Reduced load for Encore pistol in 308 win

[PigButtons]

I purchased an Encore pistol at auction that came with a 15" .308 Win barrel. I never thought about shooting full power loads from the pistol so the barrel sat in the safe. But after some reading here and some studying on reduced loads I thought to give it a try. I wanted something close to .357 Magnum energy and speeds so that is where I started for load data. I have plenty of Speer 125gr pro-hunter bullets and Lil'gun so after a few tries I came up with this combo that works well for me in this pistol:

Nosler brass
Speer 125 gr pro-hunter bullets
CCI 200 large rifle primers
Lil'gun 12.2 gr
Pufflon filled to the case neck

1405 fps avg, ES 10, SD 5

That works out to about 548 ft-lbs of energy at the muzzle; since I mostly hunt cardboard out to 100 yards that should yield a humane kill every time. I haven't shot but a few groups but so far they were all under 1/2" at 50 yards off of a bag. For me that's as well as I can shoot a pistol so I'm a happy camper.



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[TC260]

Good to start with reduced loads. Full power 308 loads will take some getting used to. I used to shoot 4759 and AA5744 a bit in various rifles and they did well. Maybe something else to try.

For full power loads in Contenders/Encores off a rest, I found a light grip and letting the pistol recoil up and back to be the easiet and most consistent technique. A firm grip is hard on your joints and accuracy suffered, for me at least. Others may fare better.

 

[PigButtons]

Good to start with reduced loads. Full power 308 loads will take some getting used to. I used to shoot 4759 and AA5744 a bit in various rifles and they did well. Maybe something else to try.

For full power loads in Contenders/Encores off a rest, I found a light grip and letting the pistol recoil up and back to be the easiet and most consistent technique. A firm grip is hard on your joints and accuracy suffered, for me at least. Others may fare better.

You are absolutely right about letting the pistol free recoil. With the 15" barrel from a rest it really wants to push straIght back with little to no muzzle flip. I had a friend over yesterday and I was able to watch him shoot. The pistol went back about 2' and up only about 1/2". Much friendlier than I expected even with the reduced loads.

 

[Mayor Tim]

I shoot a Wichita MK 40 in 308 with a 15" barrel that has a muzzle brake. My load is 25gr IMR4227, 150 GR SP interlock bullet. WLR primer, winchester brass. I use this in IHMSA shooting. Mild recoil & very accurate.

 

[PigButtons]

I shoot a Wichita MK 40 in 308 with a 15" barrel that has a muzzle brake. My load is 25gr IMR4227, 150 GR SP interlock bullet. WLR primer, winchester brass. I use this in IHMSA shooting. Mild recoil & very accurate.

I had to look up the Wichita MK 40. It looks like it should be in star wars.
Thanks for the load data; I don't have any 4227 but can probably get close.

 

[K9TXS]

If you haven't checked it out already, look at Specialty Pistol Forums.

This is a great website for specialty pistols.