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1898.30-40 Krag Ammo question
dabeev
Member Posts: 45 ✭✭
So my grandfather died leaving me with a .30-40 Krag in pretty great condition. The problem, as probably a lot of you know, is that the ammo is almost non-existent. It probably hasn't been shot in 60+ years but he was a steel worker so the thing is perfectly greased up and clean. I don't know a heck of a lot about guns, in fact this is the only one I own. I've found a few places online to get the ammo - which end up around $35 for 20 rounds with shipping. I'm looking for any advice with it and also so information regarding:
1. reloading spent cartridges (how easy is it to do, is it worth it to learn)
2. places to get the Ammo where I'm not spending $1.75 to shoot off a round.
Thanks
1. reloading spent cartridges (how easy is it to do, is it worth it to learn)
2. places to get the Ammo where I'm not spending $1.75 to shoot off a round.
Thanks
Comments
http://www.flickr.com/photos/61402543@N04/5590539530/#/photos/61402543@N04/5590539530/lightbox/
Last I checked they had it in stock, price at about $ 1.00 per round.
www.wisconsincartridge.com
You could also check Reeds Ammunition and Research, but last time I checked with them they were months out.
www.reedsammo.com
Nice looking rifle. Do you have a complete scabbard for the bayonet?
Brad Steele
Welcome to the forum and congratulation on your Krag. What a wonderful keepsake from your grandfather. The Krag is one of the smoothest bolt actions ever and certainly strong enough to handle modern ammunition or equivalent reloads without problem. I'm sure you'll hear from many and get lots of advice so I won't try to cover everything. Here are a few things I would suggest you consider.
1. I would NOT shoot ANYONE'S reloads in this, or any gun, for that matter.
2. Reloading yourself can be a great way to shoot your Krag economically and the options are many. The first step would be to set the rifle aside and READ. We could all recommend our favorite reloading manuals but a good economical place to start would be on line. Go to the web sites of the major powder and bullet manufacturers; they all offer excellent materials; some on line; others that can be requested as hard copy. If there is gun club in your area, visit and I'm sure you'll find experienced reloaders willing to help.
3. Once you have a basic understanding of the process and, hopefully, a good coach, you can start thinking about equipment.
A simple Lee Loader tool, some powder and primers and bullets, and you can start for under $100.00. Yes, it's slow, but you can make excellent ammunition that will be the equal of any. Single stage presses are also good, but I would advise against a progress press until you've become comfortable with less complex procedures. The progressives really come into their own when shooting and reloading high quantities of handgun ammunition or varmint rifle rounds where you can easily shoot hundreds of rounds in an afternoon. Your Krag probably won't fall into that category.
4. Check out the Reloading Forum here, as well. You've sure come to the right place. The number of knowledgable shooters who will more than generous with their experience and opinions will surprise you.
5. Treasure that Krag. Go slow and enjoy. Somewhere your Grandfather is smiling.
Good luck,
Rob
midway lists it at $29.95/box (both rem. and Win.)
I have been feeding my Krags with ammo from these folks.
Last I checked they had it in stock, price at about $ 1.00 per round.
www.wisconsincartridge.com
You could also check Reeds Ammunition and Research, but last time I checked with them they were months out.
www.reedsammo.com
Nice looking rifle. Do you have a complete scabbard for the bayonet?
All we have is what it pictured. We don't have the sheath for the bayonet but it is the original bayonet given for that gun. Nothing on the gun has been modified from it's original military issue and all the parts are original; unlike a lot of Krags like it which were modified for hunting or sporterized.
Also, thanks for the site. That's a great price but like the other places I've found the shipping is $15 to get it to me in Michigan which brings it to $35. I guess it only makes sense if I buy a bunch at a time. Since it hasn't shot since either myself (25) or my dad (56) has been alive I wanted to just get 20 or so to make sure it fires. The shipping has been the problem; given no local stores I can find sell the Remington or Winchester (seasonal) boxes.
like Don said ammo can be had, it is an easy cart. to reload for
midway lists it at $29.95/box (both rem. and Win.)
