I recently purchased a Merkel 470 NE. The Merkel felt and handled very well for me. My gun was regulated for the Federal TB Sledgehammers. The factory representation of the 50 meter target showed a two group measuring less than 1/2".

I spoke with GSI concerning the mono-metal bullets ie Barnes Banded, etc. They basically told me that if the bullet maker suggest they work in Doubles then it would be ok...my loads seem to work very well out of my Merkel...better POI than the Federal stuff and more consistent velocity, etc.

I have been using the new Barnes Banned 500 grain Solids and they shoot as good as I can shoot with open sights! I have been using H4831sc. My Woodleigh Soft load shoots to the same POI with the Barnes Banned....I guess I was lucky from the get go. I will be testing the North Fork Cup Points and Flat Nosed Solids when I can get my hands on them. I expect North Fork to have them available in the next week!!

The only thing I would change about my Merkel.. is possibly putting a recoil pad on it...but the thing shoots so well I hate thinking about changing anything about it!

You will enjoy the Merkel...I certainly do!