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.30-40 Krag (.30 Army)
Professionally Reviewed by:
Nathaniel Boos
Nathaniel Boos is a lifelong firearms enthusiast and shooter, renowned for his experience as a long-range shooter, ammunition importer/exporter, and firearms manufacturer. With years of hands-on experience, he is a trusted authority in the ammunition and firearms industry.
Credentials:
- • 2x Team Safari Competitor
- • KRG Training Level 1, 2, and Force on Force CQB certified
- • Licensed Texas Conceal Carry Holder
- • Kranz Firearms Training Group Advanced Carbine Certified
.30-40 Krag (.30 Army): At a Glance
| Key Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Firearm Type | Rifle |
| Primer Type | Large Rifle |
| Used For | Military, Hunting |
| Case Design | Rimmed, Bottleneck |
| Year Introduced | 1892 |
.30-40 Krag (.30 Army): At a Glance: Pros and Cons
Pros
- ✔ First smokeless powder cartridge adopted by the US military
- ✔ Adequate for medium to large game hunting
- ✔ Moderate recoil compared to larger calibers
- ✔ Historical significance in US military history
- ✔ Still available for vintage firearms and collectors
Cons
- ✘ Obsolete for modern military use
- ✘ Limited availability of ammunition
- ✘ Less powerful than modern .30 caliber cartridges
- ✘ Not as flat-shooting as newer designs
- ✘ Fewer firearm options compared to more popular calibers
.30-40 Krag (.30 Army): A Historical American Cartridge
The .30-40 Krag, also known as the .30 Army, was the first smokeless powder cartridge adopted by the United States military. It was used in the Krag–Jørgensen rifle, which served as the U.S. service rifle from 1892 to 1903. The .30-40 Krag played a significant role in American military history and later became popular among civilian hunters for its effectiveness on medium to large game.
History and Development
The .30-40 Krag was developed in the early 1890s as part of the U.S. Army's modernization efforts. It was designed to replace the older .45-70 Government cartridge, offering improved ballistics and range. The cartridge was officially adopted in 1892 along with the Krag-Jørgensen rifle.
The designation '.30-40' refers to the .30 caliber bullet and the standard load of 40 grains of smokeless powder. This nomenclature was common at the time, though it differs from modern naming conventions. The cartridge featured a rimmed case, which was suitable for the Krag-Jørgensen's magazine design but would later prove to be a limitation.
The .30-40 Krag saw its first major combat use during the Spanish-American War of 1898. While it performed well, the war also exposed some limitations of both the cartridge and the Krag-Jørgensen rifle when compared to the Spanish Mauser rifles and their 7x57mm cartridge.
In military service, the .30-40 Krag was relatively short-lived. It was replaced by the .30-03 (and soon after, the .30-06 Springfield) with the adoption of the M1903 Springfield rifle in 1903. However, the cartridge remained in use for training and in some reserve units for several more years.
Despite its brief military career, the .30-40 Krag found a second life in the civilian market. It became popular among hunters, particularly for deer and elk. The cartridge's moderate recoil, combined with its effectiveness at medium ranges, made it well-suited for North American big game hunting.
Today, while no longer in mainstream use, the .30-40 Krag maintains a following among collectors and enthusiasts. It represents an important transition in American military small arms, bridging the gap between black powder and modern smokeless powder cartridges.
Timeline of .30-40 Krag (.30 Army):
.30-40 Krag Performance
The .30-40 Krag offers moderate performance characteristics that were revolutionary for its time and remain effective for certain applications today:
| Characteristic | Performance |
|---|---|
| Bullet Diameter | .308 inches (7.82mm) Standard .30 caliber |
| Bullet Weight | 180-220 grains Most common loadings |
| Muzzle Velocity | 2000-2200 fps Varies based on bullet weight and powder charge |
| Muzzle Energy | 1600-2000 ft-lbs Sufficient for medium to large game |
| Effective Range | 500-600 yards For military use; shorter for hunting applications |
Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity
This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common .30-40 Krag (.30 Army) loads.
.30-40 Krag (.30 Army): Effective Range for Different Applications
This table provides estimated effective ranges for .30-40 Krag (.30 Army) ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities.
| Application | Effective Range (yards) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Military/Combat | 0-800 | Effective for long-range engagements, used in the Spanish-American War |
| Hunting (Medium to Large Game) | 0-500 | Suitable for deer, elk, and similar-sized game |
| Target Shooting | 0-1000 | Capable of long-range accuracy with proper loads |
Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, wind conditions, and specific firearm characteristics. The .30-40 Krag (.30 Army) is known for its accuracy and power at longer ranges. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.
Applications for .30-40 Krag (.30 Army)
The .30-40 Krag (.30 Army)'s performance profile makes it suitable for several applications:
Caliber Comparisons
To understand the .30-40 Krag's place in the rifle world, it's helpful to compare it to similar cartridges. Click on each comparison to see more details:
Recoil Energy Comparison
Compare the estimated recoil energy of .30-40 Krag (.30 Army) with other popular rifle cartridges. (Based on a 7.5 lb rifle)
Ballistic Trajectory Comparison
This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .30-40 Krag (.30 Army) with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.
Wind Drift Comparison
This chart compares the wind drift of .30-40 Krag (.30 Army) with other popular rifle cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.
Energy Retention Comparison
This chart compares the energy retention of .30-40 Krag (.30 Army) with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.
Sectional Density of .30-40 Krag (.30 Army)
The .30-40 Krag, also known as .30 Army, was the first smokeless powder cartridge adopted by the United States military. This table shows the sectional density for common bullet weights used in this cartridge.
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight (gr) | Sectional Density |
|---|---|---|
| .30-40 Krag | 220 | 0.331 |
| .30-40 Krag | 180 | 0.271 |
| .30-40 Krag | 165 | 0.248 |
Note: The .30-40 Krag was the U.S. service rifle cartridge from 1892 to 1903. Its sectional density values indicate good penetration potential, especially with heavier bullets. The cartridge's performance was considered excellent for its time, though it was eventually superseded by the .30-03 and later the .30-06 Springfield.