37 x 155 R45 query

[SG500]

I picked this up today. My usual go to list (Hawkinson) didn't have it.
Anyone any ideas please.
Brass rimmed case 37mm calibre, 155mm long, rim 45mm. Push in primer.
Thanks.
Dave.

 

[SG500]

A friend of mine just worked it out, 25mm French Hotchkiss......cut down.
Mystery solved
Dave.

 

[kz11gr]

Yes 25mm anti tank case, cut down. On the left there is a "R". Means that the original case mounted the special shell for short range

 

[SG500]

Yes 25mm anti tank case, cut down. On the left there is a "R". Means that the original case mounted the special shell for short range

Thanks for confirming.
What would the special shell for short range look like? I'm familiar with the AP cored version and the HE but not the short range.
Dave.

 

[Hoeksel]

Could be original, this case exists cut down as a blank/salut. I remember it measures 37 mm but I can't find the length at this moment.

Edit: found it, 152 mm long.

 

[Hoeksel]

Yes 25mm anti tank case, cut down. On the left there is a "R". Means that the original case mounted the special shell for short range

What does the R stand for?

 

[kz11gr]

What does the R stand for?

R for 'Réduit - Reduced' (Tir réduit or charge Réduite) in the books written PR (Portée réduite - shortened range). Here the shortened case was a long case before , when too old , cut for blank shoots. Length may go from 151,5 to 152 and also to 154,2.

 

[SG500]

That's great thanks for all the information much appreciated.

Dave.

 

[Bockscar]

This recent thread made me lookout my own 25 m/m Hotchkiss rounds as I could not remember if the case
that the reduced charge projectile came with was actually stamped with the ‘ R ‘ .
I am glad to say that it is stamped as such and so is the correct case for the projectile.
I have included a picture of the standard round along with the case head stamp for comparison and lastly I show the reduced charge projectile itself.

Bockscar.

 

[tigbrand]

Thanks for the info, not seen that projectile before in the UK.
Cheers Tig.

 

[Bockscar]

My pleasure... its always good to share what we have in our collections.

Bockscar.