I finally got a chance to get to the range and begin to develope loads for my "new" Merkel 9.3x74R, barrel length 23.5 inches.

I used new Normal cases, 210Match primers, and 286 Prvi Partisan bullets. On the advise of several old hands here, I started with 4831 (Hodgdon regular cut), and loaded two rounds at 62grains and 62.5grains, then four at 63, 63.5, 64, and 64.5grains (max for the Nosler 286 Partition).

Cases were crimped into the cannelure.

62gr gave me 1937 and 1966fps
62.5 gave me 2007 and 1981fps
63 gave me 1976, 1846, 2011fps & a fail to read
63.5 gave me 2071, 2031, 1983, 2039fps
64 gave me 2017, error, 2024, 1988fps
64.5 gave me 1964, 2018, 2030fps and an error

Inspection of the bore between shots did not reveal unburnt powder. Recoil with all loads was stout (and seemed to get worse, but it was probably the growing tenderness of my shoulder.) I tested the chronograph before and after with 22lr shots and it was indicating velocities in line with expectations.
Groups at 50yds were five inches apart and 10 inches below the point of aim.

Last to 64grain loads were fired at a target at 100yds. The were 11inches apart and 12inches below the point of aim.

Although there were no signs of smoke on the cases, the general impression from all the cases was one of low pressure. The primers were well rounded and most all were backed out in the fashion of low pressure rounds. Those in barrel two backed out more. The 64.5gr loads were backed out less.

I am concerned about the failure of the point of impact to move together at all and the overall low velocities. I know that the Partisan bullet is not as stout as the Nosler, but I haven't noticed this level of velocity loss in my bolt gun (9.3x62).

Any comments or suggestions. Kudude

Your referenced loads may be the max for IMR-4831, but are not even close to maximum for H-4831. The max load for H-4831 is 70 gr. for an 286 gr. bullet, at least that is what the Hodgden info indicates. Your rifle was probably regulated with Norma 286 gr. ammunition and the velocities you are reporting are roughly 250 to 300 fps lower than that of the factory ammunition. Increase your velocities to ~2300 fps or thereabouts, and your bullet holes should come much closer together. Velocities greater than ~2350 out of your Merkel are probably beyond the upper pressure limit the rifle was designed to use. I'd start around 67 or 68 gr. of H-4831 if that is the powder you choose to use and slowly increase (~1/2 gr. at a time) until your rifle comes into regulation. Watch velocities and DON'T guesstimate pressures as that can get you into trouble with a DR. The pressures that will start to show problems (primers, stiff extraction, etc.) are more than likely beyond proof loads for your double. FWIW DuaneB

Thanks, I'll check out Hodgdon (and IMR-its the same now) site and compare. Thanks again. Kudude

I'd get faster powder (something in IMR 4320, Varget, H380 or reloader 15 class - start with 53gr) - aim upper 2300s - shouldn't be problem...

P.S. IMO don't crimp

I load H4831/68.0 behind a Norma 286 for my FN O/U. Crimping is recommended as this load is heavily compressed.

hte 2 loads my rifle likes best are #1 65 gr of H4831 & a 300 gr a frame or #2 54 gr of RE15 and the a frame

Andre - If you are having to compress 68 gr. of H4831, you might want to "dribble" the powder in or use a drop tube and pour it in slowly. I've loaded 70. gr (both H4831 and H4831SC)under the Nosler 286 and it is barely compressed. My brass is S&B, and that may be the difference, but 2 gr sounds like too large a difference for the brass alone to be causing the compression. FWIW DuaneB

There are several powders that are within the "window" for 286 loads with this cartridge: 4831(IMR&Hodgdon), 4350, 760&414, Varget and RL15. Which are 74R'd shooters finding is the most accurate? Gives the best velocity? The best overall performance?? Kudude

Which powders are "the most accurate" isn't likely to be noticable if you are shooting a DR. If the velocity, etc. are correct, the rifle will shoot as it was regulated and the accuracy is most likely whatever the rifle will produce, not necessarily related to the powder being used. Individual barrels may show a preference, but I have not investigated this aspect of loading for DR's. My experience with other rifles (bolt, SS, auto, lever) would lead me to believe the powder choice makes very little difference as long as it is in the correct burning range. I doubt you will see any difference of note in a DR. Just My opinion. DuaneB

kudude,

Re-15 with 286 bullets does very well in my 74R.

