Encore Barrel Recommendations

[Fl0und3rz]

I have a TC Encore on order, my first. 

Any recommendations on barrel sources?  Factory? MGM? EABCo?

Thank you.

[headshot5]

Pistol or rifle?  I've had great luck with MGM barrels.  My most accurate barrel is a 204 barrel from MGM.  Bullberry barrels are also great, and so are SSK.   I've never used an EABCO encore barrel.   Factory barrels also shoot fine. 

I think the general consensus is factory barrels shoot just as good.  The custom barrels (MGM, Bullberry, and SSK) are economical for specific configurations (caliber, length, special features), that you can't find in factory barrels. 

Good luck with your Encore!

 

[Fl0und3rz]

Thanks.

Pistol receiver, and pistol, first.  Thinking .243 win, first.  Excited to get set up.

[jackelope]

Bullberry is retired. I believe they reopened under a different name.
MGM is a good way to go. Really they’re all pretty good.
Go to https://www.bellmtcs.com and get yourself the 1x hinge pin, the heavier hammer spring and the trigger kit. I’d do that before I worried about barrels.

[Fl0und3rz]

Ah, that's why I couldn't find Bulberry.

And I'd forgot about Bellm.  Thanks for the tips on trigger, hammer, and hinge pin.

[jackelope]

You can do all of those upgrades DIY in a short period of time.  A hammer extension is a good idea but only use the Bellm one and don’t do it without also doing the heavier hammer spring.

[yorketransport]

If you're gonna do it, do it right and get a 10" 50 Alaskan barrel.

I'm actually in the same boat as you. I've got a Encore rifle receiver sitting here that I need to figure out what to do with it. There was a plan, but I've already been side tracked.

[JimmyHoffa]

.50 BMG....Make Encores Great Again

[Encore 280]

The best prices I've found are at Natchez Shooters Supply. I really like how my stainless 280 and 7mm barrels shoot. Nothing wrong with the others either. I would pay close attention to Jackelope's tips also.

[Fl0und3rz]

Going to, thanks, and thanks for the NSS tip.

.50 BMG....Make Encores Great Again

You must've missed the svelt wrists watch recommendation thread.

[JimmyHoffa]

I've found great prices at NSS, too....until checkout and my shipping/handling gave me kick in the junk. (That was for muzzleloader powder.)

[HighlandLofts]

I have a couple of encore 15 inch barrels that came with a pistol I want to part with.

[Fl0und3rz]

If you're gonna do it, do it right and get a 10" 50 Alaskan barrel.

I'm actually in the same boat as you. I've got a Encore rifle receiver sitting here that I need to figure out what to do with it. There was a plan, but I've already been side tracked.

I've always liked the profile of the Katahdin factory barrels.  I will almost assuredly own one in .45-70 at some point.

[jdb]

I’m back in this game as well having just picked up a 7/08 barrel. What’s the recommendation for a scope  base? Also maybe an encore q&a sticky?

[Fl0und3rz]

Although I am initially looking at open sighted barrels, I welcome all Encore recommendations.

[jackelope]

I have EGW rails on all my barrels.

If you really want to go trick, you can send your barrel to Bellm and have him tap for extra base screws and have his rail put on.


https://www.bellmtcs.com/picatinny-scope-base-for-encore-220035

[Fl0und3rz]

And so it begins.  Encore receiver arrived at FFL today.  Woot.

Bummer. They ordered the wrong part. Scored an Aero lower a LPK, though.

[Fl0und3rz]

I finally picked up my receiver.  Now on to the addiction, uh, additions.

Regarding the BLM oversized hinge pins, it seems that there are multiple sizes.  Is this a function of the receiver dimensions, the barrel dimensions, or both?

[headshot5]

Generally the receiver.  The holes can be a bit loose.  I've never experienced problems, but it has been reported that if the pin is to loose when you open and close your frame the pin moves in the frame, which causes a different lockup every time.

I've never used an oversized pin, but I suppose if you have a sloppy hinge pin it would be a good idea.   

Here is a quick read on it.  I'd try some HVAC tape if you suspect your hinge pin in to loose.   If it helps with accuracy then I would probably get an oversized pin.   

https://www.prbullet.com/encore2.htm

 

[Fl0und3rz]

Thanks. They're cheap, so I was going to order one when I ordered the trigger and hammer spring kit.  It just then occurred to me that I might need to check one or more components for sizing before I spent the money.  I'll try your trick if I have issues.

Bonus is that I already have some of that around here.

[Fl0und3rz]

Just ordered this barrel.

Pistol Heavy Contour 15" Adjustable Sights Fluted Stainless Steel, 1:10" Twist

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1003822392?pid=337710


Anyone have any ammo recommendations or pet loads for such a setup?  I am thinking of starting with a 100-110 grain factory load.

[jackelope]

Thanks. They're cheap, so I was going to order one when I ordered the trigger and hammer spring kit.  It just then occurred to me that I might need to check one or more components for sizing before I spent the money.  I'll try your trick if I have issues.

Bonus is that I already have some of that around here.

More than likely, it will take a #1 Bellm pin.

[Fl0und3rz]

Barrel is here. 

Pistol Heavy Contour 15" .243 Win Adjustable Sights Fluted Stainless Steel, 1:10" Twist

Any load recommendations? I am looking at hitting load books to see if they have Encore specific pistol loads.

[jasnt]

Barrel is here. 

Pistol Heavy Contour 15" .243 Win Adjustable Sights Fluted Stainless Steel, 1:10" Twist

Any load recommendations? I am looking at hitting load books to see if they have Encore specific pistol loads.

87gr is going to probably be the sweet spot.     Target or hunting or both?

[Fl0und3rz]

Both, deer, coyote for hunting.  Thanks for the input.  I was coming to the conclusion that 90ish was probably going to be what I was using.

[jdb]

Not in an encore but I’ve shot a couple coyotes recently with .243 90 grain accubond and they’ve been devastating. I’m looking at trying federalists 85 grain copper hollow point as a dual purpose bullet. I just shot my encore again after a long hiatus.

[jasnt]

The 87 gr vmax has been deadly for coyote and at lower velocity great on deer too if you stay out of the shoulder

[Fl0und3rz]

Thanks.  I'll probably go with a partition, once I fix my sights on a load range and load my own.  I usually start out with a couple boxes of factory, to get an idea what I am looking for, then proceed with the fire formed brass for loads. 

This will be likely for 200 and under (once I get accustomed to shooting it), the logic being a 6mm hole in a coyote will be enough, and a partition would hold up to that range and possible shoulder shots on deer.