Hand load Qs .204 THOMPSON CENTER ENCORE Pro S.S

[TCWoodsman]

My T/C Encore Pro S.S .204 loves 39 grain Sierra Blitkings. After many long hours of hand loading development ,I have found that this gun is truely a tack driver. Unfortunately I havent been able to match its accuracy wheng using any 32 grain bullets. Do any of you same gun owners have a recipe I should try? I would like to try to match my 1/4" groups @100 yards .I even called Thompson Center Arms Co. They Claimed this gun was produced to shoot the 32 grainers. I almost sent the barrel back to them but after Accurizing my Encore with Mike Belms oversize hinge pin, H.D lock up springs, new trigger job, I finally gave up and tried 40 grainers and havent looked back Since then. If youd like to trade some recipes or coment on your findinds please do.

 

[rickiesrevenge]

If it likes the 39's then shoot them. Why switch? Each barrel is different in what loads and bullets they like.

Aaron

 

[stacy]

My rifle want shoot the 32grs sierras but it loves 30gr and 35gr bergers with varget powder

 

[TCWoodsman]

Why try other? I'd like to be able to shoot choice. Always trying something new is part of my love in this hobby. What is your recipe with varget? I USE 25 gr. BENCHMARK. Plus I can shoot all of the 40 gr and the 39 Blitzking using the same load keeping My ogive O.A.L the same is the key. All shoot great but the Blitzking is the best of the bunch. .234" groups at 100 yards. Awesome!

 

[stacy]

I use 30gr with the 30gr and 29.5 grs with the 35gr hope this helps

 

[TCWoodsman]

Thanks Stacy; yea ever info helps. I will start trying some new loads soon. I do recall that Bergers did do much better than the others back when I starting tinkering with the lighter bullets. I will pull out my old test targets and compair some numbers. I was thingking of trying some new powders, Varget and the New. Hodgdon CFE223. The new CFE IS suppose to be real good in both. 204 & .308s. Copper Fouling Eraser . Claims say its gives faster bullet speed, better groups, and way Less copper fouling. Reaching over 4,000 fps will be easy with this New Powder. Do a google. Search and check it out. Those 2 powders are on my bench to get list. Almost time to re stock soon.

 

[TCWoodsman]

If it likes the 39's then shoot them. Why switch? Each barrel is different in what loads and bullets they like.

Aaron

although each barrel is different, Ibhave found that the Encore Barrels are very similar and shoot the same loads quit well. My buddy has the same. 308 Encore handgun that I do and I loaded up my recipe for him. His gun shoots identical to mine. Perfect. Fire formed brass was used from his gun for his load was the only difference between guns. Even those numbers were very close as well. Using Identical guns can share accuracy rounds.

 

[TCWoodsman]

Stacy ; what kind of groups are you getting with Varget n' those Bergers? Os your Encore Accurized with Mike Belms items?

 

[MrMajestic]

Try some Vihtavuori N133, all calibers of mine that it fits seem to love it. AR Comp, RL12, your Benchmark, IMR3031 are also in the right burn rate. This is just playing with Quick Load and some generic #'s. Remember, don't jam bullets in a break action as it has an adverse effect on lockup.

 

[TCWoodsman]

I never jam bullets in my Encores,I resize the neck and only do a slight sholder bump Both of my Encores have .001" headspace after resize. As we already know head space with a brake open is very important . Thanks to Mike Belm for his awesome web site for us Encore owners. If you havent checked his sight out your missing out on the true accuracy of Encores. And the do it your self trigger job is spot on! Looks like we have been sliding off topic but thamks for the tips.

 

[K9I449]

Just started a 204 encore project MGM barrel 24" fluted SS. Having them do a 1-10 twist. Brought some 40gr Vmax for the brass, order 39grBlitz to load.

 

[K9I449]

Just started a 204 encore project MGM barrel 24" fluted SS. Having them do a 1-10 twist. Brought some 40gr Vmax for the brass, order 39grBlitz to load.

UPDATE: in up with a 1-11 twist on the MGM barrel broke it in right. It like the Ficchio 40gr Vmax better than the factory Hornday 40s. Only had a few of the 39grSBK loaded H4895 shot very nice group. Thing I found had it sighted in 1.5 high at 100. It was still climbing at 155. Was not the best day. Hopefully going Monday AM try to call one in.