7x57 in a US Krag action

[kevin.303]

i was reading the Gun Digest book of Riflesmithing and noticed something that didn't quite make sense. it said the US model 1898 Krag Jorgensen action could safely handle the 7x57 Mauser cartridge. that didn't seem right. i have a 1898 and have been tpld that even hot .30-40 loads can blow it up. it's a smooth,accurate, well made rifle but it's action is not very strong and it's only got one locking lug. the MAXIMUM pressure safe in a US Krag is 43,000 PSI, and thats pushing it.i looked up 7x57 in a loading manual and most loads start at 48,000 PSI and go as high as 55,000 PSI. doesn't make sense to me. i,m sure the Norwegian Krag, originally chambered in 6.5x55 could handle the pressures, i've also seen Norwegians that where converted to .308 Win. but it specifically said the US 1898 action. do factory 7x57 loads generate that much less pressure so they are safe, or have i read this all wrong?

 

[SwedeShooter]

I'm not sure about the American Krags, but when I was looking for info on the Norwegian in 6.5x55 I came across one recomendation that Sellier & Bellot ammo shouldn't be used because it's a bit "hotter" than other manufacturers.

 

[Why not?]

Factory 7X57 loads are pretty anemic and generate pressures about the same as the 30-40 Krag.

Ted

 

[Nightmare]

I've got a Krag, Cavalry Carbine......I was told to avoid newer ammo or reload light. I don't reload......so she's a wall Queen. It was Dad's and I sooooo do not want to $^%$ her up.

 

[kevin.303]

factory loads are safe in it. they would have to be otherwise the ammo companies would be getting sued.

 

[Lee Enfield]

US Krags were quite commonly RE-heat treated & the bolt lapped so that the bolt handle acted as a second lug by custom gunmakers in the US into the early 1940s. It was quite the artform actually.

When Springfield started selling 1903 actions commercially, the Krag started to lose it's following...

They were chambered in cartridges like .30-40 improved & variations of the .219 Improved cases.

It must be emphasised that it would be a quite poor choice today....

D