'Initial results for cast bullet loads in 1896 Krag

[Pentz]

Went to the range today with a full box of cast bullet loads. Most testing was done at 50 yards, since I had no idea of the impact of these loads with the 1896 sights. While 50 yards gave me indications of good loads, they don't always indicate stability out to 100 yards or beyond. (The principal issue I had was the performance of my 65-yr old eyes with the original sights intended for 18-25 yr old recruits.)

The best 50-yd load was 18 gr. 2400 under a .309/204 gr 311299. 1.5" center to center. I was a little squeamish about this level of 2400 so only made up 5 rounds. I need to try this at 100 yds.

The best 100 yd load was 17 gr. 2400 under the same 311299, with a group of 1.25". I was shooting with my glasses and a homemade diopter made of pierced electrician's tape. While it's good to be good, it's better to be lucky in this case. I got a group of 1.5" at 50 yd. with this load.

Lighter charges of 2400 from 15-16 gr did not stabilize that 311299 as well as the 17-18 gr loads. My bore mikes out at .301-.3075 so maybe a 312-314 diameter cast will give good results. One load with a Lee .310/185 over 17 gr. 2400 also grouped at 1.25".

[madsenshooter]

Pretty good for a first effort, especially with no windage adjustment. Only way to get any is to bend the front sight. I've done that, but others get squeamish about it. I'd recommend you get yourself a 1902 sight, one with the 80 to the inch serrations on the left side of the leaf for more precise elevation adjustment, and a handguard to go with it. Discussion about the little differences in the sights here: http://www.jouster.com/forums/showth...nd-1902-sights The repro handguards from here are pretty nice: http://www.partsforantiqueguns.com/K...Handguards.htm You'd also need a taller .410 front blade to go with the 1902 sight. 18gr of 2400 with the 311299 ought to net you around 1510fps @ 24,000psi. according to an old Hercules handbook for the Krag that I have.

[Pentz]

I appreciate the sight tip, Madsenshooter. Yes, I was looking for a '98 with that sight before finding this '96. If one Krag is good, two is better, eh? I don't feel good about bending that front sight - it's just too nice a rifle to mess around with. Will have to think about modding this rifle - I'm old school about messing with treasures like this.

[madsenshooter]

The answer I like is buy another rifle in order to get that sight. But I'm a tinkerer. My parkerized Krag has literally been pieced together, so I don't mind messing with it, or another 92/96 that I have which had the stock sanded pretty hard and the barrel free floated. I swap sights and such as needed. I decided I didn't like the 1901.