Reloading 7,5 X 54 French for MAS49-56

[donki1967]

Hi,
I have a MAS 49-56 in its original caliber that I like to shoot, but ammo is getting pricey! so I'm looking for reload data.
The component that are available :
-PPU Brass
-308 _139 grain bullets
-WLR Primers
-Vihtavuori powder only.
Just want to make sure I don't load something that can damage the rifle.
To my knowledge, there is no load data available except for Vectan powder.

Thanks

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Scout_1994]

I also reload for my 49/56, but I do not use the same powder as you. The case is in the neighborhood of 54-56 grains of volume, via H2O measurement. My suggestion is to start at 85%-90% and work up, using your particular powder.


www.castpics.net/subsite2/ByCaliber/Cast in the 75 French.pdf This is a great pdf about reloading the 7.5 cartridge. I has helped me greatly, I hope it does the same for you.


Stay safe & sane!


Scout 94

[Ovidio]

Ciao donki,

in my reloading book, I have found a few recipes for the 7,5 x 54.
It is Italy’s most appreciated and highly rated reloading manual, and I always found the data very realistic and safe.
There is also a webpage from a group of long range shooters I use a lot, and they also have data on the French service cartridge. And they too never let me down.
Generally, the only two guys I saw shooting a MAS in the past years told me they load it pretty close to the .308. These data I add seem to go in that direction, but are certainly more specific.
If you need or want the web address of the long range shooters, just let me know.
It is all in Italian, but with French you should be able to understand pretty much everything. If not, just reach over to me and I’ll be glad to help.

Have fun with that rifle. I’ll get one sooner or later…

Attachment 119557Attachment 119558Attachment 119559

[Ovidio]

I thought that maybe also these data could be helpful. Lighter bullets.

Attachment 119564

[donki1967]

Thank you gentlemen for your quick help!
I will study your documents and data carefully.
Best regards

Attachment 119570
a wink to Ovidio

[Ovidio]

Thank you gentlemen for your quick help!
I will study your documents and data carefully.
Best regards

Attachment 119570
a wink to Ovidio

Aaaaargh…. That is nice!!!

[bob q]

A correction for the bad information in the above article on reloading for the 7.5 FR . It is called a 7.5mm for a reason , not 7.62. The French bullet is .3068 dia [ 7.8mm ] , not .308 . Bullet size is dictated by bore area , not just land or groove size . Yes you can use .308 bullets as they will squeeze down , but you are much better off using boatails with the least bearing surface . The best bullet in most of my 7.5 FR rifles is the Sierra .308 135 MK , followed by the 155 Palma . I do not go above the SI - 168 MK bullet for weight and bearing surface .

[donki1967]

I took the diameter between the original bullet and the one currently manufactured:
7,5 modèle 1929C : 0.3065
PPU 139 grains : from 0.3065 to 0.307 maximum.

The PPU has the same flat base as the original round, so I think that this bullet may be used without problem in my 49-56.

[Wineman]

Not enough of a difference to make a difference. The 7.62x51 NATO is "30" caliber with a 0.308" diameter bullet. The 7.62x54r Russian is a "30" caliber with a 0.310"+ bullet, the 7.5 Swiss GP-31 uses a 0.308" diameter bullet. The Brits measure bore diameter (land to land), others measure groove diameter (groove to groove). Will a bullet slightly larger than groove diameter raise the pressure? I'm sure it will, so start low and work up. Will a bullet slightly smaller than grove diameter be less accurate? Probably after 500 meters. The MAS is a well developed rifle from the late 1940's. It is not an 1893 Mauser. Use starting loads for a 7.5 Swiss, 7.62x54r or if being conservative 7.62x51 NATO (smaller case, less powder needed) N133, N135 or N140 should work fine (N140 might be a little bit too slow for an autoloader). Have fun!

Dave

[ssgross]

I load Hornady 168gr BTHP, using data from the hornady manual for the same bullet over IMR4064. I'll have to check my notebook when I get home for the load, but I know the charge is on the lighter end of the data.
Now I'm curious and will have to slug the bore of my mas36. Shoots like a dream. Never fired factory ammo through it.