title: Re: Krag Bullet Sizing
Post by: pony express on July 29, 2019, 06:50:38 PM
I size to .310. Tried .309, didn't work as well.
Title: Re: Krag Bullet Sizing
Post by: Niederlander on July 29, 2019, 06:52:50 PM
Any of you use the Lyman "M" die?  If so, what size do you use?
Title: Re: Krag Bullet Sizing
Post by: pony express on July 29, 2019, 06:55:09 PM
I think mine just says "30R"



Edit: I THINK the one I use originally came from combining the expander plug from a Lyman .30 Carbine die set, with the longer body from another "M" die.
Title: Re: Krag Bullet Sizing
Post by: ira scott on July 29, 2019, 09:01:21 PM
I use Colonel Drydock's recipe/methods.  Very pleased with the results, it was a dramatic improvement from my first attempts!(as in no more keyholes at 30 yards)

Thanks Chuck!
Title: Re: Krag Bullet Sizing
Post by: Niederlander on July 29, 2019, 09:48:04 PM
I've been loading lead bullet Krag rounds for about twenty five years, always using the Lyman 210 grain round nose bullet that was originally designed for the Krag.  I always sized them to .309" because that's what all the books said to do.  It always worked extremely well, too, until I got this carbine.  I'll just start sizing them to .311" now, still with gas checks, as always.  I'm just amazed at how much difference two thousandths made!
Title: Re: Krag Bullet Sizing
Post by: Dutch Al on August 18, 2019, 11:06:01 AM
Ned,

PM me your e-mail, I will send you some information.

Dutch Al