Safety First: Reloading Essentials
WARNING:
Reloading ammunition can be dangerous and potentially fatal. Improper handling, incorrect measurements, and failure to follow established safety guidelines can lead to serious injury or death. Always prioritize safety above all else. This article provides general information and should not be considered a substitute for thorough research, experience, and adherence to manufacturer’s instructions and reputable reloading manuals. Reload at your own risk.
The art of reloading demands careful attention to detail and a comprehensive understanding of the process. Before even considering loading, you must acquire the necessary equipment and become intimately familiar with its operation. The following equipment is considered essential for safe and successful reloading:
- A reloading press: This is the backbone of your reloading setup, allowing you to size brass, seat bullets, and prime cases. Select a press of good quality and durability.
- Reloading dies specifically for the 7.5×55 Swiss cartridge: These dies are designed to resize, neck size, expand, and seat bullets for your specific cartridge. Ensure you select dies that are compatible with your press.
- A powder scale: This is a critical piece of equipment for accurately measuring powder charges. Digital scales are highly recommended for precision and ease of use.
- A powder trickler: This small device helps you add powder to the pan in tiny increments, ensuring you achieve the exact desired weight.
- A case trimmer: This tool ensures that your brass cases are trimmed to the correct length, which is crucial for consistent chambering and accuracy.
- A primer seater or priming tool: This tool is used to seat the primers in the primer pockets of your cases. Many reloading presses have integrated priming systems, while others utilize separate priming tools.
- Calipers: These instruments allow you to take precise measurements of your cartridge overall length (OAL), case length, and other critical dimensions.
- A bullet puller: This tool is invaluable for safely removing bullets from loaded cartridges if you need to disassemble them for adjustments or corrections.
- Brass cleaning tools: Cleaning your brass is essential for maintaining its integrity and promoting accuracy. Tools include a tumbler, cleaning solutions, and brass brushes.
Understanding the language of reloading is equally important for your safety and for achieving the results you desire. Here are some essential terms:
- Bullet weight: This is the mass of the bullet, typically measured in grains.
- Powder type: Refers to the specific type of smokeless powder being used. Different powders have different burn rates, which affect the performance of the load.
- Powder charge: The specific weight of powder measured in grains that is used in a cartridge.
- Primer type: The type of primer used, which is the small explosive cap that initiates the ignition of the powder.
- Overall length (OAL): The total length of the loaded cartridge, from the base of the case to the tip of the bullet.
- Velocity: The speed of the bullet, typically measured in feet per second (FPS).
- Pressure: The pressure generated inside the cartridge when the powder ignites, often measured in pounds per square inch (PSI) or kilopounds per square inch (KPSI).
- Case Headspace: The distance from the base of the case to a specific reference point on the case, which ensures proper fit within the rifle’s chamber.
Safety practices are non-negotiable. Adherence to these practices will safeguard your reloading efforts and ensure your personal safety:
- Work in a well-ventilated area to prevent the inhalation of fumes.
- Always wear safety glasses and hearing protection.
- Keep your work area clean and organized to prevent cross-contamination and errors.
- Double-check all measurements and powder charges before seating the bullet.
- Begin with the minimum recommended powder charge and work your way up gradually, monitoring for any signs of excessive pressure.
- Become proficient in recognizing the signs of excessive pressure.
Factors Affecting Load Data
The performance of your reloaded ammunition is influenced by a multitude of factors, which is why it is so crucial to follow load data carefully. Understanding these influences is the key to optimizing your load and achieving the best possible results.
The selection of the correct bullet weight and type is a critical starting point. The 7.5×55 Swiss cartridge can accommodate a range of bullet weights, each with its own characteristics. Some commonly used weights for this cartridge include the more frequently used bullets to create a base for your experiments.
- Different bullet weights have different ballistic coefficients, which impacts trajectory and downrange performance.
- Lighter bullets generally have higher velocities but may be more susceptible to wind drift.
- Heavier bullets typically retain more energy at longer ranges and are less affected by wind.
The type of bullet you choose also influences performance. Some common bullet types include:
- Full metal jacket (FMJ): These bullets are designed for target shooting and range use.
- Hollow point boat tail (HPBT): These bullets are designed for greater accuracy and terminal performance.
- Soft point (SP): These bullets have an exposed lead core and are designed for hunting.
The specific powder you use significantly impacts the velocity, pressure, and accuracy of your loads. The proper selection is absolutely critical for achieving the desired performance and safety. When selecting a powder for the 7.5×55 Swiss, consider the following:
- Burn rate: Different powders burn at different rates. Powders with slower burn rates are typically used for heavier bullets and create higher velocities.
- Powder type: You should match the powder to the bullet weight. Generally, powders with a medium burn rate work well with a wide range of bullet weights.
- Powder recommendations: Consult reloading manuals or reliable sources for specific powder recommendations for the bullet weight and type you are using. Some powders that are popular include IMR 4064, Reloader 17, and Varget.
The primer you choose also plays an important role in the ignition and performance of your loads.
- Primer type: Use a Large Rifle primer, as recommended by your reloading manual.
- Primer selection: Consult your reloading manual for recommended primer types.
Brass is not just a container; it’s an integral part of the cartridge. Brass quality significantly influences the accuracy and longevity of your reloads. Using quality brass and preparing it properly is an essential step.
- Brass Types: Some reloading brass is made in the USA while other is made overseas.
- Case Preparation: Ensure the brass is properly prepared by cleaning, trimming, and deburring.
