Hi!
Have combination gun (Merkel 16b. / 9.3X72R); dies, bras (RWS & S&B), Hawk bullets and cast bullets 193-200 g
Need powder and suggested loads?
Anyone here shooting a drilling or combination with this rifle cartridge?
Thanks!
Jim
There are many, many. Ford may have the most or most possibilities w/ local American powders. What bullet is stamped on the tube or what bullet are you considering?
Cheers,
Raimey
rse
With the 200 grain Norma and the 193 grain DWM bullets in a Kreighoff tip up single and a Cape combo I used 40 to 42 grains of 3031.
Any filler, Dacron or Kapok?
Cheers,
Raimey
rse
Ohiochuck,
There are three levels of pressure you need to consider when loading for your rifles. The proof marks will tell you the limit you need to put on your loads. You may very well have to use a different load in each rifle. A rifle with only black powder proofs would need the lowest level loads; a "nitro" proofed rifle would use the next, and most common, level; A rifle with "Express" proof ( crown E) can be loaded to slightly higher levels. I usually use a tuft of kapok tamped down over the powder, but importantly, this is not a recommendation. The use of fillers and the type filler are vary controversial subjects; with some claiming this can result in "ringed" chambers, some with anecdotal evidence. Only you can decide whether you use filler and which type, since no one else can control the handloading practices you follow . That said, my favorite cast bullet load is a 210gr blunt nose bullet( H&G 512c)in front of 13 gr of Red Dot ( Ed Harris-The Load), but with kapok. Another common load which also works as a "Nitro for Black" load is 12 gr of Unique behind a 200 gr( Lyman mold block shortened to drop 200 gr) bullet. Someone mentioned using 40-42 gr 3031 with a 200 gr bullet. In my main rifle ( Express proofed), 41 grains of 3031, with kapok, gives the RWS 193 gr bullet about 2270 fps. Other fast to medium burning powders give similar results. I often use military "pull down" 4895, 4198, Unique, Red Dot; sometimes Norma 201, 4320, or 4064. I sometimes use Bullseye with cast 95gr 9mm Makrov in a squib load( this is a fun, but not very accurate load, since the short bullet is not well supported in the throat).I have recently been made aware that Vit.VN140 has a burning rate similar to the old German R5 powder and if I get another rifle I may try to duplicate old German loads.
For anyone with a computer loading program, I would limit loads for black powder rifles to about 1200 bar; for Nitro proofed, about 1800 bar; and for Express proofed, about 2000 bar ( CUP). I hope you find this helpful.
Mike
Mike,
I am having trouble mastering posting photos on this web site
When German Gun Collectors site is back up I will post photos there
It is a Merkel 302 ser. made in 1933.
Thanks!
Jim
Jim,
For a 1933 Merkel, there is no doubt it is, at least, nitro proofed. It could be Express proofed.
Mike
The only filler I ever tried was 1/16 of a sheet of toilet paper loosely placed above 12 grains of Unique in a 45-70 and I'm not convinced it even made a difference.
Halfadouble,
In my considered opinion, 1/16 of a sheet is not nearly enough for a 45-70 size case. I wouldn't use less than a 1/4 sheet, even in fireforming loads where it is held in place by being filled with grits/cornmeal/worn polishing media. It is likely that 1/16 sheet wouldn't stay in place long enough to get to the truck, before going to the range.
Mike
Mike, I'll run a test next time I go to the range. I'll put 12 grains of Unique in a 45-70 case and put the 1/16 TP in with no bullet and put it base down in the ammo box as I have done before and when I get to the range I'll see if that vicious fluffy powder has tried to escape;-)
Halfadouble,
Great, let us know how it works out.
Mike