7.5x55 Swiss Reloading Equipment

KnightofCydonia · May 4, 2011, 10:27 AM

Hi,

I was wondering what equipment I need to buy before I start reloading this round. I'm using my friend's Rockchucker, powders, bullets etc.

Here's a list of what I'm thinking of buying to feed my K-31 rifle:

RCBS or Lee 2 die set FL
Lee Factory Crimp Die
Lee Case Trimming Gauge in 7.5x55 Swiss
284 Winchester Brass to be reformed

Is there anything missing or isn't required on this list?

Regarding the case trimming, will Lee products fit a RCBS case trimmer? Also, how much trimming will be required after reforming 284 Win brass?

Lastly, does anybody know where I can get some 7.5 Swiss Brass instead?

zfk55 · May 4, 2011, 10:35 AM

This might help. Just pick and choose.

http://www.swissrifles.com/ammo/list.htm

This will definitely help for the 7.5 Swiss. Keep in mind it was written a very long time ago and there are a few new products out there now.

http://theswissriflesdotcommessagebo...-for-Beginners

As for brass... check www.grafs.com

KnightofCydonia · May 4, 2011, 10:46 AM

Thanks!

zfk55 · May 4, 2011, 10:52 AM

My pleasure.

Latigo

KnightofCydonia · May 4, 2011, 11:33 AM

Is it okay that I'm using RCBS or Lee dies for my K31? I know Redding/Hornady have the K-31 spec dies, but I've read that people say that RCBS/Lee work in their K-31s.

zfk55 · May 4, 2011, 11:41 AM

Sure it is. We have a lot of different 7.5 dies in the armoury and lately we've been using just the Redding bushing dies, but RCBS 7.5x55 dies were used here for some 40 years with always great results. Nothing is cast in stone. All of them will work to varying degrees.
We're not huge Lee fans here except for their taper crimper, but......

Latigo

KnightofCydonia · May 4, 2011, 11:53 AM

So what will I have to do differently when FL sizing with RCBS as opposed to a Redding die? I hear that it pushes the shoulder back further for the 1911 chamber specs. Do I just do trial and error and adjust the die until the case fits the gun?

zfk55 · May 4, 2011, 11:59 AM

You'll have to decide that one, but we FLS every time for Swiss rifles. I've been on the same 300 Norma brass for the past three years, and I shoot. A lot! I do periodically anneal.
My father mostly uses RUAG Swiss National Match brass, but he also FLS's his brass with periodic annealing. There's a lot of discussion about FLS, but believe me... with a Swiss rifle, 1911, k11, k31 or zfk55, all of them need the FLS. Its a peculiarity of the type.
You may have to find out for yourself, but if you don't FLS you'll find your brass won't want to chamber smoothly by the third time around. Neck sizing only will definitely not want to chamber by the second or third time.

Latigo

zfk55 · May 4, 2011, 12:04 PM

Check this for FLS opinions with Swiss rifles..

http://theswissriflesdotcommessagebo...+length+sizing

Latigo

KnightofCydonia · May 7, 2011, 06:05 AM

I decided to get the Redding K-31 dies. However, in terms of a shellholder, which brand would work best with the Redding dies and a RCBS Rockchucker? RCBS or Redding? And which numbers do I get?

zfk55 · May 7, 2011, 10:52 AM

RCBS #2

cracked butt · May 7, 2011, 06:48 PM

If you are using 284 brass, You need a RCBS #3 shellholder (284 has the same rim as 30-06, 308, 45 acp)

The .284 has a rebated rim with a wider body that a 30-06 case, where 7.5 swiss brass has a wider rim to match the body diameter.

That's only if you are using 284 brass. The stuff is actually harder to come by than 7.5 swiss brass right now. I had an F-class guy who wanted to buy up a few hundred virgin pieces of my 284 brass this spring because he couldn't get it anywhere....

FWIW, I use RCBS dies for both the K-31 and 1911 rifle, a friend of mine used Lee dies for his K-31. He has had a few ocasional problems with brass that wouldn't chamber after being reloaded several times, I have not.

mwells72774 · May 7, 2011, 07:34 PM

You can byt he surplus swiss ammo from sportsmansguide or the PrviPartisan ammo and its reloadable...

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/c...19309&bi=77536

Rattlehead · May 7, 2011, 08:02 PM

Just out of curiosity, what's the best source for the 284 brass?

cracked butt · May 8, 2011, 12:02 AM

Quote:

You can byt he surplus swiss ammo from sportsmansguide

That stuff costs about 2x what it used to be- its still a bargain for what it is though.