I use R907 that is on par with Re 15 along with Normas 203B and Vihtavuori N140 (according to Vihtavuori 2006 reloading manual). As said above don't bother with powder accuracy - yet (one barrel might like something else than the other) get those 2300 fps and things will work out themselves - good luck .

P.S. I use RWS brass and magnum primers.

You're absolutely correct DuaneB. I've tried a long drop tube and when dribbling slowly instead of pouring at once, there's a lot more room for the powder.

I would not claim that IMR 4831 is the best powder "ballistically" for the 9,3x74R, but with a Fed Mag Primer and 65 grains I can use 286 Woodleigh Softs and Solids, Nosler 286 Partitions, and 285gr Hawks, and they all shoot to the same zero.

The Nosler Partitions do shoot a few inches higher than the others at 300 yards because of its higher BC, but at most practical hunting ranges I can and do use them interchangeably.

This is in my Chapuis.

so how does it shoot with factory loads ?

that will tell you a lot before you load up all kinds of ammo that won't work.

maybe your rifle needs the poi adjusted

tomo,
See my later post. I tried some 4064 loads and it tightened up. I shifted from Privi Partisan to Nosler 286gr and am getting ready to do a "parallel" test with similar charges to determine how Noslers compare with Partisan. Thank you for your suggestion. Kudude

kudude

While I like the 286 Woodleigh Soft best in the 9,3, I have used the 286 Nosler Partition with excellent results as well.

In truth using it side by side with the Woodleigh it is hard to see any difference in "killing ability" between the two.

It would be a fine allround bullet for your 9,3.

NitroX,

While not using the 74R a lot, I have used it in the 9.3x62. My experience was that the 286Partition is a very tough bullet. I have shot zebra with the 9.3 and gotten less expansion than I would have liked, and it wasn't because of lack of velocity (2350-75). I have shot a large doe with the Woodleigh 286 and gotten excellent expansion at a similar velocity. I got full penetration and satisfactory expansion with the Nosler on Eland, but it is a very large animal. I'd love to know more about your experience with the Woodleigh because I do like their solid. Kudude

kudude

The following is my experience with the 286 Nosler Partition and the 286 Woodleigh Soft.

I have used both on several deer and several wild pigs.

I have killed black bear with both, one a 383 pounder was hit at 12 yards with the NP and went right down, not even a kick.

I have killed several impala many with frontal or rear entry hits, in all cases both of the bullets penetrated completely through the impala from end to end.

On Zebra performance has been similar, no real difference. [I have shot @24 Zebra with the 9,3x74R]. The ONLY 9,3 Partition I have recovered is one I shot into a zebra as a finisher at point blank range, frontal chest, in the hope it would be recovered. And it was, nicely expanded, no front core, weighing 200.1 grains.

I have shot kudu, waterbuck and many other smaller animals with both bullets, and again I cannot really tell any difference in killing ability.

The Woodleigh being a bonded bullet seems to tear up the hide on smaller animals a bit less then the Nosler.

The only cape buff I have shot with my 9,3 was with the Woodleigh 286 Soft, my biggest in horn and body. A frontal chest shot at @60 yards cut the top off the heart, he was down and dead in less than 40 yards.

I recovered that bullet as well as another from that same Safari from a Zebra and the one that hit the buff had expanded a little more and had a little less of a shank left.

My feeling is that with the same hit the Woodleigh will give a little bit better expansion, and the Nosler a little bit deeper penetration.

I like both of them, but as I stated earlier I slightly perfer the Woodleigh Soft.

A 286 Woodleigh Soft and a 286 Woodleigh Solid make a great pair for any 9,3x74R double.