Short-lived Italian military cartridge meant to replace 6.5 Carcano. Better performance but introduced at worst possible time. Abandoned mid-WWII.
Type: Rifle
Introduced: 1938, Italy
Parent case: 6.5x52mm Carcano
Standardization: Obsolete / Non-standard
Bullet diameter: 0.3" (7.62 mm)
Case length: 2.008" (51 mm)
Overall length: 2.953" (75 mm)
Max pressure: 48,000 PSI
Rim type: Rimless
Primer: Large Rifle
Typical twist rate: 1:10
Muzzle velocity: 2400–2500 fps
Muzzle energy: 1825–2050 ft-lbs
Effective range: 600 yd
Common bullet weights: 128, 139 gr
Primary use: Military
Production status: Obsolete
Also known as: 7.35 Carcano · 7.35mm Italian
History: Italy adopted this as replacement for 6.5 Carcano in 1938, seeking better terminal performance. Limited production began but WWII disrupted conversion. By 1940, Italy was converting rifles back to 6.5mm due to logistics nightmare of two calibers during war. One of history's most poorly-timed cartridge introductions.
Notable firearms: Carcano M1938, Carcano M1938 Carbine
Military use: {"country":"Italy","years":"1938-1945","conflicts":["WWII"]}
Similar cartridges: .308 Winchester, 7.62x39mm