Geezerbiker · May 8, 2011, 07:03 AM

Graf's has 7.5mm Swiss brass from time to time but you might have to wait for it to be in stock.
http://www.grafs.com/

Tony

zfk55 · May 8, 2011, 08:41 AM

Though the .284 works in the k31, it's not 100% extraction every time, all the time. You do get the occasional FTE. The .284 is better suited to the 1911sr and the k11.

KnightofCydonia · May 8, 2011, 11:38 AM

Regarding the clamp on mount by Swiss Products, does it work for left-eye dominant left handed shooters?

twins · May 8, 2011, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Graf's has 7.5mm Swiss brass from time to time but you might have to wait for it to be in stock.

They haven't had them in stock for many months now. Better off buying the Prvi loaded ammo (avail at aim surplus for ex.) and reusing the brass. Or spend more for Hornady metric ammo and reusing those brass.

kadima · May 9, 2011, 04:44 AM

I am a left handed shooter with dominant left eye and I shoot my K31 with a combination clamp on mount and a left hand operating rod from Swiss Products...

.. and they are wonderful.

K.

KnightofCydonia · May 9, 2011, 03:41 PM

When case trimming for the 7.5 Swiss used in a K-31 chamber, will the Lee case trimmer and Lee 7.5 swiss collet trim the case back to proper GP11 specs? Or is there a better brand?

May 4, 2011, 10:27 AM	#1
KnightofCydonia Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2009 Posts: 219	7.5x55 Swiss Reloading Equipment Hi, I was wondering what equipment I need to buy before I start reloading this round. I'm using my friend's Rockchucker, powders, bullets etc. Here's a list of what I'm thinking of buying to feed my K-31 rifle: RCBS or Lee 2 die set FL Lee Factory Crimp Die Lee Case Trimming Gauge in 7.5x55 Swiss 284 Winchester Brass to be reformed Is there anything missing or isn't required on this list? Regarding the case trimming, will Lee products fit a RCBS case trimmer? Also, how much trimming will be required after reforming 284 Win brass? Lastly, does anybody know where I can get some 7.5 Swiss Brass instead?

May 4, 2011, 10:52 AM	#4
zfk55 Senior Member Join Date: December 24, 2009 Location: Lost Prairie Montana Posts: 391	My pleasure. Latigo __________________ www.swissproductsllc.com An'' ole' Brer' Rabbit, he set in de bushes, he watch an' he wait, lay low an' he don' say nuffin'

May 4, 2011, 11:41 AM	#6
zfk55 Senior Member Join Date: December 24, 2009 Location: Lost Prairie Montana Posts: 391	Sure it is. We have a lot of different 7.5 dies in the armoury and lately we've been using just the Redding bushing dies, but RCBS 7.5x55 dies were used here for some 40 years with always great results. Nothing is cast in stone. All of them will work to varying degrees. We're not huge Lee fans here except for their taper crimper, but...... Latigo __________________ www.swissproductsllc.com An'' ole' Brer' Rabbit, he set in de bushes, he watch an' he wait, lay low an' he don' say nuffin'

May 4, 2011, 11:59 AM	#8
zfk55 Senior Member Join Date: December 24, 2009 Location: Lost Prairie Montana Posts: 391	You'll have to decide that one, but we FLS every time for Swiss rifles. I've been on the same 300 Norma brass for the past three years, and I shoot. A lot! I do periodically anneal. My father mostly uses RUAG Swiss National Match brass, but he also FLS's his brass with periodic annealing. There's a lot of discussion about FLS, but believe me... with a Swiss rifle, 1911, k11, k31 or zfk55, all of them need the FLS. Its a peculiarity of the type. You may have to find out for yourself, but if you don't FLS you'll find your brass won't want to chamber smoothly by the third time around. Neck sizing only will definitely not want to chamber by the second or third time. Latigo __________________ www.swissproductsllc.com An'' ole' Brer' Rabbit, he set in de bushes, he watch an' he wait, lay low an' he don' say nuffin'

May 4, 2011, 12:04 PM	#9
zfk55 Senior Member Join Date: December 24, 2009 Location: Lost Prairie Montana Posts: 391	Check this for FLS opinions with Swiss rifles.. http://theswissriflesdotcommessagebo...+length+sizing Latigo __________________ www.swissproductsllc.com An'' ole' Brer' Rabbit, he set in de bushes, he watch an' he wait, lay low an' he don' say nuffin'

May 4, 2011, 10:35 AM	#2
zfk55 Senior Member Join Date: December 24, 2009 Location: Lost Prairie Montana Posts: 391	This might help. Just pick and choose. http://www.swissrifles.com/ammo/list.htm This will definitely help for the 7.5 Swiss. Keep in mind it was written a very long time ago and there are a few new products out there now. http://theswissriflesdotcommessagebo...-for-Beginners As for brass... check www.grafs.com __________________ www.swissproductsllc.com An'' ole' Brer' Rabbit, he set in de bushes, he watch an' he wait, lay low an' he don' say nuffin'

May 4, 2011, 10:46 AM	#3
KnightofCydonia Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2009 Posts: 219	Thanks!

