Rockrivr1
NES Member
I’m on the hunt for a new to me C&R level bolt action rifle. What caliber do you prefer? 30-06 or 30-40 Krag? Any real word experience on the difference between calibers and their performance?
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Getting a C&R Rifle: 30-06 vs 30-40 Krag
- Thread starter Rockrivr1
- Start date
- Joined
- Nov 19, 2008
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- 199
Go for something in 30-06 like a Springfield 1903. A Krag is great but ammo is very expensive , if you can find it, and even if you reload the components like brass are not easy to find.
cockpitbob
NES Member
If you reload, get a Krag. It is the smoothest bolt action ever made. It's also the weirdest with that flip open side box magazine. Just don't load 'em hot since, with that 1 lug bolt, it's also one of the weaker bolt actions.
@Rockrivr1 Does not reload. He had a whole thread on it.
So, I say go with the 30-06, you'll be able to shoot it more often....
EDIT: He HATES reloading!
Rockrivr1
NES Member
Ha! Yeah reloading didn’t work out for me.
Have looked around and Krag ammo is almost $2 a round while 30-06 is running between $1.25/$1.50 a round.
Rockrivr1
NES Member
Actually have a 308 Garand already. Excellent rifle. Looking at a bolt action like a Krag or a 1917 for this purchase.
cockpitbob
NES Member
If you don't reload then 36-06 all day and twice on Sunday. 118 year old design that's still going strong.
how is the barrel on it, is it close to 1moa or goes wider? cmp has them from time to time, i kinda think of getting one.
but i load all my .308 kinda hot, that may be an issue with those, right?
@Rockrivr1 you should seriously consider a simple, single stage reloading set up.
The 30-40 has a cool history, it somewhat replaced the 45-70, also another cartridge with nice history. The 30-40 was the first smokeless cartridge for the U.S army.
If money is not an issue or you only plan to shoot one box of ammo per year, then not sure why you are asking.
But if you want to have fun, go with the 30-40 and reload for it.
The point of buying a bunch of guns you don't need is to enjoy them.
The 30-40 has a cool history, it somewhat replaced the 45-70, also another cartridge with nice history. The 30-40 was the first smokeless cartridge for the U.S army.
If money is not an issue or you only plan to shoot one box of ammo per year, then not sure why you are asking.
But if you want to have fun, go with the 30-40 and reload for it.
The point of buying a bunch of guns you don't need is to enjoy them.
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Rockrivr1
NES Member
So far I’m getting very good results with standard commercial ammo. I haven’t tried match ammo yet. These come with brand new Criterion barrels and are very strong.
Rockrivr1
NES Member
Just to make it so I don’t drive there today what ballpark are these “silly” prices?
$800-$1000Just to make it so I don’t drive there today what ballpark are these “silly” prices?
Rockrivr1
NES Member
Thanks. Interesting in that the 1917s at the CMP are going for $1100 and they are mix masters. There was one for sale here on NES for $875. I should have jumped on it.
Agreed on .30-06, especially if you are not a reloader. M1-safe rounds will work great in any vintage bolt action too.
Gonna disagree with you on this one regarding the 1917. Different, but not better. @Rockrivr1 should check out '03's, 1917's, and even 03A3's before picking one. I find the 1917 to be much more cumbersome to shoot vs. an '03.
An Israeli Mauser in .308 would make a cool vintage bolt gun with the easiest ammo to find. Most if not all of your Walmart .30-06 ammo will be heavy hunting loads that shouldn't be run in vintage iron.
Fair. It's a personal preference thing, definitely. But I know many people don't look any further than the '03.
I've always been glad they're so different: vastly different sights, totally different action.
gerrycaruso
NES Member
An Israeli Mauser in 308 is a great idea for someone who doesn't reload. Ammo would be more widely available and less expensive. I know nothing about them but would guess they're all more than 50 years old making them C&R. The 98 Mauser is one of the greats. Very strong and easily scoped. I have one in 8mm but don't shoot it much cause it kicks like a mule.
Sweeney
NES Member
I agree that neither one outshines the other. I have an '03, '03A3 and M1917. The M1917 definitely goes to the range more often than the Springfields but it's due to the ergonomics. It just fits me better.
The Krag definitely has the smoothest action but is far less robust.
gerrycaruso
NES Member
If you're willing to spend the money on 30/40 ammo, you might want to consider a Mosin or Japanese Type 99. Both are ugly but very strong. Of the two, ammo will be easier to find and cheaper for the Mosin. Since you already have a 308, why not take Mountain's advice and get a Mauser in that caliber?