Sample Load Data
Important Disclaimer:
The following load data is for informational purposes only and should be used as a starting point for developing your own loads. Always consult current, reliable reloading manuals and data sources before using any load data. The data presented below is based on information available at the time of writing, but it is not a guarantee of safety or performance. Always begin with the minimum recommended load and work up your load carefully, monitoring for signs of excessive pressure. Any load data used is at your own risk.
It’s impossible to provide fully exhaustive and up-to-the-minute load data in an article like this. Always refer to multiple, reputable, current, and verified sources for your load data. But here is some example data to show how to proceed:
(Please note: This is illustrative data and may not perfectly reflect published data in every manual. It is important to *cross-reference* this with your own sources.)
- Bullet Weight: grains
- Bullet Type: (e.g., FMJ, HPBT, SP)
- Powder Type: (e.g., IMR 4064, Reloader 17, Varget)
- Powder Charge: grains (Start, Maximum, Recommended – *Always start low and increase*)
- Primer Type: Large Rifle
- Case: Brand, e.g., Lapua, PPU (Ensure you know the manufacturer)
- Overall Length (OAL): inches (*Always check to ensure your rounds fit properly in your rifle*)
- Velocity (FPS): (*If available, note the barrel length used for testing*)
- Notes: (e.g., *Powder compression, potential pressure signs*)
- Bullet Weight: 150 grains
- Bullet Type: FMJ
- Powder Type: IMR 4064
- Powder Charge: grains (Start 38.0, Max 42.0, Recommended 40.0)
- Primer Type: Large Rifle
- Case: Lapua
- Overall Length (OAL): 2.900″
- Velocity (FPS): 2600-2800 (approx. 24″ barrel)
- Notes: Moderate compression may be present at maximum load. Monitor for pressure signs.
- Bullet Weight: 168 grains
- Bullet Type: HPBT
- Powder Type: Reloader 17
- Powder Charge: grains (Start 40.0, Max 44.0, Recommended 42.0)
- Primer Type: Large Rifle
- Case: PPU
- Overall Length (OAL): 3.000″
- Velocity (FPS): 2550-2700 (approx. 24″ barrel)
- Notes: Good accuracy potential. Always check COAL to be sure it will cycle.
- Bullet Weight: 174 grains
- Bullet Type: FMJ
- Powder Type: Varget
- Powder Charge: grains (Start 41.0, Max 45.0, Recommended 43.0)
- Primer Type: Large Rifle
- Case: Lapua
- Overall Length (OAL): 3.050″
- Velocity (FPS): 2500-2650 (approx. 24″ barrel)
- Notes: Excellent choice for target shooting.
Working Up a Load Safely
Developing a safe and accurate load for your rifle is a process that requires patience and meticulous attention to detail. The fundamental principle is to start low and gradually increase the powder charge while carefully monitoring for any signs of excessive pressure.
Never start with the maximum load as indicated in the reloading manuals or online sources. Begin with the minimum recommended load and carefully observe the behavior of your reloaded ammunition.
Increase the powder charge in small, incremental steps. A good starting point is to increase the charge by no more than 0.5 grains at a time.
While working up your load, carefully monitor the following for indications of excessive pressure:
- Primer appearance: Flattened primers, cratering (the primer metal flowing into the firing pin hole), and pierced primers are all potential signs of excessive pressure.
- Case head expansion: Measure the diameter of the case near the base before and after firing. Excessive expansion can indicate pressure problems.
- Bolt lift difficulty: If it becomes difficult to lift the bolt handle, this may be an indication of high pressure.
- Ejector marks: Excessive pressure can leave ejector marks on the case head.
- Sticky extraction: If the case sticks in the chamber or requires excessive force to extract, this is another indication of potential pressure issues.
Once you have safely achieved your desired performance, start shooting groups to evaluate the accuracy of the load. This will allow you to refine your loads.
Troubleshooting
Reloading, while rewarding, can occasionally present challenges. The key is to approach any difficulties with a logical and systematic approach. Here are some common reloading issues and troubleshooting tips:
- Poor Accuracy: If your groups are not grouping tightly, consider the following:
- Double-check all measurements.
- Verify proper seating depth.
- Ensure the rifle is securely mounted.
- Experiment with different powder charges.
- Failure to Fire: If the round does not fire, try the following:
- Ensure the firing pin is working correctly.
- Check for a properly seated primer.
- Inspect the powder for the proper charge.
- Extraction Problems: Issues with extraction require attention:
- Ensure the chamber is clean.
- Check the sizing of your reloaded brass.
- Inspect the brass for imperfections.
- Excessive Recoil: This can indicate an overloaded cartridge.
- Reduce the powder charge.
- Consult a reloading manual.
Resources and Further Reading
Speer Reloading Manual
Hornady Reloading Manual
Sierra Bullets Reloading Manual
Hodgdon Powder Company Website
IMR Powder Company Website
Conclusion
Reloading the 7.5×55 Swiss is a rewarding experience, allowing you to tailor ammunition to your specific rifle and shooting needs. Safety is paramount. Accurate load data, a methodical approach, and careful attention to detail are essential for success. Continuously refine your knowledge and skills by consulting reloading manuals, researching online, and sharing your insights with other experienced reloaders. Always prioritize safety. By understanding the fundamentals of reloading, and carefully using data, you can achieve great accuracy, reduce cost, and increase your enjoyment of shooting.
Remember, reloading is a continuous learning process. Be patient, persistent, and always put safety first.
