I just received my Merkel 141E. The factory regulation target info reads:

9.3x74R,LL=550,m.MV
PmBSchw.R.,HLII
Arab/gasnitr.,mit RB

Then it has

Kugel-Patrone: Norma
GeschoBart: Vulkan

I can figure out that the brand or Ammo is Norma Vulcan bullets and 232 grains, but I'm confused about the MV above. I convert that to way less than 2000 fps and factory Vulcans are listed on the other side of 2600 fps.

What's up?

BTW, the target has a left and a right 1" apart horizonally and 0" vertically.

If the "550" is Meters/sec I have it at 1,805 fps. To get to 2,625 fps you would need almost 800 M/S.

I see that the factory ammunition section of the Norma website is down right now so you can't see what the Vulkan is loaded to right now.


<A HREF="http://www.norma.cc/htm_files/ammoh.htm%5B/URL%5D" TARGET=_blank>http://www.norma.cc/htm_files/ammoh.htm</A>

The Norma 232 grain Vulkan bullet is loaded to a muzzle velocity (MV) of 2625 fps with muzzle energy (ME) of 3551 ft. lbs.

Norma's factory loads with 286 grain bullets show a MV of 2362 fps and a ME of 3544 ft. lbs. At 100 yards the figures are 2135 fps and 2894 ft. lbs.

I agree with you, but I wondered if the German words had something to do with distance? I can't imagine a Vulcan bullet downloaded to that muzzle velocity.

BTW, while trying to translate the German, I discovered that the grid for the test target was centimeters instead of inches... so my spread is only .7"

Was this done during Oktoberfest? That could explain it.

My BET would be that they used factory ammo, which would make the "550" refer to something totally different. Maybe a lot number. Perhaps a 55 meter range?

I believe that VhitaVouri has a powder designated as 550.

As for the rest, my German is very rusty, but I get:

Drink--your--Ovaltine....

quote:

Originally posted by JudgeG:
... so my spread is only .7"

Maybe that is at point blank range!

You guys are a real help.

It says LL=550.

This could mean Lauf langde 550 millimeters
or 55 cm or 22 inches ?

Judge: Did you get the Merkel new ? I have three Merkel shotguns; I think they're great - lots of quality for the money.

You got it! It's advertised as having a 550 mm barrel. Thank you!

The Merkel is new and was bought from Kenco who posts here. I got prompt service and he always returned calls, etc.

I've bought from him, & I agree, he's great to deal with. I got a great old Husquvarna 8X57 from him a while back - even better than he said.