Hey everyone, as a disclaimer there are parts of this post that could probably fit into several posting areas. That said I am starting to gather information and am testing the waters on which direction I would like to go. I just picked up a 1886 Kropatschek and am looking at throwing some loads together, This is where the branches start. My long term goal would be to shoot this paper patched over black powder with a bullet weight close to the original (247 grains as I understand). The groove is .330.
Now, I have played around with paper patching for my M95 (8x56r and also .330 groove) using a lee C324-175 bullet so right now that is what I have to start with.
Is anyone shooting this patched or unpatched cast? If so what molds and such are you running?
Ive read of others using 21-24 grains of 5744 which I do have on hand... I also use a lot of Unique and Red Dot for my 30 cal military rifles at 100 yards. how are those pressure wise on this old girl?
Like I said, long term I would like to run black powder which would have to be special ordered in my area as far as I can tell... Pyrodex can be had locally (no hazmet shipping is a plus). Having never loaded black powder I am doing a ton of reading in that part of the forum. But anyone with experience in a similar caliber or running lighter that issue weight(175 vs. 247) please chime in.
I look forward to hearing any responses. The brass is in the mail but it may take some time to really detail strip this and get the old crud and rust away from the stock line and under the barrel bands so I am not in any rush.