New to Encores... have questions. Thanks

[addicted]

I recently purchased a ProHunter and it will be shipped with a Bergara 7mm-08 barrel.  What kind of accuarcy should I expect with factory loads since I don't currently reload?

Also I purchased a 460 S&W Katahdin 20" barrel and I'm wondering what recoil and muzzle blast to expect.  Basically I would like to hunt thick cover with it, but not at the cost of losing my hearing and getting kicked like a mule.  Any advice would be appreciated and if I choose to switch to a different barrel, what manufacturer and caliber do you veterans suggest?

Thanks, Joel

[flinginairos]

Congrats on the new gun!!! You will LOVE the 7mm-08. I picked up the same caliber barrel from this sight a few months ago and it is a joy to shoot. It is an extremely light kicker and is VERY accurate. With factory Remington Coreloks in 140 gr mine was shooting around 1 1/2" at 100 yards. I am now shooting reloads from it and can easily get under an inch and sometimes 1/2" groups with it. Good luck!!!!

[Encore28]

Joel,
Welcome to the addiction!!!!!!!!!!!

I only shoot factory loads and all my Encore barrels are sub moa.......................You should like the 7mm-08.
The .460 should give you a thumping(Remember these guns are light and short to start with).
I have bought all my barrels through Fox Ridge Outfitters and am getting ready to order a custom .338 Federal from them(Hopefully shortly).I am getting the .338 Federal for bear hunting in PA and it is always thick cover in swamps we hunt. I am getting the barrel in 24 or 26 inches for easy carrying on drives.
Good luck with the new Encore and don't be afraid to ask advice.



Encore28

[addicted]

Thanks guys for the advice.

I have read alot on the internet about the recoil of the 460 and most say it's like a .30-06 if you shoot 200 grainers, but starts to get heavy when you go above 275 grains.  The recoil even if it's tolerable is fine, but I can't stand massive sound as I learned my lesson with a Weatherby MK5 in .30-378 w/ an accubrake without earplugs.  I thought my ear drums were going to burst.

Thanks and keep the opinions and advice coming.

Joel

[Grumulkin]

First of all, and especially with handguns, you need to wear hearing protection when shooting.  I generally wear ear plugs AND ear muffs when target shooting and also wear hearing protection when hunting.

I get 1 to 1.5 inch 3 shot 100 yard groups with my 7mm/08 Encore handgun and my 460 S&W Magnum Encore handgun does even better (under 1 MOA).  Neither gun has ever seen factory ammunition.

As for recoil, in a carbine setup, the 460 S&W Magnum shouldn't be too bad.

All of my Encore and Contender barrels except one are T/C barrels.  For a custom barrel, I would go with SSK Industries, Match Grade Machine or On Target Technologies.  If you get a custom barrel, make sure the contour will work with the forend you wish to use.

[addicted]

Thanks Grumulkin,

Question though... you said the recoil shouldn't too bad with the 20" 460 barrel, but what should I expect for muzzle blast?  I don't mind sighting in and practicing at the range with ear plugs, but I don't like wearing them during hunting.  If you think the muzzle blast/ sound is too much then I will go another route to a different caliber.

Thanks again, Joel

[Keith L]

There is no caliber that is safe for your hearing if shot when not wearing ear protection.  You may decide to take the chance but each time you do it is one step closer to the time when you can't hear the phone ring.

[addicted]

Well I guess you could say the the military has taught me bad habits then when it comes to hearing protection.  Only on the live fire ranges did we use hearing protection.  The rest of the time during training and combat I never used it.  I've shot everything from BB guns to 50 BMG's (actual machine gun) without them so when I hunt I don't use them.  Every other time I shoot whether it be breaking in a new rifle or sighting in a new scope or practicing I always wear hearing protection.  Maybe I'm hard headed, but my wife would disagree... NOT!

Thanks for replying,
                            Joel

[leatherman92]

I have an encore pistol in .460 it is a blast to shoot!!but has a bit of recoil.congrats on the new gun!!

[kiddekop]

I recently purchased a ProHunter and it will be shipped with a Bergara 7mm-08 barrel.  What kind of accuarcy should I expect with factory loads since I don't currently reload?

Also I purchased a 460 S&W Katahdin 20" barrel and I'm wondering what recoil and muzzle blast to expect.  Basically I would like to hunt thick cover with it, but not at the cost of losing my hearing and getting kicked like a mule.  Any advice would be appreciated and if I choose to switch to a different barrel, what manufacturer and caliber do you veterans suggest?

Thanks, Joel

I have an Encore Bullberry 20 inch in sw460mag rechambered from 454casull. The 460 ammo by Hornaday is light compared to magtech 260gr jfp in 454casull it rocks me with the recoil  when I fire it much like 260gr Winchester Partition Gold did when I shot my 15" Encore 454casull pistol barrel.

[addicted]

Well, I shot the Katahdin 460 S&W rifle Saturday and I have to say that I love it except for the lack of height adjustment on the rear sight.  The recoil was nothing and hard to tell with ear muffs on, but the muzzle blast didn't seem too bad either.  I will try some heavier loads soon, the only problem is I can only find Hornady 200's and Federal Premium 275's.  Since Sportsman's Warehouse is closing here there is not another store that carries it on the shelf.  I guess I will have to order some Corbon ammo.

Thanks for the input guys.

Joel