Loading data for 30-40 krag

[Bob K]

Can anyone help with load data for 30-40 krag in a contender with a 14" barrel and can you use rifle loading data in the contender?

Thanks for the help

          Bob

[RonF]

Yes, you should be able to use standard rifle data for the Contender, but DO NOT exceed maximum loads.  You should NOT use loads designated for Ruger No. 1, as appear in some manuals.  In my experience, medium burning rate powders, i.e. 4064, 4320, RL15, etc. seem to work best.  You'll lose around 300 fps from rifle barrel length to your 14" barrel; at least that's what my chronograph says.  In other words, you can get .30-30 in a carbine ballistics from your 14" Krag.

Good luck!  Hope this helps.

RonF

[358jdj]

I have a 30-40 Krag in a 14 inch barrel.  It is a good setup.

In 2005 I killed a cow elk using a 170 grain, 308 Hornady flatpoint pushed by 47 grains of IMR 4350 and a CCI 200 primer.  The load worked just like the same bullet in a 30-30.  One shot behind the shoulder at 80 yards, down she went.  I have also loaded 165 Hornady SST bullets ahead of the same load.  No info to report on game, but it shoots well on paper.

My favorite load in the barrel is cast 173 grain gas checked bullets sized to .309 pushed by 2400 and a CCI 200 primer.  This load is mild, quiet, accurate and a real pleasure to shoot.  Once again, no report on game.

Sure wish there were more of us shooting the 30-40 Krag in the Contender.  Avoid "full house" loads and the cartridge will serve you well.

Good luck.