Old info for 25 Krag

[C5rider]

I've got a 25 Krag (built from a Siamese Mauser action) that my dad built. He worked up some loads back in the late 70s and settled in on a load using 4064 and 89grain bullets. With the current selection of powders and pellets, I've been trying to locate information about reloads for this cartridge but I've not been able to locate anything. I've kept peeking in old reloading manuals, hoping that one of the old ones might have a listing for 25 Krag.

I know there is also a 25 Krag Ackley and possibly an improved version as well. I don't believe I have one of those as I take a 30-40 casing and trim it down. I believe the others used the full length 30-40 casing. Might anyone have an OLD manual that might have a listing? I can't find anything in the online versions and the new ones never seem to even list it.

Any help is appreciated!

 

[RPRNY]

I'm trying to find my Ackley Vol 1 as I recall he used the 25 Krag as an example of over bore cartridges and noted that the full length version, as well as the Ackley Improved, were indeed over bore and tough on throats.

I will look for Ackley but make sure you are referencing the trimmed version rather than full length 30-40 case just necked down.

It should be quite like the .256 Newton (a 6.5-06 based on a tapered, cut down 30-06 case, not the same as the 6.5-06) in terms of powder an capacity. IMR3031, IMR 4895, Reloaded 22 and IMR 4064 would all be good powders.

Here is some info on 256 Newton loads:

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=74352

 

[RPRNY]

Ok, found Ackley. Page 340 Vol 1, he refers to the .25 Short Krag (Ackley) and on page 342 to the .25 Krag Ackley Improved.

The 25 Short Krag is trimmed and necked down to 25 cal and has no change in the shoulder angle. He describes it as "giving velocities equal, if not superior to, the 'improved' .257 Roberts" and says "it holds slightly over 50 grs of 4350 powder", or "4 grains less than the .257 Roberts Improved".

He lists H380, 4064,4350 and 4831 (the latter two only with the 117 gr bullet). Powder formulas have changed since this was written but were you to work up from slightly above modern manuals .257 Roberts start loads, you shouldn't go wrong. Ideally you would compare case capacity with a 257 Roberts to confirm this. I do not have one or would happily send you a piece of Ned' s brass for comparison. But 45.5 grs of IMR 4350 seems a good start if you can confirm.

 

[JimKirk]

Ackley states that the Improved .25 Krag can use reloading Data for the Improved .257 Roberts .... one would think that regular .257 Roberts data could be used with the .25 Krag ....

 

[C5rider]

Had an older gentleman who runs a LGS and does some gunsmithing mention that this was the case, but I've always been a little hesitant to go on a "should be able to..."

I can remember going to many gunsmiths' shops with dad decades ago and hearing the conversations back and forth. I was too young then to comprehend, but wish I could go back there with a tape recorder and preserve that knowledge. With all the benefits of the 'net, it's still nice to have had a flavoring of the way it was. The dust from a freshly-worked stock, the smell of cutting oil, and information, written down on paper. Just like those notes, on what was once fresh ink and paper, the gentlemen of that era are fading away.

I'll check my single loading that has been passed down through the ages and see how it coincides with 257 Roberts and report back. Thank you for the assistance so far!

 

[GooseGestapo]

The Krag action only has a single locking lug, and should be limited to approx. 44,000cup working pressures. So indeed, the .25Krag is very similar to the non +P original factory loadings of the .257Roberts. In a strong single shot or your Siamese Mauser, pressures can be run a good bit higher.

I'd suggest starting at about 42.0gr of IMR4350 with 100gr bullets and a maximum of 45.0gr.

My go-to load for my .257Robt is 45.0gr with a 100gr bullet. This runs about 45,000cup and gives 2,950fps from my 22" bbl in a M98 action and E.R.Shaw bbl.
BTW; I've killed about 75 deer with the above mentioned load, some as far as 350yds.... It just simply works !!!

 

[C5rider]

Finally got a few photos of my ol' Krag. Hope you like 'em!

So goose, if I WERE to go with .257 Roberts load data, you feel that would be within the realm of safety with this Siamese Mauser action? Been reloading for a few years but I've been skiddish of varying from VERY specific load data. A good thing, but when dealing with something like a 25 Krag, the varying loads (Ackley, Ackley Improved, Long, Short Krag, etc.) there comes a time when you need to expand your horizons. I just want to do it safely. Thanks for your help!

Now, the gratuitous photos!

 

[RPRNY]

Thanks for sharing. That's a fine, fine looking rifle. Working up from .257 Roberts data will be perfectly safe. Enjoy!

 

[C5rider]

Thanks guys! I've compared the loads for what I have listed for 25 Krag and what shows for 257 Roberts using the same bullet and powder. I'm right in that range, so that makes me feel better. I was wanting to make sure that just because it shows similar on both loads, that it wouldn't change if I were to use another powder or bullet.

Trying not to assume here, but when there's not been a lot of data published lately, it does thin the ice under your sneakers a little bit. Better to be safe, than sorry!