TC Encore 30-06 26" Range Report

[teddy12b]

Well,
    I took my rifle to the range this last weekend to double check the accuracy of some handloads.  I loaded up a bunch of Sierra 220gr bullets over 52gr of IMR4350. 

At 25 yards, I fired two shots and they were almost in the same hole.  Saw the first two shots and didn't feel like I even needed to fire a third.

At 100 yards, I fired two shots that were almost touching.  Saw the first two shots and didn't feel like I even needed to fire a third.

At 200 yards, I fired two shots and they were about 3" hole to hole.  I just wanted to see how much drop I'd have at 200 yards and it was over a foot.

For the life of me I can't seem to figure this out because this rifle loves 150gr bullets, hates 180gr bullets, and seems to really like 220gr bullets.  I don't understand it, but I like it!

[encore3006]

Thank you for the post...I also discovered the 30-06 rifle barrel liked the 150gr bullets but not the 180gr. I never thought of the 220 gr. bullet...I'll have to try that! On the flip side, my 30-06 pistol barrel likes the 180gr. bullets. That's the beauty of hand-loads...experimentation! 

[teddy12b]

Once I found that the barrel didn't like 180gr bullets, I assumed it wouldn't like anything heavier either.  I loaded up the 220gr rounds for a bear hunt.  With the accuracy I got I'm not worried about how my hunt is going to go anymore.  It was just a very pleasant surprise to find those rounds doing so well.

[ms]

I  would just shoot 220 at everything go to the range more with it before the hunt.