Introduction
A Timeless Cartridge
The 30-40 Krag, often simply called the 30 Army, represents a fascinating piece of American military history. Born from a desire for a more modern and efficient repeating rifle, it became the official US Army service rifle in the late nineteenth century, preceding the legendary .30-06 Springfield. Its legacy lives on not only in the annals of military history, but also among today’s shooters and collectors who appreciate its unique place in firearms lore and its pleasant shooting characteristics. If you own a rifle chambered in this historic caliber, or are perhaps considering acquiring one, reloading offers an opportunity to customize your ammunition and often, to save money. This comprehensive guide provides essential information for safely and effectively reloading the 30-40 Krag.
Safety is Paramount
Before embarking on the reloading journey, it is vital to understand that it is a process that demands respect and adherence to safe practices. Loading ammunition involves handling explosive materials and working with high pressures. Neglecting safety can lead to serious injury or equipment damage. This article emphasizes safety, and while it provides a wealth of information, it is not a replacement for comprehensive training or experience. Always proceed with extreme caution, and remember the importance of personal responsibility in this activity.
Safety First: Essential Equipment and Gear
The Right Tools for the Job
The world of reloading demands the correct tools to do the job safely and effectively. Before you begin, assembling the right equipment is crucial. A sturdy reloading press is the cornerstone of your setup, responsible for resizing cases, seating bullets, and performing other essential operations. You’ll need a set of 30-40 Krag reloading dies, specifically designed for sizing cases and seating bullets. A good quality powder scale is indispensable for measuring powder charges accurately; electronic scales are available and provide consistent results. A powder trickler, used to add small amounts of powder to achieve the desired weight, can be a valuable addition. A case trimmer ensures consistent case lengths, critical for safe chambering and accuracy. Other tools include a case tumbler for cleaning brass, calipers to measure cartridge dimensions, a priming tool for seating primers, and a bullet puller for disassembling rounds. Finally, a reloading manual is indispensable and serves as your primary guide, providing safe loading data for various bullet weights and powders.
Mandatory Safety Measures
Safety gear is non-negotiable. Protecting your eyes and hearing is paramount. Always wear safety glasses to shield your eyes from flying debris. Hearing protection, either earplugs or earmuffs, will safeguard your hearing from the loud noise of firing and other reloading operations. Gloves are advisable to protect your hands from oils and chemicals, and also to provide better grip on tools. Proper ventilation is critical when working with propellants and primers, as their fumes can be hazardous. Reload in a well-ventilated area, preferably away from any sources of ignition.
Safe Handling of Powders and Primers
Powders and primers, the very heart of a loaded cartridge, must be handled with the utmost care. Always store powders and primers in a cool, dry place, away from heat sources, direct sunlight, and open flames. Store primers and powders separately to minimize any potential hazards. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for handling, storage, and disposal of these materials. Never mix different powders, as this can lead to unpredictable results. Be scrupulous about cleanliness. Always ensure you know exactly which powder you are using and use the correct powder for your load. Keep them out of reach of children and pets.
Preparing the Brass Cases
Cleaning and Inspection
Case preparation is a crucial element in the reloading process. The brass case, the container that holds all the components of your ammunition, is often reused, which adds a significant cost-saving aspect to reloading. Start by cleaning your cases to remove dirt, grime, and residue from previous firings. Tumble the cases in a case tumbler, which is a simple and effective method. Once clean, the cases need to be sized.
Sizing and Trimming
Sizing involves running the case through the resizing die, which usually also de-primes the case at the same time. Cases that have been fired in a rifle need to be trimmed to the proper length. Use a case trimmer to ensure that all cases are the same length. The correct case length is crucial for proper function and accuracy, so make this a mandatory step. Additionally, deburring the case mouth and chamfering the inside of the case mouth helps to prevent damage to the bullet during seating.
Choosing the Right Components: Bullets, Primers, and Powders
Bullet Selection
The bullets and their weight are critical components of the loaded cartridge. The 30-40 Krag offers a range of options in terms of bullet selection. Generally, bullets for this cartridge fall within the range of 150 to 220 grains. The bullet weight you choose depends on your intended purpose. For hunting medium-sized game, 150-180 grain bullets are often used. For target shooting, heavier bullets may provide better ballistics at longer ranges. Consider the bullet’s construction. Soft-point bullets are excellent for hunting due to their controlled expansion. Round-nose bullets, while traditional, are often used in the 30-40 Krag and feed reliably in most rifles. Different bullet designs will perform differently at varied distances; consider your specific needs when choosing the bullet type. Always ensure the bullets you select are of good quality.
Primer Selection
The primer is a small but mighty component that provides the spark to ignite the powder. The 30-40 Krag typically utilizes a large rifle primer. The type of primer you choose can influence performance. Most reloaders find that standard large rifle primers are sufficient for the 30-40 Krag.
