7.5 x 55 SWISS Load Data

The 7.5 x 55 Swiss cartridge, also known as the GP11 or the Swiss Schmidt-Rubin, holds a storied place in the world of military and sporting ammunition. Originally developed in the late 19th century, the cartridge traces its roots to the Swiss military’s relentless pursuit of precision and performance in their service rifles. First appearing in 1889 alongside the Schmidt-Rubin Model 1889 rifle, the early black powder variant evolved into the smokeless 7.5 x 55 mm GP11 in 1911, which is regarded as one of the most accurate and advanced military cartridges of its era. This innovation set a new standard for accuracy and reliability in field conditions, contributing to Switzerland’s reputation for meticulous firearm engineering. Fired from iconic rifles such as the K31, the 7.5 x 55 Swiss has remained popular among collectors, shooters, and reloaders for over a century.

In terms of application, the 7.5 x 55 Swiss has seen extensive use in both military and civilian spheres. Its design prioritized consistent accuracy and moderate recoil, making it suitable for a wide range of shooting activities. While its primary usage was military—arming Swiss soldiers throughout much of the 20th century—it quickly found favor among civilian marksmen after military surplus rifles became widely available. Today, the cartridge is a favorite among target shooters and long-range enthusiasts who appreciate its inherent precision potential. Reloaders, in particular, value the 7.5 x 55 Swiss for its robust brass and the straightforward process of optimizing loads for both accuracy and performance. Its ballistic properties also make it a compelling choice for shooters seeking a classic cartridge with modern capabilities.

As for target species, the 7.5 x 55 Swiss has proved its versatility in the hunting field. Thanks to its ballistic efficiency and manageable recoil, it is well-suited to a range of medium to large game animals. European hunters often select this cartridge for deer, wild boar, and even elk, appreciating its reliable terminal performance and ability to deliver controlled expansion with the right bullet construction. The cartridge’s combination of power and trajectory also makes it an effective choice for North American game such as whitetail deer, mule deer, and black bear. Reloaders can further tailor bullet selection for specific hunting applications, whether prioritizing rapid expansion for thinner-skinned game or deeper penetration for heavier targets.

Typical bullet weights for the 7.5 x 55 Swiss range from 150 to 174 grains, with the original GP11 military load featuring a 174-grain full metal jacket projectile. This bullet weight strikes a balance between energy retention, downrange stability, and manageable recoil, making it ideal for both target shooting and hunting applications. Dimensionally, the cartridge has a case length of 55 mm and an overall length close to 77 mm, with a bullet diameter of 0.308 to 0.310 inches (7.62–7.5 mm, depending on load and barrel). The case is rimless and bottlenecked, contributing to consistent feeding and extraction in both bolt-action and straight-pull rifles. With a typical muzzle velocity between 2,500 and 2,700 feet per second, the 7.5 x 55 Swiss provides flat trajectories and excellent energy delivery at moderate to long ranges—a combination that continues to endear it to ammunition reloaders seeking both historical significance and modern performance.