May 4, 2011, 11:33 AM	#5
KnightofCydonia Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2009 Posts: 219	Is it okay that I'm using RCBS or Lee dies for my K31? I know Redding/Hornady have the K-31 spec dies, but I've read that people say that RCBS/Lee work in their K-31s.

May 4, 2011, 11:53 AM	#7
KnightofCydonia Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2009 Posts: 219	So what will I have to do differently when FL sizing with RCBS as opposed to a Redding die? I hear that it pushes the shoulder back further for the 1911 chamber specs. Do I just do trial and error and adjust the die until the case fits the gun?

May 7, 2011, 06:05 AM	#10
KnightofCydonia Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2009 Posts: 219	I decided to get the Redding K-31 dies. However, in terms of a shellholder, which brand would work best with the Redding dies and a RCBS Rockchucker? RCBS or Redding? And which numbers do I get?

May 7, 2011, 10:52 AM	#11
zfk55 Senior Member Join Date: December 24, 2009 Location: Lost Prairie Montana Posts: 391	RCBS #2 __________________ www.swissproductsllc.com An'' ole' Brer' Rabbit, he set in de bushes, he watch an' he wait, lay low an' he don' say nuffin'

May 7, 2011, 06:48 PM	#12
cracked butt Senior Member Join Date: December 22, 2001 Location: southeastern wisconsin Posts: 537	If you are using 284 brass, You need a RCBS #3 shellholder (284 has the same rim as 30-06, 308, 45 acp) The .284 has a rebated rim with a wider body that a 30-06 case, where 7.5 swiss brass has a wider rim to match the body diameter. That's only if you are using 284 brass. The stuff is actually harder to come by than 7.5 swiss brass right now. I had an F-class guy who wanted to buy up a few hundred virgin pieces of my 284 brass this spring because he couldn't get it anywhere.... FWIW, I use RCBS dies for both the K-31 and 1911 rifle, a friend of mine used Lee dies for his K-31. He has had a few ocasional problems with brass that wouldn't chamber after being reloaded several times, I have not. Last edited by cracked butt; May 7, 2011 at 07:00 PM.

May 7, 2011, 07:34 PM	#13
mwells72774 Senior Member Join Date: May 3, 2011 Posts: 325	You can byt he surplus swiss ammo from sportsmansguide or the PrviPartisan ammo and its reloadable... http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/c...19309&bi=77536

May 7, 2011, 08:02 PM	#14
Rattlehead Senior Member Join Date: September 22, 2009 Location: NC Posts: 244	Just out of curiosity, what's the best source for the 284 brass?

May 8, 2011, 07:03 AM	#16
Geezerbiker Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2011 Location: Willamina, OR Posts: 1,908	Graf's has 7.5mm Swiss brass from time to time but you might have to wait for it to be in stock. http://www.grafs.com/ Tony

May 8, 2011, 08:41 AM	#17
zfk55 Senior Member Join Date: December 24, 2009 Location: Lost Prairie Montana Posts: 391	Though the .284 works in the k31, it's not 100% extraction every time, all the time. You do get the occasional FTE. The .284 is better suited to the 1911sr and the k11. __________________ www.swissproductsllc.com An'' ole' Brer' Rabbit, he set in de bushes, he watch an' he wait, lay low an' he don' say nuffin'

May 8, 2011, 11:38 AM	#18
KnightofCydonia Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2009 Posts: 219	Regarding the clamp on mount by Swiss Products, does it work for left-eye dominant left handed shooters?

May 9, 2011, 04:44 AM	#20
kadima Senior Member Join Date: June 21, 2010 Posts: 190	I am a left handed shooter with dominant left eye and I shoot my K31 with a combination clamp on mount and a left hand operating rod from Swiss Products... .. and they are wonderful. K.

May 9, 2011, 03:41 PM	#21
KnightofCydonia Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2009 Posts: 219	When case trimming for the 7.5 Swiss used in a K-31 chamber, will the Lee case trimmer and Lee 7.5 swiss collet trim the case back to proper GP11 specs? Or is there a better brand?