8 x 60
AH enthusiast
Gentlemen (and ladies)
I have a 1926 Merkel DR in 8 x 60 JRS. (.323) I obtained her as a bit of a basket case in 2008 and since then have sorted her out. Originally made as 8 x 57 JR (.318) and at some stage re-chambered and "let-out" to .323) . I also have had mounts made for a 4 x 32 Swaro fixed focus scope that mounts on the original claw mounts.
It took a while as I spend a lot of time working away from home so things get done slowly..
Ammo is made from 7 x 65 r brass that is cut down and reformed. (reforming dies from CH tool and die in the States) The rifle regulates perfectly with Sierra Pro-Hunter 175 grn SP bullets sitting over Varget powder. (2600fps)
![](/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi1300.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fag85%2FAde4fish%2FMerkel%25208%2520x%252060%25203_zpsztjzices.jpg&hash=7de2e98bdb8ace6bb1f2a606e1edee4b)
I have enquired from a couple of outfitters based in RSA about the suitability of this rifle for a PG hunt (these guys were offering a package) , their responses were surprisingly negative, not so much the calibre (which was not commented on) but the fact a double was ….quote…."a bit old school"
I would be grateful if any members would care to comment on suitability of not only the calibre but also the double rifle platform as being suitable for PG. NB I am not interested in long distance "sniping", stalking is my thing. Surely if people bow hunt PG why would anyone have an issue with an 8mm DR?
Cheers
Ade
I have a 1926 Merkel DR in 8 x 60 JRS. (.323) I obtained her as a bit of a basket case in 2008 and since then have sorted her out. Originally made as 8 x 57 JR (.318) and at some stage re-chambered and "let-out" to .323) . I also have had mounts made for a 4 x 32 Swaro fixed focus scope that mounts on the original claw mounts.
It took a while as I spend a lot of time working away from home so things get done slowly..
Ammo is made from 7 x 65 r brass that is cut down and reformed. (reforming dies from CH tool and die in the States) The rifle regulates perfectly with Sierra Pro-Hunter 175 grn SP bullets sitting over Varget powder. (2600fps)
![](/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi1300.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fag85%2FAde4fish%2FMerkel%25208%2520x%252060%25203_zpsztjzices.jpg&hash=7de2e98bdb8ace6bb1f2a606e1edee4b)
I have enquired from a couple of outfitters based in RSA about the suitability of this rifle for a PG hunt (these guys were offering a package) , their responses were surprisingly negative, not so much the calibre (which was not commented on) but the fact a double was ….quote…."a bit old school"
I would be grateful if any members would care to comment on suitability of not only the calibre but also the double rifle platform as being suitable for PG. NB I am not interested in long distance "sniping", stalking is my thing. Surely if people bow hunt PG why would anyone have an issue with an 8mm DR?
Cheers
Ade