Interested in what’s HOT at SHOT Show 2026? Click here to browse our show articles.
30-40 Krag Ammo: Quick Look
Introduced in 1892, the 30-40 Krag was the first modern cartridge adopted by the U.S. military. It was designed for reliable performance in the Krag-Jørgensen rifle, emphasizing moderate power and accuracy. Today, 30-40 Krag ammo is a niche choice, valued by collectors and black powder cartridge rifle shooters.
Why It's a Top Choice
- Historic significance as U.S. Army's original Smokeless Powder round
- Compatible with Krag-Jørgensen rifles and similar rifles chambered in .30-40 Krag
- Moderate recoil suitable for controlled shooting
- Popular among vintage rifle enthusiasts and collectors
- Availability of reloading components supports custom loads
Key Variants
30-40 Krag FMJ
Full metal jacket loads, preferred for target shooting and practice with original rifles.
30-40 Krag Soft Point
Soft point bullets suited for small to medium game hunting with controlled expansion.
30-40 Krag Match Grade
Precision loads tailored for target competitions and long-range shooting.
Competitor Comparison Table
| Feature | 30-40 Krag Ammo | 30-30 Winchester Ammo | 7.62x54R Ammo |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $40–$60 per 20 rounds | $25–$45 per 20 rounds | $30–$50 per 20 rounds |
| Capacity/Size | 1.97-inch case, .308 caliber bullet | 2.04-inch case, .308 caliber bullet | 2.02-inch case, .311 caliber bullet |
| Weight | ~220 grains bullet weight typical | ~150-170 grains typical | 147-198 grains typical |
| Ballistics | ~2200 fps muzzle velocity | ~2390 fps muzzle velocity | ~2800 fps muzzle velocity |
| Notable Pros | Historic cartridge with moderate recoil | Widely available, versatile hunting round | High power, used in military rifles |
| Notable Cons | Limited modern ammo availability | Lower bullet weight limits energy | Higher recoil and muzzle blast |
Best Use Cases
- Vintage rifle shooting and historical reenactments
- Collecting antique ammunition
- Limited hunting of small to medium game
- Target and range practice with original rifles
- Handloading and custom ammunition crafting
FAQs
Can I use 30-40 Krag ammo in modern rifles?
30-40 Krag ammo is designed for Krag-Jørgensen rifles and is not compatible with most modern firearms chambered in different cartridges.
What is the typical muzzle velocity of 30-40 Krag ammo?
Typical muzzle velocity is around 2200 feet per second with a 220-grain bullet, offering moderate recoil and effective range.
How does 30-40 Krag compare to 30-30 Winchester?
The 30-40 Krag has a slightly shorter case and heavier bullet, resulting in lower velocity but more momentum than the faster 30-30 Winchester.
