7.5 Ord. Suisse (Swiss Army) Load Data

The 7.5 Ord. Suisse, also known as the 7.5x55mm Swiss or GP11, boasts a storied history stretching back to the late 19th century. First adopted by Switzerland in 1889 as the 7.5x53.5mm loading, the cartridge underwent several refinements, culminating in the improved 7.5x55mm variant (officially designated the GP11) in 1911. Designed to meet the rigorous standards of the Swiss military, the 7.5 Ord. Suisse cemented its reputation for precision and reliability. Famous for its use in the iconic Schmidt-Rubin series of rifles—including the K31, K11, and earlier straight-pull models—the cartridge became synonymous with Swiss marksmanship and craftsmanship. Its strong military heritage and well-balanced ballistic performance have helped sustain interest from collectors and shooting enthusiasts worldwide.

In terms of application, the 7.5 Ord. Suisse enjoys a respected standing among both military historians and modern shooters. Initially intended for Swiss Army service rifles, the cartridge’s robust ballistics made it suitable for not only service use but also various target disciplines. Today, it is beloved by competitive shooters and collectors who favor surplus Swiss rifles, especially the K31, for their accuracy and smooth operation. The caliber’s intrinsic accuracy and modest recoil render it an excellent choice for precision shooting at ranges up to and beyond 600 meters, with many enthusiasts competing in vintage rifle matches using the original iron sights or custom optics mounts. Beyond military applications, the 7.5x55mm Swiss also appeals to civilian marksmen who appreciate historical firearms capable of holding their own in modern target-shooting contexts.

When considering the species suitable for hunting with the 7.5 Ord. Suisse, its performance closely mirrors other full-powered military cartridges like the .308 Winchester. With appropriate bullet selection, reloading enthusiasts can comfortably pursue a wide range of game. In Europe, the round is frequently used for medium-sized game such as roe deer, red deer, chamois, and wild boar. The cartridge’s flat trajectory and effective downrange energy ensure reliable expansion and penetration on game within ethical hunting distances. As with all hunting applications, bullet construction and shot placement remain key for humane and effective results, and reloaders benefit from the wide selection of .308" bullets that match the caliber’s groove diameter.

Bullet weights for the 7.5 Ord. Suisse typically fall between 165 and 180 grains, though the original GP11 military loads featured a 174-grain full metal jacket projectile with a boat-tail design to enhance ballistic stability. Modern reloaders have access to a broad array of bullets, including soft-point and ballistic-tip designs ideal for hunting, as well as match-grade offerings for competition. The 7.5x55mm Swiss is recognized for its efficient case design, moderate pressures (historically loaded to robust standards in Swiss military ammunition), and remarkable accuracy potential, even when compared to contemporary precision cartridges. Case dimensions are slightly unusual, with a rimless, bottleneck profile that contributes to the round’s reliable feeding and extraction in straight-pull rifles. This combination of accuracy, versatility, and historical value makes the 7.5 Ord. Suisse a compelling choice for reloaders seeking both performance and a connection to Switzerland’s legendary shooting tradition.