The 30-40 Krag, also known as the .30 Army or .30-40 US, is a significant rifle cartridge in American military history. Developed in the late 19th century, it played a pivotal role in the evolution of military firearms and ammunition. This article delves into the history, design, and lasting impact of the 30-40 Krag offering a comprehensive understanding of its place in firearm history.

Historical Context

The development of the 30-40 Krag can be traced back to the late 1800s, a period marked by rapid advancements in firearm technology. Prior to its adoption, the U.S. military primarily used black powder cartridges, which were less powerful and had limitations in terms of range and accuracy. The shift to smokeless powder cartridges marked a significant leap forward in military small arms technology.

Adoption by the U.S. Military

The 30-40 Krag was officially adopted by the U.S. Army in 1892, replacing the .45-70 Government cartridge. It was designed for the Krag-Jørgensen rifle, a Norwegian bolt-action rifle chosen by the U.S. military for its innovative features. The Krag-Jørgensen rifle was notable for its side-loading magazine, which allowed soldiers to reload quickly without having to open the bolt, a significant advantage in combat situations.

Design and Specifications

The 30-40 Krag cartridge was revolutionary for its time, representing the U.S. military’s first foray into smokeless powder ammunition. This change brought several key benefits, including reduced fouling in the barrel and significantly increased muzzle velocity.

Cartridge Specifications

• Bullet Diameter: .308 inches (7.8 mm)
• Case Length: 2.314 inches (58.8 mm)
• Overall Length: 3.089 inches (78.5 mm)
• Maximum Pressure: 40,000 psi (275.8 MPa)

The standard military load for the 30-40 Krag featured a 220-grain (14 g) round-nosed bullet with a muzzle velocity of approximately 2,000 feet per second (610 m/s). This combination provided a good balance of range, accuracy, and stopping power, making it effective for military engagements of the period.

The Krag-Jørgensen Rifle

The rifle designed for the 30-40 Krag cartridge, the Krag-Jørgensen, featured a unique magazine system. Unlike other bolt-action rifles of the time, which typically had a magazine located beneath the receiver, the Krag-Jørgensen’s magazine was located on the right side. This design allowed soldiers to load individual rounds or use a five-round clip, improving the speed and ease of reloading.

Service History

The 30-40 Krag and the Krag-Jørgensen rifle saw active service from the early 1890s through the early 20th century. They were used in several significant conflicts, including the Spanish-American War, the Philippine-American War, and various other military engagements.

Spanish-American War

The Spanish-American War of 1898 was one of the first major conflicts where the 30-40 Krag was used in combat. American soldiers found the cartridge effective, though they faced stiff resistance from Spanish forces armed with the Mauser 1893 rifle, which used a higher-velocity 7mm Mauser cartridge. Despite this, the 30-40 Krag performed admirably, demonstrating its reliability and effectiveness in battle.

Philippine-American War

Following the Spanish-American War, the 30-40 Krag continued to serve in the Philippine-American War (1899-1902). American forces encountered guerrilla tactics and harsh conditions in the Philippines, and the Krag-Jørgensen rifle with its 30-40 Krag cartridge proved to be a dependable weapon in these challenging environments.

Transition to Newer Cartridges

By the early 20th century, advancements in firearm and ammunition technology led to the development of more powerful and efficient cartridges. The 30-40 Krag was eventually replaced by the .30-06 Springfield cartridge, which offered superior ballistics and performance. The .30-06 Springfield, adopted in 1906, became the new standard for the U.S. military and saw extensive use in both World Wars and beyond.

Legacy and Modern Use

While the 30-40 Krag was eventually phased out of military service, its legacy endures. It holds a significant place in the history of American military firearms as the first smokeless powder cartridge adopted by the U.S. military. Collectors and firearm enthusiasts continue to value the 30-40 Krag for its historical importance and unique design.

Collectability

Today, the Krag-Jørgensen rifle and 30-40 Krag ammunition are sought after by collectors. The rifle’s distinctive side-loading magazine and historical significance make it a prized addition to many collections. Ammunition manufacturers still produce limited runs of 30-40 Krag cartridges, catering to collectors and those who enjoy shooting historical firearms.

Hunting and Sporting Use

Beyond its historical and collectible value, the 30-40 Krag remains a viable cartridge for hunting and sport shooting. Its moderate recoil and effective performance make it suitable for medium to large game, such as deer and elk. Some hunters appreciate the challenge and nostalgia of using a classic cartridge and rifle combination in the field.

Conclusion

The 30-40 Krag stands as a landmark in the evolution of military ammunition, representing a significant step forward in firearm technology at the turn of the 20th century. Its adoption marked the U.S. military’s transition from black powder to smokeless powder, bringing with it improvements in range, accuracy, and reliability. Though eventually superseded by more advanced cartridges, the 30-40 Krag’s impact on military history and its continued relevance among collectors and enthusiasts underscore its enduring legacy.

As we look back at the 30-40 Krag, we see a cartridge that not only shaped the course of military firearms development but also left a lasting imprint on the world of shooting sports and firearm collecting. Its story is a testament to the ingenuity and progress of late 19th and early 20th-century military technology, and it remains a fascinating subject for historians, collectors, and shooting enthusiasts alike.