K31 Shooters - GP11 or Reloads ?

[Calfed]

Originally Posted by bpm32

GP11 used to come out pretty reliably every 18 months, but it’s been a long while since the last big import. Switzerland has actually not made it for a while, except for a campaign in 2016 IIRC. The last vehicle-mounted machine gun that used 7.5 is supposed to have been retired recently.

It was briefly cheaper as surplus here than it was at the Army-subsidized Swiss range price, which was 35 Rappen a round. RUAG hasn’t ruled out making more, but the Swiss govt. is privatizing RUAG, so that might be it for a bit while that gets straightened out. I would expect the price to jump significantly since that would be new production.

The last time I bought any GP11 was in 2016 and 2017 when Midway was selling it for about $250 for a 480 round case...shipped. Haven't seen much of it since then

[Stewbaby]

Yeap, getting a little to try and enjoy is one thing but to count on it as your competition ammo will be a exercise in futility.

[Mountain]

Originally Posted by Headspace

The few times I have used my K31 I had mediocre results so I shelved it in favor of the M1917 for vintage rifle match. I found a pretty good stash of GP11 that I forgot I had so figured to switch it up and give the old rifle another try this season.

Have components but, zero boxer primed brass or dies to work with to bad GP11 brass is berdan primed but, I know that's another story. Anybody snag any medal trinket's using the GP11 surplus ammo lately ?

Thanks

I've scored many silvers at Travel Games matches with GP11 and won some local matches against stiff competition. As usual, the only thing holding me back is offhand. I've done a fair amount of work in load development but found at best I could equal GP11 accuracy. IMHO GP11 is the most accurate milsurp ammo ever produced. I plan to try some lighter cast loads for practice and maybe local matches, but if I go to regional Games matches or Nationals I will be shooting GP11.

[Mountain]

Originally Posted by Calfed

I've used the Sierra "accuracy load" in my 1911 and 96/11 Swiss rifles for years. That load is the 168 gr bullet and 43.9 grs of IMR 4064 (as previously noted).

It usually outshoots the GP11

GP11...



168gr Hornady AMAX/43.9 grs IMR 4064

Haven't tried 4064 yet. Did you go for a specific "jump" clearance or just use a standard OAL? Thanks

[Calfed]

I use a standard OAL for my 96/11 and 1911 Swiss rifles and a slightly shorter standard OAL for my K31's,

[Calfed]

I just checked my OAL for the 1911 and 96/11 Swiss rifle reloads...2.955

For the K31's...2.875.

I've got some of the Nosler 175 gr RDF bullets in .308. Those look like they could be seated further out

[andrew1220]

Originally Posted by Calfed

I've used the Sierra "accuracy load" in my 1911 and 96/11 Swiss rifles for years. That load is the 168 gr bullet and 43.9 grs of IMR 4064 (as previously noted).

It usually outshoots the GP11

GP11...



168gr Hornady AMAX/43.9 grs IMR 4064

Exactly what I use except I run the Nosler 168 gr custom comps.

I’ve been saving my GP11 brass as it’s too nice to scrap. Is there a market for GP11 brass? Probably only a handful of people with berdan primers on hand.

[milprileb]

This is a very fine thread for K31 shooters. Trust the knowledge shared !

I chose to go the 175gr SMK , RL 17 route but I've used 168's and 150's with success along with IMR 4064 and IMR 4895 powders. Its hard to do load development and not get awesome results with the K31. I shoot 600yds and out to 1000 yds so I prefer the heavier 175 SMK but certainly lesser weight bullets at 200/300 yds will bring in winning accuracy. The comments on GP11 being outstanding ammunition is very well documented but its tough to find these days and reloading can duplicate GP11 performance but primer shortage is the long pole in the reloading tent !

GP11... here is just a spot report on it , I bought a K31 from gun show and took it to 600 yd line here at Quantico, and first time ever shooting it at 600 ...I got a 6 3/8 inch group with its iron sights, off sand bag. Previous to this I had shot this new (to me) rifle at 100 yds and got 3 rds touching...stopped and went to 300 meters and got a 1.5 inch group with 3 rds and stopped. My results then going to 600yds with 3 shots of GP 11 and 6 3/8 " group conclusively sealed the fate of this newly acquired K31....cleaned, prepared with RIG in bore and into the gun safe. That is how good GP11 is out of the box with a accurate k31. Since I have a K31 , setting this new K31 into hibernation for my grand son seemed a good idea. Total 9 rds GP11 shot, outrageous accuracy and Yawn...nothing new to experienced K31 shooters.