Precision Reloading 7 5x55 Swiss for the K31- No BS! 

Hi Ralph: Wow! I am humbled by your comments. Very much appreciated.

Thanks Sean. Very much appreciated (-:

Hi Martin: Glad to see my video was helpful. In my days I've had a few Swede M38's as well as M96's and they are precision made rifles. Even had an M41B Swede sniper rifle. I would say even on a par with the Swiss K31. Albeit a earlier more common turn-bolt type action. Easy to shoot, very accurate. Keep in mind reloading is as much an art as it is a science. So keep a sober focused mind when reloading and you'll do just fine. I realize that Hornady still does not make an OAL case for the 7.5x55 cartridge. So I had to make one for myself. It's not terribly hard. You just need to get the right tap to thread the case after you drill out the primer pocket. I think one of my videos tells what thread and pitch tap to get as well as what drill size to use. If I can remember next time I'm in my reloading room I'll check and let you know. Thanks for watching Take care Lencac

Thanks for the kind comment, much appreciated. Take the time and effort to get the tools you'll need. It will be well worth it and it will help expand your prowess in reloading skills and knowledge.

Hi Kaden: Thanks, much appreciated (-:

Hi Darren: No problem. Enjoy doing it. If you can't share then what good is it.

@@lencac7952 I Did some measuring on my K31 after firing some GP11 and looks like I’m at max my Datum indicates 1.810 measurement on the fired brass what are your thoughts? The rifle seems to shoot respectable groups at 100 yards. Thank you! would appreciate your thoughts!

@@Dark-7070 Oversize bolts are made. If you remove the bolt from the bolt sleeve and then remove the extractor, under it in the extractor cut-out you will see almost certainly no number stamped. That would be a standard size bolt. Oversize bolts are made in 3 different sizes, 5, 10, 15. (.05mm, .10mm, .15mm). You would want the .15mm if you can find. However, any oversize bolt would be better than the standard bolt. They are getting very hard to find. They used to be easy to find. But that's what you need.

@@lencac7952 Thank you Sir!

@@lencac7952 I would imagine if I shoot my rifle as is the only risk would be the potential of stretching and case splits after multiple reloading? Thoughts

Hi Thos: I think I was putting the wrong emphasis and the wrong syllable! Thanks brother (-:

You are going to want to get a collet from Hornady for the datum measurements, .400 collet.

Thanks for the response, I have that one on the way.

@@timmccue355 What you really want to do also. Is get your hands on either a go or no-go 7.5x55 cartridge gage. That way you can zero your caliper with the Hornady collet in place. That collet will be close but I think it may vary from the actual spec. And the No-go gage will be marked to the ten thousandth

But this is an awesome video though. I don’t mean to say anything else!! Thank you for your awesome content

Hi jarg: Perhaps the thread pitch on my tool and yours has changed as a thread pitch gauge was used. As you can see the tool I made works quite well. Thanks for watching and commenting.

@@lencac7952 sorry I came in a little hot. It’s really the best reloading tutorial I think I’ve seen. I can’t find modified brass so I drove around looking for that M8x.75 tap… couldn’t find it so I went home and drilled out the the cup with a 9/32 drill to at least do that. Then I realized 10/32 or 5/16 would be the tap to cut threads, pulled out my thread gage and while .75 thread fits, 36 thread locks perfect in my Hornady COAL gage. Cheers! Thanks again for teaching my how to resize the shoulders on my brass. Solid video.

Incoming!!! .... funny. No harm, no foul. Thanks man .... much appreciated. K31's are special though uh?

@@lencac7952 I like it as much as my Carl Gustav Swede Mauser anyway lol. Just trying to make a recipe close to that GP11… for a younger guy like myself it’s nice getting the positive feed back from the elders. Everyone keeps giving me their old GP11!

