I got bit by the Swiss bug...

Nabs

Nabs

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I have resisted for a few years now but it finally got me :D. I just picked up a beautiful Schmidt-Rubin 1896/11 in complete military. I am very excited to shoot a Swiss rifle for the first time and I read these rifles are match grade in quality.

For those more experienced in shooting and reloading for Swiss rifles, I was wondering if I could use a .308" bullet when hand loading ? Also, would anyone happen to have a possible light load with IMR 4064 or IMR 4895 as Hodgden data center only lists "H" powders.

Thanks CGN :).
 
Welcome to the Flu ward.

You can use most of the C.O.L listed in these tables for the M96/11, M1911 and K11 except for the Lapua and RWS data, which is specific to the K31 throat.

Don't reload for the older GP11 rifles using K31 specific dies.
The brass will not be re-sized enough to fit the chambers.
You can use either type of die for the K31.
Use FL re-sizing dies for any straight pull, it's like loading for a semi-auto.

Load data tables:
http://theswissriflesdotcommessageboard.yuku.com/topic/9041/7-5x55-Load-Tables
 
H-4895 and IMR-4895 are so close that it isn't even funny. They actually started as the SAME powder during War Two. Most differences in RBR are due to lot-to-lot variations BUT you are best to drop your load 5 to 10% when changing ANY powder.

.308 is the standard bullet for the 7.5 Swiss.

Basic .303 British loadings will be safe in the larger Swiss casing. It also is an interesting historical "tip of the hat" when you remember that Major RUBIN (as in Schmitt-RUBIN) designed the cartridge which became the .303 while he was working at Woolwich, 1 year previous to designing the original Swiss round!

Excellent brass available from Trade-Ex, comes in big bags. Everybody makes dies.

I am shooting a terribly Bubba'd 1889. That old 3-groove barrel really puts them in there!
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Hi guys :).

Thank you for the information. I was toying with the idea of picking up an 1889 but that may come in the future once I get some experience with this 1896/11.

Diopter, those load tables are just what I require, many thanks for posting. I noticed Trade ex has 7.5x55 full length dies, are these dies k31 specific ?

Smellie, thanks for confirming that I can use a .308 bullet, that will make it easier to hand load.

Thanks again everyone.
 
Excellent, I was thinking of using 150-170 gr 308 bullets to closely mimic the GP11 but with a lighter load.

The die set you provided a link to is the one I am thinking of getting once I get some free cash.

Thanks again :).
 
Nabs said:
Excellent, I was thinking of using 150-170 gr 308 bullets to closely mimic the GP11 but with a lighter load.

The die set you provided a link to is the one I am thinking of getting once I get some free cash.

Thanks again :).
Click to expand...

Recoil is not that bad on any of the Swiss Rifles.
Just depends what you are used to and your shooting position.
 
She is coming to me from Ellwood Epps so at the moment, I only have the pictures they provided. I did notice a "P" stamped just under the serial number and I believe this means a soldier retired from the service and elected to keep this rifle with him ? The wood grain and tiger striping is what got to me, it is just gorgeous on this rifle.

I don't expect much recoil as the Swiss rifle website listed at 10.5lbs empty. I remember holding a Schmidt Rubin model 1889 with a shortened stock but intact barrel and she was still quite heavy but very well built. That 1889 planted the seed for getting a Schmidt rubin a month later :).

Here are some pictures of my Schmidt-Rubin in the mean time, I am very excited to receive this rifle.

UG62554-Schmidt-Rubin-full-_zps9ad5dea9.jpg


UG62554-Schmidt-Rubin-right_zps9b9c2ed4.jpg


UG62554-Schmidt-Rubin-top_zpsbb572025.jpg
 
Those are nice, but I think if I was going to go for a non-front locking Schmidt-Ruben, I would get a purpose-built K11, the actions are a little smoother.
 
Actually the bolts on the 96/11, 1911 and K11 are interchangeable.
Only the 1889 is not due to it's lugs being to the rear.
 
As for reloading 7.5 Swiss:
I found out with M95 Steyr that neck sizing for straight bolt pull rifle works and works well
so I tried it with 7.5 Swiss and it seems to be working even better (much tighter chamber/neck fit?)
Disclaimer: I'm shooting ONLY cast boolits with low to mid velocities so pressures are not an issue.
 
I had the Swiss bug as well, a K31 was a temporary vaccine, but I am feeling the itch again. Maybe I just don't shoot it enough. I've only put 150 rounds through her thus far because I can only shoot at 100 meters and frankly with a K31 firing the somewhat expensive GP11, I don't feel like I'm being challenged enough at that distance to justify the ammo usage.

I hope you enjoy your rifle! The Swiss can make a heck of a gun.
 
Good!

GOOD!

f7gCQ.jpg


(I no longer have the Vetterli, but an 1889 instead.)

Top to bottom:
Vetterli 1878
1911
K11
K31
Swiss Arms

Not pictured: Swiss Luger
 
So this is how it happens eh ? Start out with a single Schmidt-Rubin and end up with another gun safe being purchased at the end of the year :).

Beautiful Vetterli, is she in the original caliber or did you convert her to center fire ?
 
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