Encore barrels quandary

[diamonddave2]

I just picked up a T/C Encore 20 gauge and have been thinking about a few barrel options. The new Berger EOL bullets are interesting. Should I get a 6mm Creedmore, 243, or a 6 BR in 1x7.7 twist or a 280 AI or 7 Mag in a 1 in 8 twist? Or is the 6.5 bore a better choice? Bellm says 7 mag is too much for an Encore. What's all your experience with the Encore platform? I am very experienced with the Contender and am working on a 224 Valkyrie right now (Bellm also says that's too much for the Contender). So far the only problem I've had is a very tight bolt lockup.

 

[yorke-1]

Bellm knows his stuff when it comes to the TC pistols, but I'm not sure I agree with the 7 Rem Mag being too much for the Encore or the Valkyrie being too much for the Contender. I guess they both have the potential to be over loaded beyond safe pressures in either platform.

Is the bolt lockup tight on an empty chamber, or trying to extract a fired case? Also, how old is your frame and is it a split lug barrel? Some of the old frames just don't work well with new barrels.

 

[mudygmc]

I don't know about either being too much for either frame. Some of the custom guys SSK, MGM as a few run some pretty stout rounds through them. Between my dad, brother and I we have around 25 different calibers in different configurations. Only tight lock up issues we've seen is from brass Not sized enough or over pressuring the round. Most don't seem to take pressure as good as a good bolt gun. Get tight quicker. Recoil is my main issue with a contender or encore. If you go the 7mag put a good magnum brake on it. My dad and brother both have 300WM barrels for their encores. Dad's doesn't have a brake brothers does. I'd say the 5-port brake on my brothers lowers recoil by 40% or more. You can run a pile of ammo through his and still be comfortable. 20-30 rounds through my dad's and you don't want to squeeze the trigger anymore. If deer sized animals is the biggest you plan to shoot I'd go 6creed. If bigger or longer ranges I'd probably go 280AI. Or just Buy one of each.

Adam

 

[diamonddave2]

Bellm knows his stuff when it comes to the TC pistols, but I'm not sure I agree with the 7 Rem Mag being too much for the Encore or the Valkyrie being too much for the Contender. I guess they both have the potential to be over loaded beyond safe pressures in either platform.

Is the bolt lockup tight on an empty chamber, or trying to extract a fired case? Also, how old is your frame and is it a split lug barrel? Some of the old frames just don't work well with new barrels.

The Contender is my older IMHSA pistol that I competed with in the 80's. It has an unreal trigger. My E.A. BROWN 224 Valkyrie Accuracy barrel is stiff to unlock without a round chambered. Really tight after firing a round. Best groups so far are just over a half inch. Most around .75". I thought maybe pulling a bolt off one of my old barrels and swapping it to see if it would improve. I also thought about stoning the bolt. I've shot one inch groups at 100 with the 7Tcu barrel. The gun will shoot.

 

[diamonddave2]

I don't know about either being too much for either frame. Some of the custom guys SSK, MGM as a few run some pretty stout rounds through them. Between my dad, brother and I we have around 25 different calibers in different configurations. Only tight lock up issues we've seen is from brass Not sized enough or over pressuring the round. Most don't seem to take pressure as good as a good bolt gun. Get tight quicker. Recoil is my main issue with a contender or encore. If you go the 7mag put a good magnum brake on it. My dad and brother both have 300WM barrels for their encores. Dad's doesn't have a brake brothers does. I'd say the 5-port brake on my brothers lowers recoil by 40% or more. You can run a pile of ammo through his and still be comfortable. 20-30 rounds through my dad's and you don't want to squeeze the trigger anymore. If deer sized animals is the biggest you plan to shoot I'd go 6creed. If bigger or longer ranges I'd probably go 280AI. Or just Buy one of each.

Adam

I was thinking of using it mostly for long range shooting. I have two 6 mm Remingtons, a 243, 270, two 308s, a 30-06, 204 ruger, 223, 224, 6.8 Spc, 45-70, 300 BLK, PLUS a bunch of Contender barrels. So the question is what am I missing that'll outperform the calibers I already have without paying $5.00 a round out to 1000 plus yards (6.5 -300 Weatherby rifle available at my local shop like new for $675.00). Recoil is also a consideration.