Hi Dave: Yep the tap is an 8mm x .75 thread pitch. First check your local tool stores to see if they have one or I'm sure there's plenty of places online you could order one from. I had my local tool store get one for me. I just checked Hornady's web site and they still do not make a 7.5x55 modified case. So it looks like you'll need to make your own. But going through the hassle to make one is absolutely worth it. Very much appreciate your input and comment. That by itself makes the time to make the vid well worth the trouble. Thanks

I've been working with IMR-4064 and H-4895 on my show for the K-31 That I have. I just got a set of Swiss products diopter sights for it and I'm going through the regiment of load development for it.. I want to try some of the VV-150 or one of the other propellants like the reloader series #15.#17 or so. also.. I have got some good feed back using the 155 palmas, 168 Machkings from sierra. I have some Hornady and Nosler 168 grain Mach as well to load up as well.. Thanks for the feed back, Check out my channel if you want to. Dave

Hey Dave: I would have to say perhaps the most impressive thing about the K31 is the fact, from my experience which is quite extensive, the K31 seems to shoot everything extremely well. I've used many different propellants and bullet weights and types weighing up to 190gr. And as long as the range of propellant charges remain in what would be considered conventional these darn rifles still shoot better than virtually all others on their best day. So I think as you start to work-up different loads with different powders and bullets you will find you are really just splitting hairs. So you acquiring a set of diopter sights is a huge step forward in order to actually be able to split those hairs and make reasonable assessments of the different loads you are trying. The combat sights are just not precise enough to make those determinations. The load I prefer to use for doing 100 yrd. range tests on new K31's I've restored is Hornady 150gr. FMJ's on top of 44gr. of IMR 4064. Usually with the bullet seated .025" to .030" off the lands and the base to datum of 1.800". So keep me in the loop about what kind of results you find. Good shooting! -lencac

lencac I sure will, One thing else, when you reuse the GP11 brass do you convert them to a boxer primer in some way, Or do you order berdan primers for them? You should do a Video on that subject. I know you stated that you only get about two for sure reloadings and a 90% on the third by reusing the GP11 brass, However it would curve costs for those that have GP11 laying around. Just a thought, Your instruction video on reloading are really good. Just a thought.. Dave.

That's not a bad idea. And no, not possible to convert to boxer primer. But as expected there is some specialized tools that are needed to deal with the primer thing. After the primer situation is handled the rest of the process is all very conventional. And yes, Berdan primers are available. As for how many reloadings, one reloading for sure, a second reloading already starts to show signs of the shell separating from the cup. So I would not reuse a third time. But being I currently have no fired GP11 cases to use for another instructional video I'm going to use that fact as an excuse to do some shooting ;)

Hi Gordan: what bullet and powder are you going to use?

Pao emantega yes 308 best Wayne, lam swiss and il doo it for many years, 7,5.55 "whith 308 is precise ans the are a Lot offre choice. Sorry for my english

Hi Tonka: Not dumb. The answer is yes. We use commercial .308" dia. bullets. However, I also realize the K31 was designed for a .306" dia. bullet. It's called GP-11. Now I have actually reached out to a couple places about making a swaging tool for .306" dia. I would be very interested to see how that would go.

ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-hUxxwVQ2tZ8.html

www.midwayusa.com/product/570611/hornady-lock-n-load-overall-length-gauge-bolt-action www.midwayusa.com/product/231904/hornady-lock-n-load-bullet-comparator-basic-set-with-6-inserts www.midwayusa.com/product/479704/hornady-lock-n-load-headspace-gauge-5-bushing-set-with-comparator Hi Carlos: I think these are what you are looking for.

lencac much appreciated

Hi Tracey: I have used Varget in the past. Mostly for 5.56, 223 and 7.62x51 and 308. I would like to try it in a K31 because I think It would work well. Unfortunately it's always sold out at the Sportsman Warehouse where I'm at when I was shopping for powder. And the people there are of no help in getting more. Anyway, I like Varget, it has a burn rate in the Reloder 15 or IMR 4320 range. So it's a good medium burnrate powder and is supposed to be more temperature stable.

