First Double Rifle

[Ivorygrip]

Hello everyone,
I am going to be the proud owner of a Merkel Luxus 140-E 500NE so needless to say I am extremely excited.
The gun is being imported from Canada to the States so I’m not sure how much longer it will be but the process is rolling.
The next thing I wanted to ask some of the knowledgable folks on here concerning loads for the gun, I now have dies and brass and some 570gr DGX bullets but for hunting I am leaning towards shooting the CEB solids and Raptors if possible, but I am curious if anyone shoots the Barnes banded solid in their double rifles? I know the old Barnes solids have created problems with doubles but I don’t know about the newer banded solid. I have used the CEB and Barnes bullets in my Interarms 458 Lott with great success so I would like to stay on that train if possible.
I’m planning to use the DGX bullets for practice shooting much more and either the CEB/ Barnes or something like that for hunting.
I’ve also read that IMR 4831 is one of the better powders for the 500 as well.
Obviously this is allsubject to change depending how the gun regulates them.
Does anyone know what bullet/ load combo Merkel would use on this gun to regulate at the factory?
Sorry I’m new to the double game and Ive got a lot of questions from all the info I’ve learned.
I will definitely post some pictures when I get it.
Thanks all

 

[robert kuester]

Woodleigh has a loading manual that covers the old double rifles and suggested loads. several powders are listed.

 

[Aussie_Hunter]

Hello everyone,
I am going to be the proud owner of a Merkel Luxus 140-E 500NE so needless to say I am extremely excited.
The gun is being imported from Canada to the States so I’m not sure how much longer it will be but the process is rolling.
The next thing I wanted to ask some of the knowledgable folks on here concerning loads for the gun, I now have dies and brass and some 570gr DGX bullets but for hunting I am leaning towards shooting the CEB solids and Raptors if possible, but I am curious if anyone shoots the Barnes banded solid in their double rifles? I know the old Barnes solids have created problems with doubles but I don’t know about the newer banded solid. I have used the CEB and Barnes bullets in my Interarms 458 Lott with great success so I would like to stay on that train if possible.
I’m planning to use the DGX bullets for practice shooting much more and either the CEB/ Barnes or something like that for hunting.
I’ve also read that IMR 4831 is one of the better powders for the 500 as well.
Obviously this is allsubject to change depending how the gun regulates them.
Does anyone know what bullet/ load combo Merkel would use on this gun to regulate at the factory?
Sorry I’m new to the double game and Ive got a lot of questions from all the info I’ve learned.
I will definitely post some pictures when I get it.
Thanks all

Your Merkel should come with some documentation which includes info on what ammo was used for regulation. My 470 was built in 2014 and was regulated with Norma ammo loaded with Woodleighs.

 

[machinistbutler]

Sweet did you pick it up from Ralph Martinis? I know he had a luxus in 500 for sale, beautiful looking rifle.

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

Please send pictures as soon as you have it.

 

[Ivorygrip]

Yes sir. That’s the one.
Pictures are still up on his website

 

[Ivorygrip]

Will do, I am very excited.

 

[machinistbutler]

Merkel Luxus 500 N.E. - Martini Gunmakers Canada

Merkel Luxus 500 N.E. with ejectors Rifle and bores are in excellent condition 23 1/2″ octagon barrels 14 1/2″ Lop 40 1/2″ overall length Weight 9.5 lbs This rifle shoots very well. Will shoot both barrels almost touching at 30 yards …

martinigunmakers.com

Beauty of a rifle! The octagon barrels and color case hardening will really make it different! Congratulations!!

 

[Ivorygrip]

Merkel Luxus 500 N.E. - Martini Gunmakers Canada

Merkel Luxus 500 N.E. with ejectors Rifle and bores are in excellent condition 23 1/2″ octagon barrels 14 1/2″ Lop 40 1/2″ overall length Weight 9.5 lbs This rifle shoots very well. Will shoot both barrels almost touching at 30 yards …

martinigunmakers.com

Beauty of a rifle! The octagon barrels and color case hardening will really make it different! Congratulations!!

Yes, I really like the configuration
Sounds like it shoots well too
Thank you! A dream coming true

 

[Quaticman]

My Merkel 140 AE .500 NE was regulated with the Norma African PH ammo loaded with the 570 grain Woodleigh Weldcore softpoint.

 

[Ivorygrip]

My Merkel 140 AE .500 NE was regulated with the Norma African PH ammo loaded with the 570 grain Woodleigh Weldcore softpoint.

Ok good to know.
Thanks

 

[Ivorygrip]

Well it has arrived, I couldn’t be happier.
This gun was bought originally and used for several years in Tanzania and Botswana by PH Jack Franklin, so its really neat to me to have a gun that has already been there and done that.
Shot 8 rounds so far and I am impressed with the accuracy/regulation with some factory rounds loaded with Barnes tsx, I have the CEB Raptor and Safari solid on order as they are the bullets I want to use.
Many thanks to all the contributors on this forum for providing such great knowledgeable content.
Lord willing a Buffalo and elephant hunt will be coming soon.

 

[Wishfulthinker580]

Well it has arrived, I couldn’t be happier.
This gun was bought originally and used for several years in Tanzania and Botswana by PH Jack Franklin, so its really neat to me to have a gun that has already been there and done that.
Shot 8 rounds so far and I am impressed with the accuracy/regulation with some factory rounds loaded with Barnes tsx, I have the CEB Raptor and Safari solid on order as they are the bullets I want to use.
Many thanks to all the contributors on this forum for providing such great knowledgeable content.
Lord willing a Buffalo and elephant hunt will be coming soon.

Congratulations!

 

[Ivorygrip]

Couple more

 

[BnC 04]

Congrats on the Merkel!

 

[machinistbutler]

Looks awesome !

For me it is such a different feeling holding a double than a bolt action. Hard to describe but it is a great feeling .

 

[Ivorygrip]

Looks awesome !

For me it is such a different feeling holding a double than a bolt action. Hard to describe but it is a great feeling .

I agree 100%