7.5x55 Swiss with Hornady SST

Published on January 26, 2025
Duration: 39:21

This video details the process of reloading 7.5x55 Swiss ammunition for a K31 rifle, focusing on using Hornady SST bullets with IMR 4350 and IMR 4320 powders. It covers critical steps like verifying overall length, carefully weighing powder charges, and seating bullets while addressing potential issues. The guide also touches on installing a new front sight blade to correct a shooting-high zero and the subsequent process of zeroing the rifle at 100 yards.

Quick Summary

Reloading 7.5x55 Swiss for a K31 rifle involves preparing brass, verifying overall length to clear the rifling, carefully weighing powder charges (IMR 4350/4320), and seating Hornady SST bullets. A taller front sight may be needed if the rifle shoots high. Accurate loads were achieved with 165-grain SST bullets.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & K31 Front Sight Issue
  2. 01:49Reloading Plan: Bullet Weights & Powders
  3. 03:56Verifying Overall Length (OAL)
  4. 08:02Charge Weights & Powder Selection
  5. 10:08Setting Up the Reloading Press
  6. 11:44Powder Charging & Bullet Seating
  7. 14:26Seating 180gr SST Bullets
  8. 18:44Seating 165gr & 150gr SST Bullets
  9. 20:32Reloading with IMR 4320
  10. 21:00Range Setup & Zeroing
  11. 21:59First Shots & Sight Adjustments
  12. 25:40Fine-Tuning Front Sight Post
  13. 27:21Testing 180gr SST with IMR 4350
  14. 29:07Testing 150gr SST with IMR 4350
  15. 30:39Testing 180gr SST with IMR 4320
  16. 32:08Testing 165gr SST with IMR 4320
  17. 33:59Testing 150gr SST with IMR 4320
  18. 35:19Final Target Review & Sighting In
  19. 35:39Conclusion & Performance Summary
  20. 37:22Average Velocity Data Analysis

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key steps for reloading 7.5x55 Swiss ammunition for a K31 rifle?

The process involves preparing brass, verifying overall cartridge length to avoid rifling contact, carefully weighing powder charges (using IMR 4350 or 4320), and seating Hornady SST bullets. Attention to detail is crucial, especially when referencing load data from different sources.

How can I fix a K31 rifle that shoots too high at 100 yards?

If your K31 shoots high, you likely need to adjust your front sight. Installing a taller front sight blade, as demonstrated in the video, can correct this. If it shoots too low, you can file down the existing front sight post.

What are recommended load data and bullet weights for 7.5x55 Swiss using Hornady SST bullets?

The video tested 150, 165, and 180-grain Hornady SST bullets with IMR 4350 and IMR 4320 powders. Load data from the Hornady manual was used, with adjustments made for the K31's specific chamber dimensions. The 165-grain SST showed excellent accuracy and velocity.

What are typical velocities for reloaded 7.5x55 Swiss ammunition?

Velocities for the reloaded 7.5x55 Swiss ammunition in this video were generally conservative. The 165-grain SST with IMR 4350 averaged over 2500 fps, while the 180-grain SST averaged around 2300 fps. These are considered lower than some factory loads but are suitable for the K31.

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