@@lencac7952 thanks for responding to my question. I have Varget available all the time where I am I Ontario Canada but it's not cheap. I get it in the 8lb containers to last longer since I'm using it for 223, 308, 303 Birt, 7.62x54r, 6.5x55 swiss and 8mm mauser. Going to try is soon with my 30-06 for my M1 Garand and for the 7.5x55 swiss for my K31. The only rifle round I dont reload is 7.62x39 because it's so cheap already. Happy reloading. 😀

@@tracey1013 Ahh yes, a fellow reloader who must reload for virtually every cartridge in existence. Just wait until you get the bug to reload GP11 brass. Or trying GP11 projectiles in your 308 or 30.06. You know we're quite insane (-; And yes, like you I never bothered reloading the 7.62x39 as surplus is cheap and given the inherent inaccuracy of the SKS and AK platforms I didn't feel a need. But when you're just bangin around and shooting junk and plinkin it doesn't much matter uh?

Hi Nick: here's a few good ones. I use CCI BR primers for all commercial brass and the bullet seated .025" off the lands. Nosler Custom Competition 168gr./44.0gr. Accurate 2520 - Hornady 150gr. FMJ/47.0gr. Reloder 15 - Nosler CC 168gr./44.0gr. IMR 4064 - Hornady 150gr. FMJ/45.0gr. IMR 4320 - Hornady 150gr. FMJ/44.0gr. AR-Comp - Hornady 168gr. Match/43.0gr. AR-Comp - Nosler CC 168gr./44.0gr. IMR 4895 - Nosler CC 168gr./48.0gr. Reloder 17 I have found that in general K31's shoot very well using powders in that medium burn rate range with 150gr. to 168gr. bullets. And I find that Hornady 150gr. FMJ shoot very well which I like because those bullets are perhaps the most cost effective 30 cal. bullets.

Hi Dave: I think IMR 4895 is a bit fast for the 7.5x55. Keep in mind the 7.5x55 case has only a couple grains less volume than the 30.06 case as a comparison. I primarily use 4895 for my M1A's. Meaning although it will work and probably quit well it leaves a little more empty volume in the case than I like to see. And I would think it also generates a bit more spike pressure. If that makes sense. I usually look for a powder that is in the required range but also fills the case more. I think that will lead to more consistent ignition. I always use magnum primers in the 7.5x55. I also think that RE 17 is the closest thing to the powder that is used in GP11 ammo that can be got commercially. Of all the Reloder powders it is the only one I think that is made it Switzerland. GP11 is loaded with 49 - 50 gr. of what ever powder they use. IMR 4064 is a terrific powder. It doesn't meter as well as some due to the longer grain. But 4064 works very well and I have had really good success with it in the K31. But then again K31's seem to shoot everything good. IMR 4350 and 4320 are also very good in the K31. If you go through my K31 videos you will see I always give the full recipe for what ever I'm shooting that day. It may give you some further insight. Ok hope that helps. Thanks for the question and comment.

@@lencac7952 I was watching your video on 7.5 Swiss you were using 4064. I didn’t see your recipe.

@@davechaney6084 Hi, what did you decide? Here's a shortcut. You are going to be in the 45.0 to 46.0gr. range with 4064. That is such a universal powder. But since I haven't seen any anywhere in quit some time where I'm at I view my last lb. of 4064 like vintage wine. I hate to have to use it. Is there any on the shelves where you're at? Have you watched any of my videos on making sure the rifle and the stock are attached properly?

@@lencac7952 I haven’t seen any 4064 in a month or so. I need to look for some more. No I had not seen that video.

