Hello friends,
I’m new to reloading, having started this fall. I began with .32 S&W long, and once I got the hang of that I decided to try .30-40 Krag. However, I’ve had some issues, and could use your advice.
I cooked up 13 rounds this week of a mild load to get started. I had trouble finding bullets the right size and weight. The only 220 grain I could find were labelled 300Blk, so I went with a lighter lrnfp.
Acme .309 155 grain powder coated lrnfp
20.4 grains imr4227
2.674” oal
I headed out to the 50 yard range and warmed up with my AR-15 (left). I shoot irons, and for a warm-up I’m happy if I can get most of my shots on the sticker.
When I shot the Krag (right?), all 13 rounds fed and fired without a hitch, and the recoil impulse was consistent. However, the rounds were going all over the paper, and even missing it entirely. It looks like one might have even keyholed.
https://imgur.com/a/6CFcqhW
What do y’all think might be the cause? I figure it might be one or more of the below, but I am not an expert.
- Shooter error
- Dirty rifle
- Damaged crown
- Jump (too short COAL)
- Shaved lead when seating
- Undersized bullets
- Too low velocity
When I checked the bore when I bought the rifle the rifling was clear and sharply defined, so I don’t think I’m shooting a musket. The sights are also aftermarket Williams, so I don’t think it’s that either.
It is a new rifle to me, the sights are open rather than aperture, and the trigger is heavier than I’m used to in a rifle, so it’s probably user error to some extent. However, given my grouping with my AR I would think I could get all the rounds on a pie plate, at least.
I’m going to need a case trimmer and case chamfer/deburring tool before I load up the next batch, which might help with seating and any case related issues. I’ll also give the chamber/bore a good cleaning.
What do y’all think might be the cause (and the solution)?