Loads for a MAS36

[mas36]

Hi all

Further to other threads on the wonderful little french mas 36, I am now regularly achieving 1.5 - 2 moa groups without too much effort using 139 grain PPU and am very pleased with the rifle.

Unfortunately getting hold of factory ammo is difficult at times so I now plan to head down the reloading route. I have a die set on the way courtesy of reloading solutions :cheers: and now need a working load. I plan to use 150 grain smk or 155 smk palma bullets in once fired PPU brass. I am assured that even I can tighten my groups up a bit more with the right load.

Ideas anyone?

[kennyc]

what range are you shooting at? is the rifle scoped or are you using the battle sights? I load for a K31 using PPU brass and PPU bullets, I'm happy with book loads out to 600 yrds then go back to PPU for 1000yrds, do you need to go to SMK's?

[ukrifleman]

You don't say whether you have any experience of loading rifle ammunition. If you are starting out on the re-loading route, I would urge you to glean as much information as you can before buying components.
You already have a stock good quality once fired PPU brass which is a start.

It all depends on what powder you intend to use. I would suggest you obtain a good re-loading manual such as Richard Lee's Modern Reloading second edition before starting.
It gives many loads for different powders and bullet weight combinations for the MAS36 amongst others.
What I would also strongly suggest is, whatever powder you decide upon, get hold of the manufacturers load data and begin with the `start` load, don't be tempted to wade in with the maximum charge. Lower charges are frequently more accurate than `Full House` loads and puts much less stress on the rifle, brass and your shoulder.

I you are an experienced reloader, P.M. me and I will give you some of my load data, on the strict understanding that you use this information entirely at your own risk.
ukrifleman.

[20series]

I can confirm Glenn is an experienced reloader and his piece of French rubbish is iron sighted... sign92

Alan

[kennyc]

I can confirm Glenn is an experienced reloader and his piece of French rubbish is iron sighted... sign92

Alan

in that case, save the extra £10x100 and buy PPU bullets as UKRifleman says the Richard Lee book has plenty of loads

[mas36]

Apologies, question written in haste. Most shooting will be 100 400 yards with only very rare occasions going out further. Iron sights only. I do reload for 308 / 762 and 284 already so have all the books and gear and fairly sound knowledge of what I'm up to. I use h4831 and n140 generally but will try any powder, and I plan to use the Sierras as I have heaps of them to go at and am pleased with the way they perform. I've tried locally to source 139s without success and don't really want to go any heavier due to neck surgery in 5 days with a lengthy enough recovery period without undue recoil. I have data from the lee reloading book but would just like to know if anyone has a load that seems to work as a starting point.

Glenn

[mas36]

French rubbish. How very dare you!

[meles meles]

Merdre francais, s'il vous plait....

[ukrifleman]

Let me throw a spanner in the works by stating, that in my opinion, the MAS 36 is one of the best designed military bolt action rifles of the 20th Century.
It is one of the few rifles that has served in conflicts around the world without being altered/replaced. (Europe in 1940, Vietnam, and North Africa) Unlike the Lee Enfield that became the jungle carbine, the Mosin Nagant 91/30 that became the M38/M44 etc.
Its effective range is on a par with any other .30 cal weapon of the period, incliuding the Enfield and Mauser.
It is one of the easiest weapons to field strip, much easier than the Lee Enfield or Mauser, it carries an integral bayonet and the bolt action is one of the most efficient ever made. Its short travel, made possible by the rear locking lugs, makes it possible to cycle the action from the shoulder whilst maintaining a sight picture.
The hard hitting 7.5x54 round is on a par with the 7.62 Nato round.
In conclusion, don't forget that it was the French who invented the modern small calibre, military smokeless cartridge; the 8mm Lebel.
ukrifleman.

[meles meles]

We don't dispute its capabilities, ooman: we own one ourselves. It's just plug ugly...