Reloading 7.5x54 for the MAS-36

Have not loaded for it, don't think I have ever seen one to be honest.

I just looked up the Hornady data, they don't have any data with N140, but they do have data for N135 and N150 for a 130gn bullet, maybe you could extrapolate from that.

N135 max charge 42.2
N150 max charge 43.8

Based on those numbers, I think I might start a little lower than you planned.

Good luck.

Jean-Luc Picard said:

Ah thanks, I don't have access to the Hornady data. That's lower than I expected, and for a lighter bullet. I'll certainly start at a lower charge then, and check for blown out primers etc.

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Post back with your results. I'm interested to know how it works.

I loaded for it, but used 149 Grain FMJ's and AA2700 with 44 grains. Would like to see your results.

I was just loading to see how my rifle would shoot. And shoot it did. Keep us posted. And thanks for the update.

I don’t have anything to offer but by all means boys keep paving the way for when the time comes and I have a MAS to load for which should be soon.

I used a similar strategy for working up loads in 7,5 Swiss before data became more widely available. Both cases have more, but similar case capacity and geometry to .308 Win, and operate at pressures more in line with 7.62 NATO. The load I settled on with 150 gr bullets in the 7,5 Swiss was 43 gr VN140 (back when that powder was inexpensive). As data became published, I found that load to be in the mid-range for the cartridge.

In general, I have found Viht data NOT to be conservative, rather the opposite, especially with the old European metric calibers.

I work with WW1 calibers mostly (other than current commercial calibers). I find out the 'original' specifications of ammo and use that as my goal for a basic load.
I have found the smokeless powders of earlier times were generally 'faster' than many common powders available in the U. S. That's handy when experimenting.

Cartridges of the World (Caribou Media Group, LLC by Gun Digest Media) show the military ball load is a 140 grain bullet @ 2600 feet per second. CotW also shows a loading of a 150 grain bullet using IMR4831 - 54 grains- for a velocity of 2680 and label that as "duplicates military load'.

Wikipedia publishes military load as 139 grain (9 grams is likely the French specification) @ 2700 fps (820 mps).

I suggest that range of weights and velocities to agree with the factory sights.

I see you live in London, UK and I have no idea what powders may be available to you (other than Vihtavouri [Vv] as you mentioned). Do be careful and begin a bit lower in charge than typically shown. Work up.