I'm going to get rid of my tc encore muzzloader here in the classfields, in hopes to fund a smokeless barrel for my custom rifle, it uses a zermatt arms origin action. I am currently looking at the pva smokeless prefits, but see they offer only 1:16 45 cal barrels, what twist rates and barrel lengths are you guys running on a smokeless 45 cal? Looking for recommendations on who to have do the work as well
Smokeless muzzleloader barrel?
- Thread starter joko111
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Deputy819
Well-Known Member
I'm running a 26" 1-18" twist Brux #17 contour on my SML. A 1-20" twist works fine for most SML applications, though.
What's the reason for the pva 1:16 twist rate? Does that have any Benefit over the 1:20? Does it make sense to use that ?
Deputy819
Well-Known Member
I have Jeff Hankins do all my SML work, but he just happens to live an hour away from me.
Deputy819
Well-Known Member
Beats me.
I don't know anyone running a twist THAT fast in their SML rifles….and I compete 2 or 3 times a year in Hankins 'Kentucky Challenge' shoots. The majority are running 1-20" twist barrels and have ZERO problems shooting 300-325 grain bullets to 400 yards and beyond….VERY accurately I might add. Only reason I went with 1-18" is that was all Hankins had at the time of my build.
rlp10ml
Well-Known Member
All 3 of my Smokeless Muzzys are running 1-20 barrels. I shoot 275 gr. bullets from the Encore and Rem 700 and 300 gr. from the Arrowhead Obsidian.
ENCORE
Well-Known Member
I wish I was running a 1:16 in a 45. Currently running a 1:19.
If I were to build a 40cal, it would likely be 1:14.
If I were to build a 40cal, it would likely be 1:14.
Deputy819
Well-Known Member
Would that benefit you running those BIG, heavy 350's? (asking for a friend
)
ENCORE
Well-Known Member
Yes sir!Would that benefit you running those BIG, heavy 350's? (asking for a friend
Deputy819
Well-Known Member
ENCORE
Well-Known Member
My CSTM brake handles all that recoil. Best to do it right the first time. 
I'm getting to darn old to keep switching things around or following the "next best thing". Plus, the doc says I need the other knee replaced. Yeah, its getting to the point where I might want to start the shots.............
Deputy819
Well-Known Member
Mine (which is a "copy" of yours) does great as well. However, I scaled back to the 300's after punishing myself at the last Challenge with the 325's and 103.5 gr H4895. I didn't even shoot the gong match afterwards. I'd had ENOUGH!
We must live pretty close. I just got done cutting 1/2 the cliff off down at Jeff's gun range for him to widen it out at the 450 yard targets lol. I live in Bracken co. His range is 1 mile from the houseI have Jeff Hankins do all my SML work, but he just happens to live an hour away from me.
