100 yard cast load

[andiarisaka]

What weight is that bullet?

Your load is similar to Ed Harris' "The Load" -- 13.0 grains of red dot for any case equal to the .308/.30-40 and up. As I recall, Ed used standard primers.

Hi Vern,

What boolit are you asking about? The 311169 weighs 168 lubed in the alloy I'm using. The 311284 is about a 210gr bullet depending on alloy used. Yes my load is similar to Ed's "The Load", closer to his 16gr of 2400 than the Red Dot load, which by the way, Ed doesn't recommend in the Krag. Here's what he said about it on a CBA post: "The Load" of 13 grs. of Red Dot is intended for modern strong actions like the Springfield and 98 Mausers, and is too much for a weaker action like a Krag. In the .303 Lee Enfields I would use the full 13 grs. only in the later Long Branch and Savage No. 4 rifles and not in other wartime No. 4s or in any No.1s."

The Blue Dot load was being cantankerous to me until I used the magnum primers. I was getting patterns instead of groups, but out of necessity used the large rifle magnum primer and found the sweet spot. Here's a link Marine: http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=13425

[andiarisaka]

But, before you go out and buy some 2400 Marine, try 34grs of 4831 under your 311284. That should get the required velocity at a very Krag friendly pressure. With the wind in Nebraska, you'll be glad you're using a heavier bullet.

[Hugh]

I use 311284 w/22.5 grs 4198. Works good in my M1898. Shoots 2 inch groups at 100 - - that's as good as I can see with any sights. This gets about 1680 fps. Love the rifle and the load.

[Jim K]

I am curious because I have seen no mention of using gas checks, without which you are pretty well limited to pistol velocities. Or has some new technique or hard alloy made them obsolete?

Jim

[Hugh]

I use gas checks for 30 cals as I'm in the 1600 fps range. Something like a 45-70 trapdoor springfield with slower vel. I use plain base. Leading does not seem to be a problem.

[garandman57]

I have finally found my SWEET LOAD for my SUPER DARK bore. 16 grs of 2400 with the Lyman 311334 sized to .311. Shoots golfball+ size groups. Got a gentleman sending me 311284's sized at .311 to see how they shoot.
Another great load w/FMJ's is 35.5 gr of IMR 4350.
Havin a ball w/this rifle!
Take care, TerryR

[Hugh]

You shooting the 311334s with gas checks? What velocity are you getting with the 16 grs. 2400?

I'm envious! Golf ball sized groups are great!

Be sure to let us know how you fare with the 311284.

[Garand Doctor]

I found a great 100 yard load using 12.5 grains of Long Shot with a 150 grain FMJBT .308 bullet. I am shooting low master class with a Krag with a M-14 NM front sight and a Lyman 48K rear sight. The load shoots lighter than the AR-15 poodle gun. The rapid reload during the reloading part of the matches are interesting. No room for mistakes during the 60 and 70 seconds that they give you. Frank Jr.

[Hugh]

Garand Doc,
Thanks for the info. I'll make note of it. I must be living in a cave as I've not heard of "Long Shot." FMJ.....I'm a cast bullet man myself. I find that the Krag loads fast - with practice - and as long as the fingers "dance" just right. I twist the rifle to the left and pour 'em in. If done right it's faster than a stripper clip (if you have loose rounds laying out where you can get 'em and not pulling them out of a cartridge box).
Thanks for the tip about your load.
Great rifles.....and it's fun to beat the plastic rifles.
Hugh

[andiarisaka]

Here's the step by step to making one of parashooter's strippers: Seems it would be easier to load using it rather than fumbling around, pointed bullets tend to get stuck at the front of the magazine pivot for me. Longshot has a burn rate about the same as 2400. i recall seeing a pic of your rifle with the M14 front sight, almost looked like it belonged there.