Norwegian krag 6.5x55 load data
- Thread starter m_moss23
- Start date
Eaglelord17
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Sault Ste. Marie
Modern 6.5x55 is pretty hot for that action. Here is what I have found elsewhere.
"You should not shoot full power Norma 6,5X55 hunting or match ammo in your Norwegian Krag. It is weaker than Swedish mausers and newer rifles. After the war (WW2) we had some blown up krag actions in Norway, and the pressure of the 6,5 Krag ammunition was set down to approximately 3000 BAR, later(in the 70s) it was even sat down to 2800 BAR (before WW2 pressure on Krag ammo was the same as pressure on swedish mauser ammo, approx 3100 BAR). Today 6,5X55 Swedish has a max pressure of 3800 BAR.
2800BAR = 40600PSI
3100BAR= 45000PSI
3800 BAR=55000PSI"
Other than this quote I have heard discussion in regards to Norwegian Krags receiving failure, specifically in regards to there speed shooting competitions in Norway, due to repeated loads at higher pressures (which also coincides with the time period which they would have bumped the max pressures down to 2800 BAR).
40600PSI is roughly where a 1889 Swiss or a 1888/90 Mannlicher rifle would sit pressure wise, and seeing as those are comparable in terms of metallurgy and weakness of action, I think that would be a good safe area to aim for in a handload.
"You should not shoot full power Norma 6,5X55 hunting or match ammo in your Norwegian Krag. It is weaker than Swedish mausers and newer rifles. After the war (WW2) we had some blown up krag actions in Norway, and the pressure of the 6,5 Krag ammunition was set down to approximately 3000 BAR, later(in the 70s) it was even sat down to 2800 BAR (before WW2 pressure on Krag ammo was the same as pressure on swedish mauser ammo, approx 3100 BAR). Today 6,5X55 Swedish has a max pressure of 3800 BAR.
2800BAR = 40600PSI
3100BAR= 45000PSI
3800 BAR=55000PSI"
Other than this quote I have heard discussion in regards to Norwegian Krags receiving failure, specifically in regards to there speed shooting competitions in Norway, due to repeated loads at higher pressures (which also coincides with the time period which they would have bumped the max pressures down to 2800 BAR).
40600PSI is roughly where a 1889 Swiss or a 1888/90 Mannlicher rifle would sit pressure wise, and seeing as those are comparable in terms of metallurgy and weakness of action, I think that would be a good safe area to aim for in a handload.
There will not be an agreed answer to your question. We do not have access to reliable data on the action strength of the Norwegian Krag and are immersed in decades-old fourth person folklore about guns "blowing up".
The Norwegian Krag is stronger than the US Krag due to the Norwegian Krag having an additional locking lug. Norwegian Krags have been re-barreled to 308 Win.
I handload and always used published "Military Loads" (40K CUP) in my Norwegian Krag.
The Norwegian Krag is stronger than the US Krag due to the Norwegian Krag having an additional locking lug. Norwegian Krags have been re-barreled to 308 Win.
I handload and always used published "Military Loads" (40K CUP) in my Norwegian Krag.
IMHO the american data is based on their experience with their slightly weaker 30-40 Krags.
They have a tendency to under-load many, if not all foreign loads.
Andy's and Eaglelord's advice is good.
What weight bullet and powder do you wish to use?
They have a tendency to under-load many, if not all foreign loads.
Andy's and Eaglelord's advice is good.
What weight bullet and powder do you wish to use?
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Here is a chart I've used, but with a 150 grain bullet, all I could find locally. It worked great as a demonstration round.
Powder Bullet Charge Muzzle Velocity
IMR SR 4759 .264 120 gr (6.5mm Spitz-SP 15 grains 1673
IMR SR 4759 .264 120 gr (6.5mm Spitz-SP) 17 grains 1911
IMR SR 4759 .264 140 gr (6.5mm Spitz-SP) 15 grains 1570
IMR SR 4759 .264 140 gr (6.5mm Spitz-SP) 17 grains 1797
17gr Charge Denotes Maximum Loads
Powder Bullet Charge Muzzle Velocity
IMR SR 4759 .264 120 gr (6.5mm Spitz-SP 15 grains 1673
IMR SR 4759 .264 120 gr (6.5mm Spitz-SP) 17 grains 1911
IMR SR 4759 .264 140 gr (6.5mm Spitz-SP) 15 grains 1570
IMR SR 4759 .264 140 gr (6.5mm Spitz-SP) 17 grains 1797
17gr Charge Denotes Maximum Loads
