7.5x55 Swiss Questions

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Jlr2267

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Since it appears that the surplus GP11 has dried up, at least for now, I need to reload for my K31.

From what I've read, some dies work much better than others for this cartridge.

Any tips, advice or don't do's with this cartridge? Which dies are best?

Sorry, I would search the forum if I was home on my laptop, but the search feature in Tapatalk on my mobile device does not work.

Thanks.
 
Invest in a set of Hornady Series IV Custom Grade Dies for 7.5 Swiss K31. Cases sized in these will feed in 1911 rifles and carbines but cases sized in dies made for 1911 rifles/carbines will not chamber in K31's. I've reloaded Berdan-primed Swiss G11 cases, but recommend the PPU/Grafs Boxer-primed cases. I started with 45.0-gr of IMR4895 and never looked back. With 168-gr .308 bullets, it's comes within a handful of fps of the G11 172-gr bullet load, and even more accurate in my 1911's and K31.
 
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d'Artagnan said:
Invest in a set of Hornady Series IV Custom Grade Dies for 7.5 Swiss K31. Cases sized in these will feed in 1911 rifles and carbines but cases sized in dies made for 1911 rifles/carbines will not chamber in K31's. I've reloaded Berdan-primed Swiss G11 cases, but recommend the PPU/Grafs Boxes-primed cases. I started with 45.0-gr of IMR4895 and never looked back. With 168-gr .308 bullets, it's comes within a handful of fps of the G11 172-gr bullet load, and even more accurate in my 1911's and K31.
Click to expand...

Great info...I have 60 PPU boxer primed rounds and I'll re-use that brass.

Any particular 308 bullet in that weight? What OAL did you find to work in your rifle?
 
Sierra's are the "gold standard" but the Hornady's are just as good in my Garands and somewhat cheaper. Even less expensive and at 200yds indistinguishable are the PPU. Grafs has them too!

Added; to duplicate the G11, try the 175gr Sierra and Reloader17!
 
I've compared Lee, RCBS and Redding 7.55x55 die sets side by side. The sizing dies all did comparable jobs with none being better than another. Both the RCBS and Redding were better for bullet seating with the nod going the Redding, however the Lee wasn't all that far behind especially if cost is a concern. I ended up trading the Redding and RCBS sizers.

Long ogive bullets will work better, and don't need to be seated as deeply which was beneficial due to the extremely short throat of my K31.
 
I use Lee dies and they work fine. You can reload the GP11 brass case, but they are berdan primed and much more work than its worth. I originally got 2 boxes of PPU ammo and shot that so I just use that brass. I also usually use 168gn bullets, until recently when I started loading 170gn cast bullets, since I have an abundance. I don't remember my exact load at the moment, but there is plenty of load data available for a variety of bullets.
 
I really enjoy using 7.5x55 Redding dies for my K31. Usually Lee dies work well enough for me, but after issues with Lee dies in 7.5x54 French, I went with Redding. Supposedly, they are cut to well compliment K31 chamber dimensions, in use they work very well, and are of very high quality. They are significantly more $$$, but worth it IMO and experience.

Good luck, and you will really enjoy loading this interesting round, fired from a great rifle.
 
I'm in the same boat, researching 7.5x55 reloading. From my limited research, a lot of people say the Lee dies are no good, citing the chamber differences between all of the different Swiss Rifles. However, I really like Lee and a lot of people report great success with them. I think it would be hard to beat a Lee collet die set for accuracy and brass life. The Hornady New Dimension Dies are supposed to be the bees knees but that just may be marketing at work.
 
I like the Lee collet die for 7.5x55 and it does improve case life. The however is after 3 or 4 reloads the case needs a full length sizing. I usually anneal at this time as well.
As said earlier I've compared Lee, RCBS and Redding 7.55x55 die sets side by side and couldn't tell any significant difference with a micrometer or appearance.
 
The greatest problem I have is that cartridge headspace gages have not been on the market and thus setting up the die has been a problem. Before the Sinclair case comparator came out, I was attempting to evaluate shoulder set back by putting the case in the chamber and trying to feel when the bolts turned. The K31 has so many angles and parts in the way, the sensitivity was gone and I pushed shoulders back at weird and inconsistent depths. Once I got the comparator things were more predictable, but I want a cartridge headspace gage.
 
I converted 284 brass for mine using a Lee die. My dad had loads of 284 brass for a rifle he never got around to buying. It converts nicely. Varget was my powder of choice. I don't have to worry about getting the brass mixed up, I also don't have a 284.
 
I would recommend dies that are specific to the K31 and not just 7.5x55 Swiss dies. The K31 has a larger chamber than the K11 and as such they don't size the cases quite as much which would lead to longer case life as well as requiring less effort to size. Redding 7.5x55 dies are only made for the K31.
The only caveat here is that you can't use K31 specific dies for sizing brass for the K11 as they won't chamber.
I have Redding dies and have been very satisfied with them.
 
tcoz said:
I would recommend dies that are specific to the K31 and not just 7.5x55 Swiss dies. The K31 has a larger chamber than the K11 and as such they don't size the cases quite as much which would lead to longer case life as well as requiring less effort to size. Redding 7.5x55 dies are only made for the K31.
The only caveat here is that you can't use K31 specific dies for sizing brass for the K11 as they won't chamber.
I have Redding dies and have been very satisfied with them.
Click to expand...
Those Redding dies are expen$ive! $92 + shipping at Midway. Haven't found them anywhere else. May have to bite the bullet on this one.
 
The way I see it, as long as I can duplicate GP-11 I'm happy. Any standard die should be able to provide the same dimensions as GP-11.
 
Jlr2267 said:
Those Redding dies are expen$ive! $92 + shipping at Midway. Haven't found them anywhere else. May have to bite the bullet on this one.
Click to expand...

If you aren't in a super big hurry, hold off for a couple of weeks. I may be selling my Redding dies and 150-200 PPU boxer primed cases soon. Due to health and financial reasons, I currently have my "Lencac" K31 up for auction on GB. If it goes and the buyer isn't a handloader I'll give you a good price on either or both.
 
tcoz said:
If you aren't in a super big hurry, hold off for a couple of weeks. I may be selling my Redding dies and 150-200 PPU boxer primed cases soon. Due to health and financial reasons, I currently have my "Lencac" K31 up for auction on GB. If it goes and the buyer isn't a handloader I'll give you a good price on either or both.
Click to expand...
sounds good, ping me if you sell

Thanks.
 
I've been reloading for my K31 for several years now. RCBS dies, Hornady bullets and brass from Graff's before things went to hell! ;)
 
I've been trying to find a Lee collet die neck sizer for 7.5x55 by itself, but I can only find it in the 2 or 3 die sets. I already have an RCBS FL sizer and a bullet seater. Anyone know where I can get the collet die alone?
 
Any tips on setting COAL? I have read that most published data for this cartridge has an OAL that's too long for the K31 chamber.
 
If you want to go easier on your shoulder, forget about duplicating the GP11 ballistics and use a midrange load for target work! I found the 155gr Hornaday A-Max over 43gr of Varget, seated to the same OAL as the GP11, not only was very accurate but shot close to the sight settings at 100- and 200-yards in four different K31s. The ogive on this bullet is sufficiently steep to fit the K31 chamber. After all, we are punching paper, not fighting off the barbarian hordes.
 
When my K-31 first came in I started reading and it seemed many had chosen the Redding dies. That caliber is the only one I have Redding dies for. I like the way my gun shoots so I guess all is well.

Mark
 
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