Thread: Lee Enfields and the 30-40 Krag.

Originally Posted by akaroa1

The 30-40 Krag between 30-30 & 303

Attachment 209316

The .30-40 a US version of the .303 and first .30 calibre. A case could be made for the .30 WCF design being influenced by the Krag as well, just based on a smaller case head.
GPM.

@grandpamac you neglected to tell me that I would need a unique shell holder for the 30-40 cases

But when I find a suitable barrel for the single shot I will be away laughing
The bevel on the outside of the case rim will aid loading into the single shot action

Originally Posted by akaroa1

@grandpamac you neglected to tell me that I would need a unique shell holder for the 30-40 cases

But when I find a suitable barrel for the single shot I will be away laughing
The bevel on the outside of the case rim will aid loading into the single shot action

That is news to me. I went out to the shed and checked and my Winchester .30-40 cases fit in my RCBS No 7 shell holder just the same as my .303 cases always have. The Lyman manual gives the Lyman no 7 for both as well. They look different with that bevel.
GPM.

Originally Posted by grandpamac

That is news to me. I went out to the shed and checked and my Winchester .30-40 cases fit in my RCBS No 7 shell holder just the same as my .303 cases always have. The Lyman manual gives the Lyman no 7 for both as well. They look different with that bevel.
GPM.

Yes that's what the lists tell me
But they are 0.1mm thicker and just won't go in
Another brand of shell holder might be fine

Could be just a the brand of case too

Lee shell holder 5 is for 303 3040 krag,300 winmag, amongst others the .303 rim is .540 the krag .545 so it may be a tight tolerance shell holder akaroa has. Grab the grinder and open it out a couple of thou.

Diameter is fine
Depth is the issue

No rush I have a mint SMLE 30-40 Barrel I don't really need and too light for the 1885 project action
Have tracked down a chamber reamer I can use
Just need to find a 30 cal 1:10" blank

It will be the cases, the rims of the two 30s are the same thickness. I've encountered the same thing with different makes of 8x57 brass, seller and bellot cases won't fit my shell holder but every other make will.

I've just put a 30-40 krag Lee Enfield Parker Hale sporter back together
It has been parted out to go back to 303
So I brought all the parts back together

30-40 Krag barrel done in 2008 by Collings
Barrel marked as Browning MG barrel
Bore is mint
Parker Hale factory sporter stock needs a little tidy up
Tasco steel base and windage adjustable mounts are very nice
I have dropped the M8 3x on it to mock up
Would like to put an M8 4x on it ultimately because the 3x is for another stalled project

Shoots pretty good
170 grain cast lead powder coated gas checked bullets sized .309
75m

I finally took the Krag out..got it zeroed at 100m and shot an inch group...super stoked...will take it hunting and keep you all posted....if anyone see's any of that Hornady factory ammo for sale please let me know...Cheers !

I did eventually finish my dream 30-40 Krag rifle build but forgot to drop it in to this thread.

Winchester 1885 High Wall action circa 1890
Musket butt stock
Factory custom fore end
New Vulcan 1:10" 30 cal barrel. Parralel octagonal to tapered round.
I started with a Leupold M8 3x but the rifle proved very accurate and I ended up putting a VX3i 1.5-5 CD ZL scope on it because it will be a 400m capable classic rifle



I still have the mint bore Parker Hale 30-40 rifle too sell it anyone want a really nice practical classic bolt action Krag too shoot.
Brass is easy to make from 303

Originally Posted by akaroa1

I did eventually finish my dream 30-40 Krag rifle build but forgot to drop it in to this thread.

Winchester 1885 High Wall action circa 1890
Musket butt stock
Factory custom fore end
New Vulcan 1:10" 30 cal barrel. Parralel octagonal to tapered round.
I started with a Leupold M8 3x but the rifle proved very accurate and I ended up putting a VX3i 1.5-5 CD ZL scope on it because it will be a 400m capable classic rifle

Attachment 232390

I still have the mint bore Parker Hale 30-40 rifle too sell it anyone want a really nice practical classic bolt action Krag too shoot.
Brass is easy to make from 303

Deer lord, give me the strength to avoid these temptations.

That's a nice build @akaroa1. I always look forward to your project photos.

And so my credit card trembles. ��