Warning

 

Close
Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Cancel Confirm
AR15.COM
Armory Sponsor
9/5/2026 9:15:05 PM EDT
Anyone relading the .30-40?

What is a really available powder l can use? My old standby, IMR 4064, is obtainium anymore, as we all know.  

The Hornady manuals do show N160 as a powder for the 220 gr round nose and N140 for the 150-180 gr bullets.

Don't want to abuse the old girl but would like to keep the 220 round nose bullets since that's what she was designed around.
Drugs kicked in now, need sleep, radiation tastes funny at 7 am every day... a bit like victory. - Ginger
9/5/2026 9:19:24 PM EDT
[#1]
Think she was designed around the 6.5x55mm.
9/5/2026 10:11:23 PM EDT
[Last Edit: SteelonSteel][Edited] [#2]
Quote History
Originally Posted By backbencher:
Think she was designed around the 6.5x55mm.
View Quote

We stole the concept of the .303 British.   Lengthened the neck a bit and used .308 Bullets instead of .311 diameter.

i use SR4759 with cast lead.
9/5/2026 10:18:46 PM EDT
[#3]
I reload 30-40 Krag with cast bullets, so, no help, there.  

Published Krag data is pretty good.    30-30 numbers have to be close, too, I suppose.  Lots of documentation.

Good luck!



9/5/2026 10:58:22 PM EDT
[#4]
220 gr Hornady RNSP loaded to the center of the bullet cannelure
40.2 gr H4350
R-P Brass
1850 fps from 22 inch carbine barrel

9/5/2026 11:02:53 PM EDT
[#5]
Thanks guys.  Upon further research it looks like H4350 is a good fill and gets full velocity, 2000fps/ 220gr bullet (l won't push it that hard, I've got .308, .30-06 and .300 H&H if l want more speed and power), and I'm seeing that on the shelf.  Plus l can use it in my -06.
Drugs kicked in now, need sleep, radiation tastes funny at 7 am every day... a bit like victory. - Ginger
9/5/2026 11:03:38 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote History
Originally Posted By afd201:
220 gr Hornady RNSP loaded to the center of the bullet cannelure
40.2 gr H4350
R-P Brass
1850 fps from 22 inch carbine barrel

View Quote


Very nice! Thank you!

Drugs kicked in now, need sleep, radiation tastes funny at 7 am every day... a bit like victory. - Ginger
9/5/2026 11:24:38 PM EDT
[Last Edit: BM1455][Edited] [#7]
Quote History
Originally Posted By afd201:
220 gr Hornady RNSP loaded to the center of the bullet cannelure
40.2 gr H4350
R-P Brass
1850 fps from 22 inch carbine barrel

View Quote



I was getting 1927 fps out of a similarly / close load in my full size rifle using IMR 4350 at 39.5 gr. and Renington brass using that bullet with a light crimp.  It shot well too.
9/6/2026 12:22:32 AM EDT
[#8]
16-18 grains of 2400 without filler should do nicely to 200 yards. 16 is considered the universal medium to large case starter load for 150-180 gr bullets. I shoot 230g hardcast and checked with a bit more in an original 1896 krag.
9/6/2026 2:48:35 AM EDT
[#9]
Thank you.  I do have a couple pounds of 2400, l picked up at the last funshow for $22 each. Dude was clearing out his dad's accumulation of ammo and reloading stuff.  My friends and l gave him a lot of business that day.
Drugs kicked in now, need sleep, radiation tastes funny at 7 am every day... a bit like victory. - Ginger
9/6/2026 10:38:31 AM EDT
[#10]
10-12gr Red Dot.

I would use 25% case capacity of CFE Pistol, but that is my own data.
9/6/2026 1:30:56 PM EDT
[#11]
The Lyman manual shows N150 working with 180's and 220's
9/6/2026 1:49:59 PM EDT
[#12]
Came along to suggest H4350 & see it’s already covered.  The mentioned load above is pretty much perfect.
9/6/2026 4:46:39 PM EDT
[#13]
Thanks again, guys. I appreciate the help.

I picked up a pound of H4350 this morning and will try that.
Drugs kicked in now, need sleep, radiation tastes funny at 7 am every day... a bit like victory. - Ginger
9/6/2026 7:29:06 PM EDT
[#14]
I use IMR4350 and 220gr RN in mine. Though with the cost of that powder I’ve started thinking about substitutes.

Sign up to continue the discussion

Create a free account to share your thoughts, follow topics, and connect with the AR15.COM community.

Already a member? Sign In

Armory Sponsor