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286 Barnes Triple Shok in Merkel 141 9.3x74R

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16 June 2009, 01:57
Brain1
286 Barnes Triple Shok in Merkel 141 9.3x74R
Anybody used these bullets in a 141. I am looking for a starting load. I am wanting to take this gun to Zim for a backup on buffalo and a primary on plains game. The bullets I have been using don't hold up on a big feral hog so I don't have any faith in using them on buffalo.


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16 June 2009, 02:06
aliveincc
Type in North Fork Technologies and order some softs and solids and your big hog/buff problems are over.
16 June 2009, 06:37
JudgeG
I used the Barnes TSX in 250 grains for buffalo and plains game in Tanzania two years ago. I got great bullet performance and had excellent accuracy. I used the Hodgdon published loads in my Merkel 141 and got them to regulate wonderfully, using the adjustable feature. I even took a zebra over 200 yards and a kongoni way out there, too. My buff was 30 or so yards away and ran only 60 yards or so before humping up and just awaiting a follow up to down it.

On the buffalo, penetration was great, breaking a nearside shoulder and the bullet looked like an advertisement, balled up under the far skin. Zebra and kongoni were shoot throughs with thumb-sized exits.

Remember that the little double has short barrels and some velocity will be lost thereby. I liked the extra f.p.s's that the lighter bullet produces, and would do it again without hesitation.

As a consideration, however, some folks say that you shouldn't shoot monolith bullets in doubles. I don't know what Merkel says about its warranty, but you may wish to inquire???? I paid my nickel and took my chances with no problems, but it's your investment. JMHO.


JudgeG ... just counting time 'til I am again finding balm in Gilead chilled out somewhere in the Selous.
16 June 2009, 20:36
SWD
I found the 286TSX to be too long for the throat in my 141. I had to stuff it in so far I never could get enough powder in it to get any speed out of it. I used 320g Woodleighs and used it as my primary buff rifle 3 weeks ago in Zim. The 320 Woodleighs were outstanding on buff!! The solid went almost completly lengthwise through him and exited. Load it to 2100fps and enjoy. After our PH saw the way it performed he said he would have no problems with us using it on elephant.
16 June 2009, 21:18
Brain1
Judge,
I didn't intend to get into a debate about monometals in doubles. I have talked with my Merkel rep, with my Barnes rep, and with a well known custom ammunition manufacturer. They have all stated that Barnes were fine to use in my 141. I am looking for a starting load that regulated in a 141. I already have several other guns I can take, but would like to take this one if I can get reasonably accurate results.


You can borrow money, but you can't borrow time. Don't wait, go now.
Savannah Safaris Namibia
Otjitambi Trails & Safaris
DRSS
NRA
SCI
DSC
TSRA
TMPA