7.5 x 55 SWISS

The 7.5 x 55 Swiss, also known as the GP11 or Schmidt–Rubin Swiss, boasts a rich heritage deeply ingrained in Switzerland’s military history. Introduced in 1911 to replace the earlier 7.5 x 53.5mm cartridge used with previous Schmidt–Rubin rifles, the 7.5 x 55 Swiss was designed for both reliability and accuracy in the harsh alpine environments faced by Swiss forces. For much of the 20th century, it served as the standard rifle round for the Swiss Army, paired with the iconic straight-pull Schmidt–Rubin K31 rifle and later service rifles. Despite its somewhat limited use outside Switzerland, the round has gained global respect for its precision engineering and historical significance among collectors and shooters.

Today, the 7.5 x 55 Swiss retains a loyal following among precision shooters, reloaders, and military surplus enthusiasts, thanks in large part to the abundance and quality of Swiss surplus rifles and ammunition. On the target range, it’s renowned for delivering exceptional accuracy, making it a popular choice for competition shooters who appreciate the solid lockup and smooth cycling of Swiss straight-pull actions. While not as common as some other military cartridges like the .30-06 Springfield or 7.62x54R, the 7.5 x 55 Swiss benefits from excellent brass quality, with readily available components for handloading from manufacturers like Norma, Prvi Partizan, and Hornady.

When it comes to target species and field applications, the 7.5 x 55 Swiss is versatile. In its native country and elsewhere, shooters use it for hunting everything from deer and wild boar to mid-sized game. Its power is on par with well-known rounds like the .308 Winchester and .30-06 Springfield, ensuring reliable terminal performance on game within normal hunting distances. For reloaders crafting hunting loads, soft point or similar expanding bullets make the round suitable for ethical, clean kills, while match and full metal jacket offerings remain popular among target shooters.

Typical bullet weights for the 7.5 x 55 Swiss span from 165 grains to 174 grains, with the original Swiss GP11 military load utilizing a 174-grain full metal jacket projectile. Handloaders can tailor their cartridge builds using a wide assortment of modern projectiles from 150 to 180 grains, depending on the intended use, though the 168 to 175-grain range is optimal for balancing velocity, penetration, and accuracy. The case itself is rimless and mildly tapered, with an overall length of 77mm and a bullet diameter of 7.8mm (.308"). Standard pressures allow for excellent velocities—often between 2,500 and 2,700 feet per second depending on load and barrel length—without excessive recoil, making it comfortable for extended range sessions.

For reloaders, the 7.5 x 55 Swiss offers the appeal of working with premium Swiss engineering, brass that is typically of high quality and uniform thickness, and a caliber that responds predictably to careful handloading. Those seeking accuracy will find that the K31’s tight chamber tolerances and robust actions make for reliable, repeatable results at the bench or in the field. Whether for historic preservation, precise target shooting, or big game hunting, the 7.5 x 55 Swiss stands as a testament to Swiss craftsmanship and the enduring value of thoughtfully designed rifle cartridges for generations of reloaders.