short barred muzzle loader

[30-06man]

I found a 16inch used custom t/c barrel for $200. its a 209x50 it has a muzzle break and i am concerned about the powder not having enough barrel to burn completely and the muzzle break making it worse. the barrel cost $200 and is in very good shape. i want to know if its worth it

[davem270win]

I've been using one on an Encore for two years. As accurate as any barrel, no problem burning powder (I've used 777 and American Pioneer), but with the porting, it is LOUD.

When I shoot with friends who have non-ported guns, the difference in loudness is noticeable. The ports also foul faster than the rest of the barrel, which can make starting bullets harder.

It is also easy to carry, especially in the thick stuff.

But if I had it to do over again, I think I would go with the regular barrel.

[30-06man]

i am going to look it over again. how accurate is yours? and what bullet load combo are you using?

[davem270win]

I'm using a red dot sight and am getting 2" and under groups (3 shot) at 50 yards, but the red dot doesn't lend itself to tight groups.
I'm shooting 100 grains of Jim Shockey Gold 2F with Precision Rifle QT bullet 250 grain/44 caliber sabot. T/C maxi hunters, especially the heavier ones, work OK too. I had no luck with powerbelts in this gun, but they have worked very well in others.

[30-06man]

is that in pellet form or loose. i am very intrested in this gun. i don't think i would put a scope on it. it had very nice fiber optic sites

[davem270win]

I prefer the loose powder as opposed to pellets, but this is mostly due to the 777 pellets creating a crud ring. I also like the CVA clear plastic 5 in 1 loader, which uses loose powder, and eliminates the need to carry a short starter. Oh, I also am using 25 ACP ignition, which works very well.

 My eyes aren't very good anymore, and I find I simply can't shoot fiber optic sights, hence the red dot sight. Fiber optics are just fine for most.

[Two Bears]

I found a 16inch used custom t/c barrel for $200. its a 209x50 it has a muzzle break and i am concerned about the powder not having enough barrel to burn completely and the muzzle break making it worse. the barrel cost $200 and is in very good shape. i want to know if its worth it

I think that it is a good price.

You could order a new one for $279 from T/C custom shop and have to wait a couple months.

BTW, I just paid $270 delivered for an early T/C 209x50 15" barrel in good condition and it came with the pistol grip, forearm, Simmons pro hunter scope, weaver base and weaver rings. And I was happy with the price.

[30-06man]

yeah i mean if it dosen't work ill sell it on the classifieds or gunbroker. thats about the cost of the frame if i get the money back. if it was up to me i would only buy the barrel because i don't need another encore frame. if the barrel shoots well then i probably will  get rid of the frame or get wood stocks and a 7mm rem mag barrel

[nilescoyote]

I had a 15 inch pistol muzzle loader (209x50) that shot well. If memory serves it would put 3 shots into 2-3 inches at 75 yards (scoped and using sand bag rest). I took several deer with it using a 200 grain hornady XTP .430 bullet over 90 grains of 777. I never crono'ed it, but it preformed well on white tail. I now use a ported 20"  and a 240 grain XTP, in the rifle format. I also have a standard 26 inch but prefer the 20's quick handling in the blind. The 20 will hold near 2 inches at 100.

[30-06man]

Sounds good. I didn't buy the gun though. It just didn't appeal to me as much as it did at first.