Author Topic: Factory Encore Barrel in 7m-08 (Read 1088 times)

longwinters · « **on:** June 14, 2003, 09:46:24 AM »

I am thinking about adding another barrel to my Encore 209X50. I am a 7m-08 caliber fan and was wondering what kind of luck you guys have had with the factory manufactured barrets ( 24") in this caliber. I would also think about a 6.5 or a .308. But I have read that some of the factory barrels (in specific calibers ) are not typically good shooters. I will not accept less that MOA. Can I expect it with a factory barrel in one of these calibers?

Bullseye · « **Reply #1 on:** June 14, 2003, 06:08:03 PM »

I have a 25-06 26" HB and a friend of mine has a 308 24" barrel. These are both factory barrels and will do the sub MOA thing with factory ammo. Factory barrels are good in my opinion and worth the money. Out of 15 or so Contender barrels, I have yet to have one that would not shoot good. Guess I am just lucky and I do not examine a barrel to death and beat myself up over whether the throat and bore looks like it is supposed to, I just make them shoot.

RonF · « **Reply #2 on:** June 15, 2003, 01:48:36 AM »

My 15" barrel in 7mm-08 is great, but the 24" I had would not have met your accuracy standards. It locked up on this frame with a "buzz" indicating looseness. Nothing I did helped. I finally sold it, and the guy I sold it to has told me it is doing fine on his frame. A .22-250 heavy barrel on this frame works really great, with less than MOA groups. Go figure.

RonF

longwinters · « **Reply #3 on:** June 15, 2003, 10:20:06 AM »

Generally the only caliber I have heard repeated negatives on is the .223. But, Bullseye, I tend to be the same way. I don't get into examining a thing to death, and generally my rifles all shoot real well. However, I try to do my homework ahead of time and not go with a manufacturer that I hear repeated comments on a common complaint. I know that if I buy certain guns I will expect to have a trigger job done on them from the get go . . . no surprises. But if I end up getting surprised then it makes me kind of ornery. :x

Bullseye · « **Reply #4 on:** June 15, 2003, 02:05:17 PM »

I know what you mean longwinters, I was not trying to be onery with my response. I agree with you doing some homework. Sad thing is that you never know when that bad shooting gun or barrel will end up yours and bite you in the ***. I know sooner or later I am going to get a bad T/C barrel just like I have had other rifles and shotguns that did not shoot good. I always just try to buy cheap so that I do not lose that much on a lemon or at least minimize my loses.

Oh by the way, I have never had a T/C 223 barrel. That could be the one that breaks my streak if I ever get one, I have heard the same things you have about some of them.

longwinters · « **Reply #5 on:** June 15, 2003, 03:59:18 PM »

Bullseye, never even thought you were getting persnickity. I like to keep it simple. Appreciated your response.

Steve E · « **Reply #6 on:** June 16, 2003, 09:25:29 AM »

I had two of the calibers you stated, the 7-08 and 6.5x55 Swede 24 "rifle barrels. I bought them both new and after a couple hundred rounds each rounds for break-in started to try to develop accurate handloads. Both barrels copper fouled so bad you could sell mining rights in them and would definitely meet your accuracy requirements. Couldn't get them under 2.5 to 3 inches, I tried about 6 to 8 different bullets and about 6 different powders with no good results, my Van Horn 7TCU pistol barrel will shoot 1 inch at 100 yds. so I know I can shoot a little better than 2.5-3 inches. One of the gunsmiths at T/C said to lap the barrel, well it didn't help, still 2.5 to 3 inches. Finally sold them and eventually got a 6.5 Swede barrel from Bobby Tomeck and it shoots 1 to 1.5 inch, I'm happy with it. I traded a 20 Ga. slug barrel with Ed Kirkpatrick at Ed's T/C's for a new 26 in. 223 heavy barrel and found out it didn't care for 55 gr. bullets(around 2 inches). My buddy gave me some 40 gr. V-max bullets and it will shoot 1/2 inch at 100 yds now. When it comes to T/C's there are thousands of things to try for accuracy, 1 screw in forend, 2 in the forend, 1 tight one loose, where to place the front rest, no hand on the forend etc. etc. it goes on and on. Everyone has a trick and most of the time they do help. One thing I like to do is to minimize contact of the forend with the barrel(free float, pillar bed, hanger bar etc.) and place the front rest at the rear of the forend when shooting from the bench and size your cases for each individual barrel. The main thing is to enjoy, there are a lot of good people on this forum and they all will help if you ever have a problem. Take care end enjoy.

Steve E.........

Leon Garfield · « **Reply #7 on:** June 17, 2003, 02:27:49 PM »

I have a 7mm08 in the 24" stainless right know. I have had real good luck with it. I am getting consistant MOA groups with it. The other day I got a 1.125 at 200 yards. I am a little different than some. I do not shoot heavy bullets in mine. I am using the speer 115gr hp. I have had good luck with this in all 3 of my encore barrels. I have the 24", 15" and a 10". I am know using Varget by hodgdon right know and it seems to perform well....

quicksdraw45 · « **Reply #8 on:** June 22, 2003, 04:49:56 AM »

My stock stainless .223 heavy barrel rifle will shoot consitent 3/4 moa groups and throw one in that is sub 1/2 moa . I guess I was lucky this was only the 3rd load I tried in it . I hate to admit it but the most limiting factor is probally the trigger man when it come to this rifle , I am trying to improve my own skills though . This is after 30 years of shooting handguns and just got into rifles a year ago.