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Post by vectrix on Nov 30, 2009 19:03:31 GMT -5
I was curious if anyone shoots an Encore and if so what load have you had the the most consistent accuracy with? To be honest since owning mine I have never really sat down on a bench and tried to fine tune it. Usually my buck tag is filled and I get it hitting "good enough" to get me through. Right now I am using 150 gr 777 and 250 power belt, but used the Hornadys with the red sabot with the attached rod that will hold the pellets? I have a grand invested in the set up and want to make it a shooter before next season. I mounted a Leupold vari x2 3-9 stainless with Millett steel rings and mounts. I also have another question, with thiis set up what should i ask if I decide to sell? I have the rifle and scope box also.
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Post by danf on Nov 30, 2009 19:25:55 GMT -5
I've been seeing great reviews on Blackhorn (or is it Buckhorn?) 209 powder, in various charge weights. I'd look into it if you can. From what I understand it costs a bit more per pound, but burns very, very clean and produces top velocity. It's also a bit more bulky, so while it costs more, the cost per shot is about equal to other powders.
If and when I ever get another front-stuffer (assuming it's not a Savage), I'll definitely be looking at that powder.
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Post by twoshot on Nov 30, 2009 20:41:13 GMT -5
If you are using 777 pellets you are exceeding the maximum recommended load by 50 grains. I know, lots do it but I tend to believe the manufacturer., link provided: www.hodgdon.com/PDF/muzzleloading_manual_2008.pdf?CHECKBOX_1=onI use 777 FF powder and get great accuracy with 100 grains and a 250 grain TC Shockwave. |
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Post by realhunter on Nov 30, 2009 20:43:11 GMT -5
Blackhorn 209 110 yds TC Triumph / Nikon 3-9x40 Omega BDC reticle All shots 120gr by volume (80gr by weight) I always weigh BH 209 to be exact. MMP HPH12 Sabot and a 250gr TC Shockwave (non bonded). Standard W209 primer. You must use standard primers with BH 209 not the "clean" type designed to compensate for crummy powder.... No swab between shots, last shot loaded like the first. Also make sure you give the barrel plenty of time to cool especially if its warm out!!  |
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Post by wileyonetoo on Nov 30, 2009 21:05:05 GMT -5
My buddy uses 110 grs of 777 in his Knight Disc Extreme with a 240gr sabot with very good accuracy. I don't recall the sabot manufacturer. We tried to "fine tune" this same ML with the Blackhorn 209, with the same sabot, and it was all over the place, He has traded several e-mails with Toby Bridges for his advice. He went back to the 777 for this year.
I personally use three 777 pellets and the 44-300 HP/XTP Hornady Sabot in my TC Omega and consistently place shots in groups touching each other at 50 yards. I have similar results at 100 yards. Don't have the target handy to paste in here to prove it but that's what I have experienced. This is using a Lead Sled on a fixed bench. Placed a shot right through the boiler room of a a small 8ptr last Monday from 114 yards. Accurate ML and very consistent.
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Post by trophyhunter1 on Nov 30, 2009 21:06:58 GMT -5
i also use 3 pellets of 777 with a 250 gr. sabot
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Post by Hoosier Hunter on Nov 30, 2009 21:25:57 GMT -5
Encore Prohunter 100 Grains of loose 777 300 Grain SST Low Drag Hornady 100 yards...  |
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Post by HighCotton on Nov 30, 2009 22:20:57 GMT -5
This is the 13th year hunting with my Encore - taking at least one deer each year so far. I've tried different setups (loads, Hornadys, Shockwaves, etc.) and have stuck with what seems to work best for me. I use 50 cal., 44-240gr. Hornady XTP Sabots (#6720), 100 gr. Triple Seven - 2 pellets, and Federal 209 primers. The gun consistently shoots 1-2 inch groups out to 150 yards. Most of the deer have been shot less than 50 yards. The longest shot was a doe taken through the heart at 144 yards in an open pasture. Obviously, she's one of my favorite guns. Can't speak much on the value - probably someone else on here more knowledgeable in that regard.
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Post by vectrix on Dec 1, 2009 17:53:06 GMT -5
Thanks for all the input guys, I may drop down to 100 777 form 150 and give it a try.
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Post by matahone on Dec 1, 2009 18:41:59 GMT -5
I use 100 grains 2-pellets of Pyrodex and a 200 grain shockwave. I have taken deer from 25 yards to 253 yards. My rifle is sighted 2" high at 50 yards. I have thought about changing powder, bullets but I shoot very accurately with this.
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Post by inrecordbookbuck on Dec 1, 2009 19:42:46 GMT -5
110 grains by volume BH209
250 grain SST
Harvester short black sabot
I have went thru many bullet and sabot combonations and different weight powder and this gives me the most consistent grouping. less than 3/4" 3 shot group at 100yds. off of a bench.
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Post by songdog on Dec 2, 2009 8:52:52 GMT -5
I shoot a 250 grain Hornaday w/MMP black sabot / 2- 50g pyrodex pellets / winchester 209 prime from my Encore . The only deer I ever had to track was a 80 yd shot that was hit high (shooter error ). It is my gun of choice even during the general firearm season.
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