Author Topic: .260 SS barrel for T/C Encore? (Read 817 times)

Barely Tame · « **on:** November 02, 2004, 03:53:48 AM »

Hi All,

I'm new to Graybeard Outdoors. I recently purchased a T/C Encore and will soon buy a pistol barrel. I've been encouraged to buy a 15" .260 and reload for myself. I intend to use the barrel to hunt whitetail deer and black bear (maybe elk), but also long range for varmints. I'm thinking about a 15" .260 SS barrel with muzzle break. What do you all think? I know T/C Custom Shop does not have blanks in SS. Do other shops make such a barrel? Also, what do you recommend for a scope and scope mounts? Thanks for your replys and for all I've learned on this site already.

Darrell H · « **Reply #1 on:** November 02, 2004, 06:02:45 AM »

Well you asked for opinions so I'll give you mine. :-D

I think the .260 will be fine for deer, black bear, and elk (at reasonable ranges).

I have had excellent results with Bullberry barrels. As far as scope mounts, I would recommend using one of Bullberry's steel bases with Warne rings.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

X

Barely Tame · « **Reply #2 on:** November 03, 2004, 02:36:32 PM »

Thanks for the reply. Is there a caliber that you would recommend over the .260? And which taper would you recommend for general hunting and predators -- little or no competitive shooting? Again, Thanks.

Ron

haroldclark · « **Reply #3 on:** November 03, 2004, 03:03:31 PM »

Hello X-caliber and Tame

I don't use my barrels to hunt with. However, I shoot long range and cannot spare any misses.

I received my 7mm BR Barrel from Dave Van Horn. I shot it on last Thursday, Saturday and Monday at the 500 meter Silhouette range. What a barrel. I called Van Horn to day and raved about the quality of workmanship and the deadly accuracy.

I have put 200 rounds through it already. The weld at the lug is smooth as it could possibly be and the SS barrel has Van Horn's muzzle brake. The fit of the muzzle brake is so well done that it can only be seen in the bright day light.

I had the barrel in 4 weeks after ordering it. I hate to wait. The cost for the 18.5" barrel without the muzzle brake (one inch full bull size) was $340.

Monday, I ran 20 turkeys at 430 yards with out a miss and then took of the remaining chicken that was there too.

All of my shooting buddies have shot it and they are looking at Van Horn barrels instead of Bullberry. I think Bullberry is a fine barrel, but the wait time is too long. I'm 69 years old and I don't have time to waste waiting.

Two of my buddies have Bullberry and Virgin Valley barrels and they are great, but I'm going to beat them at our next Long Range Handgun Match in 2 weeks.

Have a nice day.

Harold Clark

KYODE · « **Reply #4 on:** November 03, 2004, 04:20:45 PM »

a .260 should be great

i have a 7mm-08 and like it extremely well also.
are ya sure ya want a muzzle brake? they do reduce recoil considerably, but noise level will increase significantly also. my 15" 7-08 does not have a brake, and i find it easy to shoot. still.....if ya want even less recoil, a brake should do the job.

you can get a full custom barrel from OTT(on target technologies) in stainless. mike can also add a muzzle brake to your barrel.
http://www.mbmco.net/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=SFNT&Store_Code=OTT

there are so many good options to go with in scopes and mounts, it is really hard to pin one down without knowing exactly what you want to do with it, or pay for it.
as for a scope, a burris 2x7, or 3x12 ler scope are my favorites, and is what i get if i can find the $. if no $........then a 2x6 bushnell trophy, or 2.5x8 weaver will suffice.
as for a mount, i like a redfield 3 ring mount that is lapped true......or burris signature dual dovetail base/rings...........or a weaver base with 3 burris zee rings, or 3 leupold vertical split rings.

i believe mid-south shooter supply is a board sponsor. order a catalog from there, or midwayusa. look thru them, or even the web sites to get ideas on what you want . i find it easier to study the catalog for such tasks. :lol:

Barely Tame · « **Reply #5 on:** November 04, 2004, 05:19:47 AM »

Yow, great information -- didn't know a muzzle brake adds to the noise (my lack of experience shows again). I've looked at the webpages suggested in response to my original post and have them in my favorites. Still have a question about taper/fluting. I'd like the finished piece to be as light as possible without sacrificing accuracy -- that's a good trick, right? Thanks again for all your help!

KYODE · « **Reply #6 on:** November 04, 2004, 08:57:30 AM »

OTT does barrel fluting......and the barrel i've seen, and pics of barrels are really sharp lookin!

fluting would reduce weight, and i doubt that it would hinder accuracy any significant amount on a hunting type barrel.

i have heard some muzzle brakes are louder than others. i have shot an SSK brake, but it was insignificant with ear muffs on. a pair of electronic, hearing enhancing / gun noise reducing ear muffs would be nice if one was hunting with a muzzle brake.

Ski · « **Reply #7 on:** November 04, 2004, 10:15:33 AM »

A 15" tube in 260 should not need a muzzle break. I have a Encore with a 15" barrel. I have a rifle stock for a forend on my Encore. Off the bench it has some rise to it but not much. This is definitely a caliber that needs to be reloaded for $19.00 a box is ouch. I plan on using mine for deer hunting. I have a 2-6 Bushnell Elite on it and it is very accurate. By the way I'm in Fergus Falls.

Ski

Mirage · « **Reply #8 on:** November 05, 2004, 02:37:55 PM »

Good choice. Have a 15" Bullberry .260 (heavy sporter taper). I reload. Do not put a muzzle break on. The recoil is not that bad. The noise level is horrendous as is, definately have to wear plugs+muffs at the range.

I plan on using it first time deer hunting 11/13~ 11/22, plan on using 120 gr ballistic tips. Just sighting in i was impressed with Sierra 100 gr hp, also have 95 gr vmax to try

Good luck.

Mirage

Barely Tame · « **Reply #9 on:** November 08, 2004, 04:01:39 AM »

Great input! So, I won't order the barrel with a muzzle brake. Thanks for the input. How much will reloading equipment cost for the .260? I have absolutely no reloading equipment yet. I understand there are two ways to go for the .260 (ignorant about reloading, though, and may be wrong), either neck up a .243 or neck down a .308. I hear that the .243 necked up is a good way to go. What's your experience and what do you think the costs will be? Is used equipment available? Ok, enough questions for this post. Thanks

Tame

Mirage · « **Reply #10 on:** November 08, 2004, 02:25:22 PM »

Good choice no muzzle brake.

You can buy .260 brass (midway).

I probably have $500 invested in my setup (Redding)with the upgraded powder measure, micrometer, flash hole tool, uniformer etc., case trimmer etc. I know you can go substantially less expensive, not really an expert on the thrifty route.

For dies I suggest the Lee Collet die to necksize until the point you have to full size (redding body die). I have found the Forster seater die to be the best. Again this route is pricy +$70 but it gives you the ultimate flexibility / quality. obviously could get a $30 set and be done.

Mirage