The extra 8 rounds on the MkI and MkII are stowed in front of the engine fire wall between it and the turret basket. They are in 4, 2 round containers. This is why the tank can carry 14 rounds with only 6 in the ready possition on the floor of the basket.Info from DADI on Tanknet. Also gave some other load info for other weapons. Please look at the relevant posts on that site.
I may get access to a book written by a Tanknet member (Marsh) on the Merkava. Maybe this will clear away more of the fog.
