I am new to the forum and this is my first post. I recently acquired a new Merkel 140 in 470 Nitro Express. My experience with shooting rifles has been limited to 308 Win or smaller calibers, except for the couple of times I have fired a Ruger No1 in 458 Lott. I have been reloading my own ammo based on information on this forum.

I have had three shooting sessions with the Merkel. In order to cope with recoil I have been using a very firm grip when shooting the Merkel off the bench. It appears that this has the effect of causing the point of impact to be about four to five inches low and slightly to the left (I am right handed). I have been shooting six shot groups (three from each barrel) and have been able to achieve 2 inch groups (some with five shots in 1.5 inches or less). The couple of times that I shot the gun with with a more normal grip the point of impact was in the center of the target, but the recoil was much more noticable.

Is this point of impact difference to be expected? Is there something I can change with my shooting technique to allow the rifle to recoil naturally when shooting off the bench (for accuracy testing and regulating when working up loads) and not get beaten up by the recoil?

By the way, I had a recoil pad installed and I use a PAST pad on my shoulder.

I appreciate any advice that is offered.
Thanks.