Aiming at the problem of load distribution during multi-pass cold rolling of nuclear zirconium alloy strip, the load distribution model with good shape is established by the self-adaptive particle swarm optimization algorithm (SAPSO), considering the main constraint conditions including rolling force, reduction and torque in cold rolling process. Based on the penalty function method transforming the constraint problem into the unconstrained problem, the particle swarm optimization algorithm with adaptive inertia weight factor optimized the load distribution model is developed to improve the local search ability of the particle swarm optimization algorithm. Compared with the existing nuclear zirconium alloy industrial schedule, the simulation results of load distribution based on the SAPSO can keep good shape in multi-pass cold rolling process with the high prediction accuracy. The industrial experiments demonstrate that the proportional crown difference value is consistent, the plate shape flatness is good.