I have a Merkel 140 in 9.3x74R. I need some help and/or advise in finding a load it likes. Anyone who has experience with this please chime in.

although not a merkel mine likes 65 gr of old 4831 with eith a 286 gr bullet or a 300 gr a frame - both hit to the same point. 2nd load was 54 gr of rl15

I use 65 grains of IMR 4831 with 286 Woodleigh Softs, Solids, 286 Nosler Partitions, and 285 Hawks with the .035jkt.

All shoot to the same zero to 200 yards.

I used 55gr of IMR4064 with 286gr Woodleigh in my Chapuis. Shot well for me. Used in both my Valmet's also with good results.

Zimbabwe, how do you like your Valmet? I assume this is the O/U similar to the Tikka 412. I am having trouble finding the Merkel 141 in 9.3 so might have to go to plan B (the Valmet/Tikka). Please pM me, I would be interested in your take on what these are worth, used.
Peter.

Is it OK to shoot the 286 grain Barnes Banded solids in a Merkel 9.3x74r double rifle?

Any potential damage or excess wear?

Thanks.

Tim

Has anyone ever tried Varget?

56 grains of R-15 with a 300 grain Swift A-frame gives 2285 fps. out of 24 inch barrels. Brian, I used to have a Merkle in 9.3 that was a VERY particular about what it liked, keep searching.

The first load I tried shoots both barrels into 2" at 100 yards. I'm sure I'll keep trying to find the perfect load until I can't get 2 bullets into a pie plate. I never was any good with the old saying "if it ain't broke don't fix it". I'll break it just to see how hard it is to fix, not intentionaly though. Anybody ever use Speer 170 grainers?