Last weekend, I purchased a 30-40 Krag sporter at a local gun show. Looked good with a replacement Springfield 2-groove barrel and Redfield micrometer peep sight. Was reasonably priced. I thought this would make a great cast boolet rifle.
I became suspicious when I measured the barrel and found that less than one inch of the original Springfield barrel was removed. I had one round of 30-40 ammo in my cartridge collection. So I sandbagged the rifle and fired it with a string. Sure enough, the case swelled and split!
The only thing that I can think of is to anneal and fire form a 30-40 krag case. I can neck size with my 7.5 Swiss dies. If this doesn't work, I'll break down the rifle and sell it for parts (keeping the barrel for a pry bar). I can't ethically sell this gun to anyone.
I would like to purchase ten 30-40 Krag cartridge cases from someone. If you have any that you could part with, please contact me through this site and I'll mail you a check for the brass plus postage.
Comments, related stories& condolences are welcone. As always: buyer beware!
Jeff