Big Bear,

Well this is my first post here, however, I post on AR using the same "jjs". I recently bought my first DR a new Merkel in 470. Mine was regulated for the Federal TB Sledgehammers...not sure about your DR.

As others have noted here G. Wright's book is very valuable resource. You can purchase it from Midway as well. Reloading Dies & Shell Holders were difficult to obtain as of last week but I found that Graf & Sons had them in stock. If you are going to reload you will need a larger press than standard..I purchased the RCBS Ammo Master but the Rockchukker Supreme will work fine as will others.

My fist set of handloads were using H4831sc, Norma Brass, Barnes Banded Solids, Federal 215Match Primer...sized, trimmed, crimped, etc...the last load I tested was chronographed at 2112 fps (the same a Fed. Factories, in my rifle). My handloads were much more consistent, shoot to point of aim, and grouped better than I could have expected.

I plan on experimenting with Barnes Banded and Triple Shocks (which are just now available from Barnes), North Fork Cup Points and Flat Nose, and Woodliegh Softs. Powders I will be using H4831sc, H4350, and possibly RL 15 but I do not like the idea of fillers...but that may change.

Good luck!
jjs