Hi all,
Well I took my Merkel 141 for it's first range outing yesterday...l couldn't wipe the grin off my face, I'm a fully converted double rifle nut now it seems!
However it was not all roses....accuracy was non existent. I couldn't even determine a sense of regulation as there was a complete lack of consistency. I had loaded up some Hornady 250gr ECX bullets, with several loads of Viht N140. However in my guns short 20" barrels I only managed to get just over 2000fps with a 50gr load. We determined there might not be enough velocity to properly stabilise these all-copper bullets.
So I'm going to follow the advice several forum members have given me and revert to a lead core bullet of 250gr, change the powder to N550 and aim for a velocity of around 2300fps...which Quickload suggests should be achievable in my short barrels without undue pressures.
My question is, what is a good all round bullet of this weight to use? I intend to use this gun in Africa for everything from Impala to Blue Wildebeest and Eland...and my concern is some premium grade bullets like the Woodleigh RN might be too tough and not open adequately on smaller game such as impala with a reduced impact velocity.
The Norma Oryx bullet and Nosler Accubonds look good though...does anyone have any thoughts on these as an all rounder in this calibre?
Any thoughts and suggestions appreciated, thanks!
Well I took my Merkel 141 for it's first range outing yesterday...l couldn't wipe the grin off my face, I'm a fully converted double rifle nut now it seems!
However it was not all roses....accuracy was non existent. I couldn't even determine a sense of regulation as there was a complete lack of consistency. I had loaded up some Hornady 250gr ECX bullets, with several loads of Viht N140. However in my guns short 20" barrels I only managed to get just over 2000fps with a 50gr load. We determined there might not be enough velocity to properly stabilise these all-copper bullets.
So I'm going to follow the advice several forum members have given me and revert to a lead core bullet of 250gr, change the powder to N550 and aim for a velocity of around 2300fps...which Quickload suggests should be achievable in my short barrels without undue pressures.
My question is, what is a good all round bullet of this weight to use? I intend to use this gun in Africa for everything from Impala to Blue Wildebeest and Eland...and my concern is some premium grade bullets like the Woodleigh RN might be too tough and not open adequately on smaller game such as impala with a reduced impact velocity.
The Norma Oryx bullet and Nosler Accubonds look good though...does anyone have any thoughts on these as an all rounder in this calibre?
Any thoughts and suggestions appreciated, thanks!
