Compare / 7.5x54mm French MAS vs 7.62x51mm NATO

Cartridge comparison

7.5x54mm French MAS vs 7.62x51mm NATO

7.62x51mm NATO is faster (2,900 vs 2,750 fps); 7.62x51mm NATO carries more energy (3,088 vs 2,700 ft·lb).

7.5x54mm French MAS →
Representative trajectory · 100 yd zero0–800 yd
100 yd · zero0″−129″129″ drop @ 800 yd0400800Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
7.62x51mm NATO →
Representative trajectory · 100 yd zero0–800 yd
100 yd · zero0″−116″116″ drop @ 800 yd0400800Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
7.5x54mm French MAS7.62x51mm NATO
TypeRifleRifle
Introduced19291954
Bullet ⌀0.308″0.308″
Case length2.126″2.015″
Velocity2,650–2,750 fps2,600–2,900 fps
Energy2,450–2,700 ft·lb2,469–3,088 ft·lb
Max pressure56,000 psi60,191 psi
Recoil12–16 ft·lb
Eff. range800 yd800 yd

FAQs

Is 7.5x54mm French MAS faster than 7.62x51mm NATO?
7.62x51mm NATO is faster — up to 2,900 fps versus 2,750 fps.
Does 7.5x54mm French MAS hit harder than 7.62x51mm NATO?
7.62x51mm NATO carries more muzzle energy (3,088 vs 2,700 ft·lb).