Went to the range yesterday with a new to me Merkel 140 - may have been unfired. Not knowing with the rifle was regulated with, I brought along S&B 285gr, Norman 285gr and 232gr and RWS 247gr (a benefit of having various 9.3s over the years is a wide collection of ammo). The rifle crosses at 50 yards. I moved to 25 yards just to check what I was seeing. At 25 yard the bullets from each barrel touch and form their own group. The right barrel hits two inches to the left of the point of aim and the left barrel groups two inches to the right - composite groups are 4" wide. (Is it correct to say the barrels are crossing by 2" or 4"? - dumb question). The rifle crosses with all of the ammo tried. Can handloading correct this degree of crossing? Also, all but the 232gr loads seemed to be somewhat stiff to open. Could this rifle be running "fast" hence the crossing and apparently stiff loads? Weather was a nice 65F. As always, any thoughts greatly appreciated.

Kynoch:
1. Slow it down to see if that lessens or stops the crossing.
2. Try a different and/or lighter bullet.
3. Email Merkel for the load they regulated your rifle for.
4. Stiff to open is a sign of high pressure.
5. Chronograph the factory loads and try to slow them down.
Between the above, you should get your answer and good luck.
cal

Also, if slowing the rounds down doesn't uncross the barrels, or if you have to slow it too far below design specs for your personal preferences, you'll need to experiment with a slower powder in order to get the correct (design) velocity AND have the bullet leave the barrel at the proper point in the recoil arc (a little later than it is with your current load).

A change in bullets will affect this as well.

You have to find the magic combination of powder load (number of grains), powder speed (some accelerate the bullet quicker than others but still give the same muzzle velocity), and bullet design / weight, that will make it shoot to regulation.

Plan Z, if nothing else works is to pick a load that shoots good individual barrel groups and have JJ Perodeau reregulate the rifle for the chosen load.
The 9,3x74R is a marvelous hunting calibre.

Thanks everyone. Looks like I have a reloading project this spring.

Cal, Im tackling getting a Manton 12 bore ball rifle shooting as well. If you don't have yours worked out, we can compare notes if you like.

Pm me anytime, Kynoch. I've been waiting on a bullet sizer die. After that, I'm ready to go.
Cal