Trailboss in 12" .44

[swampthing]

Finally got to try out some IMR trail-boss powder in my 12" encore in .44mag. While not what I consider a "hunting" load, it was nicely accurate @50yds with lots of touching holes. It cronied at 850fps with my 280g LBT's, recoil was 5 ft.lbs. and just barely came up off the "bags", {technical term for the rolled up carpet I use}  Now I found a use for that box of 240g laser SWC's.
        I think I may be on to something here and am going to try some Unique next time out, looking for 1100fps with my 280's for hunting.

[HAMMERHEAD]

I"ve been getting similar results with my 9" .44 Encore (I chopped 3" off).

I recently switched to Hodgdon Clays to get a little more velocity. Accuracy seems a little better with Clays as well. I use Hornady swaged 240 SWC's.

What exactly is a 280 LBT?

[swampthing]

How did that work out for you, the shortening?
A 280g LBT is a bullet from a LBT mould, an advertiser on this sight.
Mine is a 22BHN .432" dia. 280g WFN, {Wide,Flat,Nose}
Check out www.montanabulletworks.com under pistol bullets and you can see a pic. They are exceptionally accurate and an outstanding hunting bullet.

[HAMMERHEAD]

Great site, thanks for the link.

The shortening was quite an adventure.

I have access to machine tools at work. I hadn't used a lathe in 20 years, but what the hey. I cut the barrel to about 9-1/4" in a cut off saw, faced the muzzle on the lathe using a 90 degree recessed crown in case my centering was slightly off.

The nerves were tested while drilling the new front sight holes. I didn't have any sophisticated way of knowing how deep I was drilling, I just drilled until it 'looked right'.

I borrowed a extra fine tap from my local FFL (#6 x 48 IIRC) and went to it. Those small, fine threaded taps are really touchy.

When I got done I remounted my front sight with plenty of Loc Tite, put my Trijicon Reflex  sight on and headed to the range with some of the Trail Boss hand loads. Did some plinking to get sighted in, and then put it on the bench.

Three rounds went into a tidy 1-1/2" group at 50 yards, just like they did when it was 12" long.

Off came the scope and mount and I went back to open sights.

I'm very pleased with the results, but I would never do it myself again. It's not easy to press that 'start' button on the cut off saw with your favorite pistol barrel in there.

I really like the 9" length for revolver rounds, balance is better for me, and my offhand shooting is pretty darn good with the Encore.

I added a custom 9" .357 Magnum barrel from MGM and like that as well.

Now if Pachmayr will send me a new grip, I'll be in single shot heaven.

[swampthing]

Hey you own it, why not. If I could get a peepsight or an express sight that fit real low to the bore I would be packin 9", but being unable to find such a setup to work with the rather short front sight that T/C offers I'm forced to stay with the 12" just so I don't have to put optics on the gun

[HAMMERHEAD]

My barrel shoots to the same spot as before with the original sight back on it. I have to crank the rear all the way down to hit 2" high at 25 yards. Same as it was when it was 12".

Fox Ridge sells taller front sights if you need them.

[warrior1]

swampthing , check out one ragged hole sight. might be what you are  looking for.dan

[swampthing]

Good stuff had one on my SRH. They don't make'em for T/C's though.
Have been looking at Millet and how I can retrofit one to work.