@@davechaney6084 ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-TtQpKtS8j44.html and you might as well watch this series ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE--6FH7dKhzC4.html

Hi Mike: Thanks. Trim the case to 2.170" to 2.175". Very important is to do a good job on deburring the case mouth after cutting to length. If the cases are new tumble them anyway for a little bit to remove any contaminates from the manufacturing process. Remember, reloading ammunition is both a science and an art. So take your time. Observe everything. The finer points of reloading don't come overnight. But with some time, practice, diligence and attention to detail you will be reloading ammunition that is markedly better than commercial or surplus ammo. Exception to that rule though is GP-11 ammo. because the best reloaded ammo. is no better than GP-11. Welcome to the K31 club. Best long gun ever made, period.

Hi Alfred: The datum to base is commonly referred to as the headspace. The datum is the middle of the shoulder on any bottleneck high powered cartridge. The datum on the cartridge is where the shoulder meets the datum on the shoulder in the chamber of the barrel. There is an exact specification for the headspace on each cartridge type. In this case it's the 7.5x55 cartridge. That specification is always slightly greater/larger than the cartridge itself. Each rifle can very a tiny bit depending on how the chamber was cut in the barrel. This is why there is "Go" and "No-Go" gauges which gives range of size. In the case of the 7.5x55 cartridge that range is 1.800" to 1.810". Too little headspace and the cartridge may not chamber. Too much and the headspace and there could potentially be an unsafe situation when fired. In the case of the 7.5x55 in the K31 the ideal headspace (base to datum) is from 1.802" to 1.807". So as you can see even though the headspace size is well within specification there still may be a .006" variance from rifle to rifle. So the answer to your question is yes.

www.midwayusa.com/product/570611/hornady-lock-n-load-overall-length-gauge-bolt-action www.midwayusa.com/product/709931/hornady-lock-n-load-bullet-comparator-body www.midwayusa.com/product/724733/hornady-lock-n-load-bullet-comparator-insert-308-diameter www.midwayusa.com/product/106727/hornady-cartridge-headspace-gauge-bushing-400-diameter

@@zcoleman4187 Because that's how I do it. Besides if someone is balking at buying a $35 tool for their hobby .... then perhaps this is not that person's cup of tea (-;

@@zcoleman4187 I too can be a bit 'frugal" myself. But I do factor in what my time is worth also. However, I'm pleased to see you can put the video to good use. Besides, our reloading skills may be of value in the days to come. Thanks for the reply and comments. Be cool brother (-:

Go to Midway USA to find the headspace bushing to want, it's a D40. But as for the case to fit on the Hornady tool you are going to have to make your own. Watch again at the 21:00 mark. I give you all the info. on doing that. Thanks for watching

@@lencac7952 Thanks you

@@lencac7952 Thank you for reply. I wonder if you can share your hand load recipe for k31? Greatly appreciated.

@@mannguyetlau What is the intended usage parameters of the rifle? Expected range, conditions, off-hand or bench, that sort of thing. Let me know, I'll mostly likely have a load for it.

@@lencac7952 All for target shooting, range from 100 up to 300 meters with iron sight , 70% of time off bench 30% off hand. the area is surround by mountain, so most of the side winds got block by mountain already. So if there are winds mostly will be from where I'm standing to my target. The rifle bore was like news.

Actually because I usually am not sure which K31 I'm going to shoot a batch of ammo. from I give the bullet seating depth a generous amount of clearance, .060" to .070". However, when I'm loading for a specific K31 I'll reduce that clearance to .025" to .030".

is the barrel of your p series k31 freefloated? and generally would you recommend freefloating the k31?

Hi LocDog7: No I would not recommend altering any of the 3 original, as designed contact points with the stock. Those 3 points are the back of the trigger housing up into the underside of the rear tang, the bottom of the front main screw lug on the receiver and the approx. 1" at the muzzle end of the stock. Here's a couple links to another vid I did about it that may help you understand why the Swiss knew exactly what they were doing. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-nfKBxmxh-1k.html ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_mwnNabJTfw.html

thank you sir. keep up the good work!

Thanks mang (-:

TY :)

obviously you didn't watch properly. ........................... bananahead