Krag Bullet Sizing

[Niederlander]

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!

[Major 2]

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     

[Drydock]

My molds drop .311-.312, I shoot them unsized.

[cpt dan blodgett]

using gas checks??

[Blue Eyed Cabellero]

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.

[Drydock]

I have a Lee .311 die I run them thru to seat the checks.  Some do get sized just a bit.

[pony express]

I size to .310. Tried .309, didn't work as well.

[Niederlander]

Any of you use the Lyman "M" die?  If so, what size do you use?

[pony express]

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.

[ira scott]

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!

[Niederlander]

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!

[Dutch Al]

Ned,

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

Dutch Al