I wonder if a guy could get his hands on the now ag42 parts gun ...... well at least the magazine
I doubt you can find parts easily. But i know someone who has a gun like that.
Krag Jorgensen in 6.5x55 ammo choice
- Thread starter drslav
- Start date
I doubt you can find parts easily. But i know someone who has a gun like that.
- Location
- Ottawa origanally Muskoka
Ouch! That looks like it hurt!
It is my understanding that the 6.5x55 has low reloading pressures published in reloading manuals because of guns like the Danish Kraig.
While the Remington 260 enjoys higher pressures with a smaller case capacity because the 260 is only chambered in modern actions.
For what ever reason that gun blew up, whether it be firing out of battery or over pressure it apparently can't handle the PSI generated by a 6.5x55....which leads to anther question; what would a Rem700 do if fired out of battery?
It is my understanding that the 6.5x55 has low reloading pressures published in reloading manuals because of guns like the Danish Kraig.
While the Remington 260 enjoys higher pressures with a smaller case capacity because the 260 is only chambered in modern actions.
For what ever reason that gun blew up, whether it be firing out of battery or over pressure it apparently can't handle the PSI generated by a 6.5x55....which leads to anther question; what would a Rem700 do if fired out of battery?
I picked up a Norwegian Krag (Steyr 1897) 6.5X55 last year at one of the gun shows. The seller threw in a box of European ammo (Yugoslavian I think). I fired a couple of rounds and had to almost hammer the bolt open. This Euro stuff was way to hot for the old girl! I settled on 32 grains of Varget and Hornady 129grain sp for right about 2000fps.
Perhaps I can help. I have an 1899 date M1894 Long Krag in full military pattern. I have shot some surplus military loads through it, but load for it exclusively now. The Swedish military loading for the M94 round with m41 (139-141gr) Spitzer bullet produced a velocity of 2592 fps out of the Swede M96 rifles 29" barrel and 330MPa or about 47,800 PSI pressure.
I use Lapua cases with Win. Lg Rifle primers and 37gs of IMR 4895 with a Hornady 140gr Interlock Bullet. This load produces around 2500fps from my Krag.
Resist if possible, using North American manufactured cases. They are not to spec in the solid head area of the case (smaller) than their European counterparts. Prvi Partisan, Lapua, Norma, and SB cases are manufactured to the correct tolerances, and do not bulge out excessively forward of the solid head area when fired like the undersize American cases.
There are many good loading manuals available and lots of loading info available online. Try to keep your Krag loads to 43500 CUP or below.
Here is a good site for load data
http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/data/rifle
It lists 37.8 grains of imr 4895/140 sp as max, but I think they list pretty conservative loads.
http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/data/rifle
It lists 37.8 grains of imr 4895/140 sp as max, but I think they list pretty conservative loads.
I have been looking for a while for a Krag to add to the collection but recently had this emailed to me......
http://www.nra.org.uk/common/files/news/14/RangeAdviceNote14_05.pdf
After further investigation it appears there were 2 failures in a short period of time, hence the MOD restrictions coming into place until a full investigation has taken place. I had heard that in the future all 6.5mm Krags will need to be independently tested using ultrasound/x-ray methods to determine if there are fatigue cracks around the bolt lugs and receiver lugs before they are deemed safe to use again.
I am still on the look out for a decent example but will be a little wary with regards to loads that I use!
If I find out any more info I will pass it on to you folks.
Safe shooting.
P.s. The ban on the .50 cal Rangemaster and associated ammo has now been lifted, but not the Krag!
http://www.nra.org.uk/common/files/news/14/RangeAdviceNote14_05.pdf
After further investigation it appears there were 2 failures in a short period of time, hence the MOD restrictions coming into place until a full investigation has taken place. I had heard that in the future all 6.5mm Krags will need to be independently tested using ultrasound/x-ray methods to determine if there are fatigue cracks around the bolt lugs and receiver lugs before they are deemed safe to use again.
I am still on the look out for a decent example but will be a little wary with regards to loads that I use!
If I find out any more info I will pass it on to you folks.
Safe shooting.
P.s. The ban on the .50 cal Rangemaster and associated ammo has now been lifted, but not the Krag!
That is because well known issue of modern ammo being too hot for the gun. I am aware of it as mentioned in above posts... reloading is much safer. Thank you for sharing.
