Feeding the Krag

[rcathey]

Very interesting stuff. Thanks for taking the pictures.
You make a good point that .05” would be quite a difference though, to this point, I’ve used 180 grain off the shelf loads exclusively - Winchester or Remington.
I can’t say I’ve had this problem.
Let me send you that spring. Not sure it’ll help but it’s not doing anything sitting here (haven’t managed to sell it haha). I’d like to satisfy my curiousity anyway.

[butlersrangers]

Boomer:
In your 2nd picture, the cartridge case is more forward than in the 1st picture.

I have never had feeding problems with Remington 180 grain (S.P. bullet) factory loads in my Krags.

I use 168 grain Sierra "Match King" (boat-tailed spitzer) bullets, seated for a 3.080" to 3.087" over-all cartridge length. Cartridge cases are just 'neck-sized' and feed without issues.

You might try another magazine side-plate. A spare 1898 plate sells for about $20; (I am assuming you have a model 1898).

The lobe on the inside of the side-plate makes contact with the case neck, shoulder, and tapered body. It plays a role in guiding the cartridge as it moves forward toward the chamber.

Make sure your side-plate is fully seated against the receiver wall and the side-plate screw is snug. A loose side-plate can cause feed problems.

Actually, your cartridges look nicely lined up to enter the chamber. I have had some 'failures to feed' with 147 grain GI spitzers. Sometimes, the bullet tip catches on the breech face of the barrel, instead of entering the chamber.

The bullet tip does play a role in feeding the cartridge into the Krag's chamber. The bullet tip makes contact with the inside front-curve of the side-plate and the 'ramp' machined into the inside left-front of the action. These surfaces were designed around the 220 grain RN projectile, but, other projectiles can work satisfactory.

(Note - The Model 1898 side-plate is thicker at the front tendon, (the tongue that inserts into niche machined into action), and does not fit on a model 1896 action. A model 1896 side-plate sometimes finds its way onto a model 1898 action, but, likely won't function properly).

[rcathey]

You might try another magazine side-plate. A spare 1898 plate sells for about $20; (I am assuming you have a model 1898).

I have one of those you can try too. Some deep scratches on the outside but it would at least show ya something.

[boomer656]

...... Let me send you that spring. Not sure it’ll help but it’s not doing anything sitting here (haven’t managed to sell it haha). I’d like to satisfy my curiousity anyway.

I think I'll take you up on your offer for the spring. This is the only Krag I've operated, but it doesn't seem right that the cartridge (when there is only one) tips down away from the barrel and more 'square' into the ramp.

[boomer656]

Boomer:
.... You might try another magazine side-plate. A spare 1898 plate sells for about $20; (I am assuming you have a model 1898).

The lobe on the inside of the side-plate makes contact with the case neck, shoulder, and tapered body. It plays a role in guiding the cartridge as it moves forward toward the chamber.

Make sure your side-plate is fully seated against the receiver wall and the side-plate screw is snug. A loose side-plate can cause feed problems.

Actually, your cartridges look nicely lined up to enter the chamber. I have had some 'failures to feed' with 147 grain GI spitzers. Sometimes, the bullet tip catches on the breech face of the barrel, instead of entering the chamber.

The bullet tip does play a role in feeding the cartridge into the Krag's chamber. The bullet tip makes contact with the inside front-curve of the side-plate and the 'ramp' machined into the inside left-front of the action. These surfaces were designed around the 220 grain RN projectile, but, other projectiles can work satisfactory.

(Note - The Model 1898 side-plate is thicker at the front tendon, (the tongue that inserts into niche machined into action), and does not fit on a model 1896 action. A model 1896 side-plate sometimes finds its way onto a model 1898 action, but, likely won't function properly).

All good info .. Thanks. I'll take a closer look at the side-plate. rcathey is sending me another spring to try.

When there is only one cartridge left in the magazine, the bullet doesn't seem to guide properly - and tips down, making a more square approach to the ramp in the side plate. If you look at the left side of the 3rd picture, you can see the cartridge angling down and away. I don't have anything to compare this to, but it doesn't seem 'right'.

[boomer656]

No, you'll have to load it yourself...or find some older factory for control ammo... I was lucky enough to have a box of several hundred factory ball come to me at a point...so...that's how I had the chance to figure that one out. It's cartridge length and the profile of the bullet steers the cartridge out.

I did find two smaller businesses here in the US that sell their own 220 grain loads - Black Dog Ammunition and Ventura Munitions. If I was going to use this for something other than a 'fun gun', and gave up on trying to fix the feed problem, I'd probably give one of those a try.

[boomer656]

Magazine spring and side plate are on their way -- Thank you rcathey very much for that.

Since there was some question about whether or not the side plate on my Krag (98) was possibly from a 96, I figured I'd post some pictures. Unless the only difference between a 96 and a 98 are internal contours, I'm guessing at this point I have a 98 -- it fits like a snug glove. But I have nothing to compare it too, so it could be the problem.

As long as I had it apart I figured I'd post some pictures. If you see something you want a closer look at, let me know.

[butlersrangers]

Your side-plate appears correct for a model 1898 Krag, below (around) serial number 195,000, when the shape of the bevel on the upper rear corner (B) was changed.

The inside of your plate looks like it had a 'high polish'. This eventually was discontinued (around 145K, per Joe Poyer).

The front lip on your side-plate (A) should measure around .150" to .155" thick for an 1898 plate. If it measures .130", it is a model 1896 plate.

Maybe it's just me or an illusion, but, something doesn't look quite right about your follower/carrier-arm.

Attachment 94529

[butlersrangers]

1st photo showing model 1899 Krag (follower/carrier-arm) cam and spring engagement. 2nd photo shows tip of carrier-arm, that plays an important role in lifting and feeding the last cartridge in the magazine.

Attachment 94530
Attachment 94531

[boomer656]

I came across a thread on another forum (https://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/.../t-929995.html) from several years ago that describes the same problem I'm having. They also concluded the spring was likely the problem. Unfortunately there is no confirmation in that thread that replacing the spring solved the problem.