Norwegian Krags and SAMMI spec 6.5x55

[Drachenblut]

I have a Norwegian Krag and have fired light loads through it using a medium burning powder (Winchester 760). Using the Hodgdon's reloader website and a Hornady reloading manual, I found a great light load using 140 grain lead gas check bullets, and 100 grain soft point jacketed Hornady bullets, on top of 44 grains of Winchester 760 powder. I did load a couple rounds out at 42 grains, and found that the round did not completely seal in the chamber. No harm done, but I suggest a minimum load of 43-44 grains. I found accuracy to be good, and safe. I used a 1906 Krag "Seal Hunt" sporter. I am trying to get a friend to put up a video on the net of the firing of it, if he ever does, I'll post here!
Generally, I load my Krag lower than my Swede (which is usually at 46-48 grains).
Hope that helps!
Drachenblut

[norwegianwiking]

As unpatriotic as it is, being a Norwegian, i only have a M96 swede and not a Krag. But i've been informed from a very reliable source that the Sellier & Bellot 140 gr FMJ should be safe in a Krag. SAAMI specs says 45,000 PSI is max for the 6.5x55, and they play it safe for legal reasons and cater to the lowest common denominator, in the venerable 6.5x55 that is the Krag.

I'll dig up my reloading book and look for a few recepies recommended for krags. We have one Norwegian authored reload manual going on its 7th or 8th edition now and well respected by every singel Norwegian reloader, so they will be guaranteed safe.

[jon_norstog]

guys,

I'm thinking of having a Norwegian Krag action barreled in 8x57. I need to talk to my 'smith. I have a pretty nice cut-down US Krag I use for elk hunting, but would like to get the stronger round. The Norwegians use the bolt rib as a second lug - how much load it takes off the front locking lug I don't know. My thought is it could be as little as 10% and as much as 25%. Because of the receiver stretching under load, I'm thinking that bolt rib is not going to contribute as much as would a second locking lug.

But the metallurgy in the late-model Norwegian Krags is definitely an advance over SA 1893-1903

jn

[berthaq]

Hi Gang,
I have been lucky with my Norwegian Krag so far. A friend who is not a gun person bought it at an auction in Fairfax, VA several years ago (Fairfax is in the Metro Washington D.C area). I admired its smooth action, in spite of the fact that it was missing its trigger guard and stock screws, and some jerk had Cut the fore end off a half inch in front of the rear sight and had squared off the butt I admired it until I found a trigger guard and stock screws on Gunbroker, then I gave him what he had in it - $275.

To cut to the chase, It wouldn't group at 50 yards, it only patterned, then I had its muzzle counter bored and snugged the barrel to what remained of the fore end with cable ties and worked on my load, which is basically the starting load for the Swede 6.5. It now shoots minute of antler anyway. BTW, the fellow who sold me the trigger guard was in Norway and was very helpful with information on these little jewels, including identifying mine as originally having been a 1908 field artillery carbine, one of only 750 made it its original configuration (sniff..).

My questions is: do you think I should alter a barrel band I have to do a better snugging job between barrel and fore end, or try for an original stock and front hardware?

All thoughts will be greatly appreciated.

Jack

[berthaq]

Hi JN,
My contact in Norway (see my recent post) told me that every farmstead in Norway had a Krag standing in the corner by the front door as their rifle of choice to take all big game, including moose (their name for elk). So based on this, I would leave it alone and use 140 gr. bullets (which he also recommend), and place your shots. But what do I know? )=)
Jack

[Patrick Chadwick]

My questions is: do you think I should alter a barrel band I have to do a better snugging job between barrel and fore end, or try for an original stock and front hardware?

Only a week or so ago I provoked the fates by telling someone that his chances of finding the extra barrel bands to fit his Mauser 1891 Argentine Engineer's Carbine fell into the hen's teeth range of probability. He prompty found such bands a day or so later!

So maybe I can push luck your way by saying that the chances of finding a spare stock and hardware for a Norwegian Krag are pretty dim, and your are more likely to find a wall-hanger that you can plunder.

There! Now someone will offer you a brand-new stock within 48 hours!

[jon_norstog]

BerthaQ,

I'm thinking a US Krag stock might be close to a drop-in fit. You can get walnut repro stocks for about $110-20 from S&S and other suppliers. You might have to do a little cutting and maybe filling. I've got a 6.5x55 rifle and I love it, but it would not be my first choice for elk. The 30-40 is pretty good, but the 8x57 is even better, in the wooded, rough-country where I tend to hunt.

Yeah, more that I think about it, it sounds like the answer to the question nobody asked. If I want to carry an 8, I've got a butchered BRNO with a scope. Still, the Krag is just such a great rifle to carry and shoot ....

jn