Cast bullet reloading for the Krag

[DRAGONFLYDF]

I am looking at a 200gr cast round nose for the Krag, but I am having a hard time finding a load formula for it. I did find a 190gr cast and a 210 gr, both using 25gr Varget and both showing 1500FPS, with a max of 35gr for 2000 fps. I was thinking of trying 30gr ? any thoughts ? I would prefer to use 4895, but I can't find any data for it.

[madsenshooter]

Low pressure loads and Varget don't get along well together, I've read, but I have no experience with it. castboolits.com Lots of helpful Krag shooters there who'll likely help you with loads for either powder. I don't have much in the way of medium burning powders, I generally work with either magnum pistol powders or the really slow end of the scale.

[Mark Daiute]

I'm with Madsenshooter here. 4759 and 2400 on one end of the spectrum and then nothing till we get down to the 870's.

Keep us posted on your search and your results.

[kragluver]

I shoot cast almost exclusively in my Krag. I've not tried a 200gr bullet but I shoot the Lee 185-312 over 19.0 gr of SR4759. As Mark said above, look at 4759, and 2400 as go-to cast bullet powders. Another good one is 5744. I have tried 3031 (in the same burn rate category as Varget) just to experiment but I didn't get good accuracy results. I have had good success with 3031 and cast in the 303-Brit but look for velocities over 2000.

I shoot the Lee 200 gr bullet in my 03A3 over 22 gr of 4759 with excellent results. If you don't have it already, get the Lyman book - it has quite a bit of cast load data in it.

[Pentz]

Some of my best 100-yd groups have been with the lee 185 checked, pan-lubed with home-brew lube and sized at .309 over 16 gr. of 2400. Still working on a 311299 sized to .309; 16/2400 is promising there too. 5744 runs hot for me and I'm not sure if it will work for me. I seat out to 3.22 col just kissing the lands. My bore slugs at .3075.

[Mark Daiute]

you'll be hard pressed to find a boolit that will out-perform a gas-checked 311299. I've found that my Krags like 16.5 of 4759 and my 03's like 16 grains of 2400 and I've been to lazy to try both powders in both rifles. They work so well why try something else?

Keep us posted!

[DRAGONFLYDF]

This is what I am using,
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/183267/lee-2-cavity-bullet-mold-c309-200-1r-30-caliber-309-diameter-200-grain-1-ogive-radius-gas-check it is a 200gr round nose gas check.
I was trying to find a load for either Varget or 4895 as I have a large supply of both.

[Tom Trevor]

Just FYI, Hodgen had decided that 4759 is not a hot seller so one more run will be made in 2014. Then POOF for good.

[mannparks]

http://www.castbulletassoc.org/2013militaryresults.shtml

Here is a Webb sight that shoot nothing but cast in there service rifles.
Cast bullet association.


Good load data.
Charles

PS
I vote for 5744.

[adrians]

My Krag loves the 311284 with 16.5 of 2400 and the 311299 with 18.5 of 4198 this load is about 1600 fps ,, but for a fun plinker load I use the NOE 311407 with 8-9 grns of unique.

I think the 30-40 is the best caliber to use cast bullets in,,, it's just plum ,crazy, fun,,, nuff said.:1948:
25490

[Pentz]

My Krag loves the 311284 with 16.5 of 2400 and the 311299 with 18.5 of 4198 this load is about 1600 fps ,, but for a fun plinker load I use the NOE 311407 with 8-9 grns of unique.

I think the 30-40 is the best caliber to use cast bullets in,,, it's just plum ,crazy, fun,,, nuff said.:1948:
25490

Roger that!

[Ken in Iowa]

I have tried a few 185 gr gas checked Lee C312-185-1R in my Krag with a generous .309" groove diameter. These were sized .311 and neck clearance was OK. The long neck of the Krag is perfect for this bullet.

We used 2400, Red Dot and Trailboss. 2400 was best with the pipsqueak Trailboss loads close behind. Great fun!

I'm looking forward to trying more cast loads in the future. http://castboolits.gunloads.com/ is a wonderful resource.

[M2Phil]

Nothing new to add, just two cents from yet another fan of the Lee C312-185 over 16gr of 2400.
Usually size them to .309" but I have one '98 rifle that likes them best at .312".
Just a great load at 100yds. Can't wait to try them at 200.