Powder Selection
Powder selection is a cornerstone of successful reloading. The right powder helps to produce the desired velocity, accuracy, and pressure within safe limits. Many suitable powders exist for the 30-40 Krag. When selecting powder, consider the burn rate. The burn rate refers to how quickly the powder burns and generates gas. Slower-burning powders are generally used for heavier bullets and for achieving higher velocities. A powder with a burn rate that is suitable for the specific bullet weight will allow the case to fill efficiently and pressure to build smoothly and safely. Some suitable powders include IMR 4064, a popular choice that offers excellent accuracy; IMR 4350, another versatile option suitable for a wide range of bullet weights; Reloader 19, which can deliver good performance with heavier bullets; and Varget, a ball-powder that is often favoured for its consistency and accuracy. Always consult your reloading manual for the recommended powders and loading data.
Reloading Data and Procedures
Example Data
When crafting your ammunition, follow the guidelines given in your chosen reloading manual. The manual will provide data for specific powders and bullet weights, including the starting load and the maximum load. This information is critical for safety. Never exceed the maximum loads given in the manual, as this can result in dangerous pressure levels and can damage your rifle or cause serious injury. *Always begin with the starting load and work your way up gradually, while monitoring the pressure signs.* The manual will also offer information on Cartridge Overall Length (COL). The COL is the total length of the loaded cartridge. Setting the COL correctly is important to guarantee proper chambering and function in your rifle.
Working Up Loads Safely
As you begin loading, always start with the starting loads specified in your reloading manual. These loads represent the lowest safe powder charges for your selected powder and bullet combination. After loading, test your rounds in a safe environment, following all proper safety precautions. When you begin to test, you can gradually increase the powder charge in small increments. With each incremental increase, carefully observe your ammunition for signs of excess pressure. Pressure signs will reveal whether you are approaching or have exceeded the recommended safe pressure level. They are important.
Identifying and Addressing Potential Issues
Recognizing Pressure Signs
During the reloading process, it’s essential to pay close attention to potential signs of excess pressure. Flattened primers are one indication. A flattened primer indicates that the primer has been pushed back against the bolt face, often because it has been over pressured. A cratered primer, which is a small, cup-shaped indentation on the primer, may also be an indication. Another sign of excessive pressure is hard bolt lift, which occurs when the bolt is difficult to open after firing. Observe your cases. The cases will become more difficult to extract from the rifle. Another sign of trouble. If you notice any of these signs, stop reloading immediately and consult your reloading manual to ensure you are within safe limits. Always back off the powder charge if you observe any pressure signs, and consult a reliable source if you are in doubt.
Improving Accuracy
To achieve the best possible results, it’s important to optimize your reloads for accuracy. Experiment with different powder charges, bullet types, and seating depths to find the combination that produces the tightest groups. Benchrest shooting, where the rifle is supported on a stable platform, is an excellent method for evaluating accuracy. The best loads deliver consistent groupings, where shots consistently land close together. Keeping a detailed record of your reloading process is an excellent idea and will help to identify what worked, and also, what did not. This includes the powder charge, bullet type, COL, and any other relevant information.
Using a Chronograph
It is often very helpful to use a chronograph. A chronograph is a device that measures the velocity of a bullet as it leaves the muzzle. Using a chronograph will allow you to verify that your loads are producing the velocity that you are expecting. This is especially useful if you are using data that has been published by a source that is not your reloading manual. Consistency in velocity is an indicator of a stable and accurate load. A chronograph will also help you to track the performance of your reloads, and give you information that will help you to improve accuracy.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
There are a number of issues you may encounter while reloading. Failure to feed or extract a cartridge can be caused by a variety of issues, including improperly sized cases, insufficient lubrication, or a damaged magazine. Inconsistent accuracy can often be resolved by checking the bullet seating depth, powder charge, or bullet seating force, and also by ensuring that the barrel is properly cleaned. Reloading is more than just placing components into a case; it’s also about understanding how those components work together. High pressure signs can be caused by many issues, and require immediate attention to avoid injury. Low velocity can be resolved by increasing the powder charge (up to the maximum, using safe practices) or by trying a different powder.
Conclusion
The Rewards of Reloading
Reloading offers a rewarding opportunity to customize your ammunition, learn about ballistics, and save money over the cost of factory-loaded cartridges. By following the safety guidelines, selecting the right components, carefully measuring your powder charges, and carefully monitoring for pressure signs, you can create accurate and reliable ammunition for your 30-40 Krag rifle.
Important Reminders
Be aware of the information provided in the different reloading manuals. Each manual provides its own reloading data for the various bullets and powders. It is very important to select the appropriate data for your components.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, reloading the 30-40 Krag can be a very rewarding experience. By focusing on safety, using good components, and following established reloading practices, you can enjoy a truly satisfying shooting experience with this classic cartridge.
Important Resources
Reloading manuals are the ultimate source of information, and they also provide data for safe reloading practices. Be sure to make it a habit to read the manual. The information provided is crucial, so always keep it in mind.