Yeah but if you look at Midway it says something like "seasonal" or "out of stock" or "backorderable"...that's what I've been running into. Guess I'll have to bit the bullet, pun intended, and shell out the $35 to see how this thing fires.
That's a dang fine looking Krag!!!!
Thanks, it literally sat in the corner in my Grandpa's den for 70+ years after he got it from his dad.
dabeev,
Welcome to the forum and congratulation on your Krag. What a wonderful keepsake from your grandfather. The Krag is one of the smoothest bolt actions ever and certainly strong enough to handle modern ammunition or equivalent reloads without problem. I'm sure you'll hear from many and get lots of advice so I won't try to cover everything. Here are a few things I would suggest you consider.
1. I would NOT shoot ANYONE'S reloads in this, or any gun, for that matter.
2. Reloading yourself can be a great way to shoot your Krag economically and the options are many. The first step would be to set the rifle aside and READ. We could all recommend our favorite reloading manuals but a good economical place to start would be on line. Go to the web sites of the major powder and bullet manufacturers; they all offer excellent materials; some on line; others that can be requested as hard copy. If there is gun club in your area, visit and I'm sure you'll find experienced reloaders willing to help.
3. Once you have a basic understanding of the process and, hopefully, a good coach, you can start thinking about equipment.
A simple Lee Loader tool, some powder and primers and bullets, and you can start for under $100.00. Yes, it's slow, but you can make excellent ammunition that will be the equal of any. Single stage presses are also good, but I would advise against a progress press until you've become comfortable with less complex procedures. The progressives really come into their own when shooting and reloading high quantities of handgun ammunition or varmint rifle rounds where you can easily shoot hundreds of rounds in an afternoon. Your Krag probably won't fall into that category.
4. Check out the Reloading Forum here, as well. You've sure come to the right place. The number of knowledgable shooters who will more than generous with their experience and opinions will surprise you.
5. Treasure that Krag. Go slow and enjoy. Somewhere your Grandfather is smiling.
Good luck,
Rob
Thanks for the great advice. I was planning on going to Cabela's this weekend to see what they had to say and also try the gun shop by me. I'm hoping I hit the jackpot and find some box of .30-40 ammo that they haven't sold yet but I know that's probably just a pipe dream. I was thinking of Cabela's only because they should have the most "stuff" there to look at and I was hoping they could guide me in the right direction for refilling my brass once I buy some ammo.
Great looking Krag + bayonet! [drool]. Hopefully, some others with more specific knowledge about it will post more you.
Yes, ammo is available, though as you found out rather pricey. Now, as far as reloading may depend on some factors:
How much shootin' you want to do with this fine piece? If it is all original, (and therefore probably quite vaulable $$$ wise), myself surely wouldn't use it as an every-day truck gun spittin' out hundreds of rounds a year with it. I would happy just to fire off a box or two a year, just an opinion.
For cost effective, yes reloading is the way to go, and can often fine tune your home-spun reloads for better accuracy.
Cost of a reloading set up and componets, (brass, gunpowder, bullets, primers), is a factor, too. Though if shooting a lot, it will pay for itself.
Use the search tool here for both .30-40 Krag and reloading, and there is a forum here on Gunbroker on reloading, as well as many others on the web, so check them out, too. Ask more questions as they arise, as they will. Reloading is not difficult, though something where mistakes can be not so forgiving. Do your homework, take your time, and be concious about safety.
That all said, since you are new to firearms, (I assume?), have the rifle checked out by a competent gunsmith before firing it. If any friends are into guns, they can help or point the way to who can?
"Greased up", then you will need a rifle cleaning kit in .30 caliber, and before shooting use it to clean any grease or oil out of the barrel and chamber. Get yourself a manual for the Krag, too, as will assist in field stripping for the cleaning process and proper oiling/greasing to make ready to shoot.
Happy to know you are interested in this fine heirloom, and have fun.
45er