Author Topic: 209X50 & 777 Question (Read 981 times)

Jay HHI6818 · « **on:** December 08, 2003, 04:38:39 PM »

I went to the range three weeks ago to shoot my Encore 209X50 for the first time. I'm shooting two 777 pellets and a Hor. 240 XTP. After sighting it in I put three shots in 2 inches at 100 yds which I was happy with.
Here is my question, another fellow showed up at the range later and he was shooting a Encore 209x50 with 3 pellets (150grs) of 777. The instructions with the 777 say 2 pellets (100grs) as MAX. Is it safe to shoot 3 pellets?

?

Underclocked · « **Reply #1 on:** December 08, 2003, 05:46:38 PM »

Safe?....probably. Though Hodgdon nor T/C would endorse the practice.

Smart?.... doubtful. :-)

Mel Taylor · « **Reply #2 on:** December 08, 2003, 05:51:58 PM »

Is the warning intended for any rifle or just for the Encore?

If it is specifically for the Encore then it more than likely means something and should probably be heeded.

If it is for any rifle (or firearm) then I would guess it is a CYA warning inspired by fear of liability lawsuits and written by the company lawyers.

I'm not shooting 777 any more for reasons that have nothing to do with performance, but when I was using it I used the powder because my rifle gets it's best accuracy at around 115 grains of 777 and I can't get that measurement with the pellets.

I have fired as high as 150 grains of loose 777 3f with a lot of kick and really lousy groups. But, I shoot a Savage and it is designed for smokeless so I don't have to worry about exceeding safe pressures with 777 or Pyrodex.

I only know one guy personally who uses an Encore and he regularily (at least a couple of times a month) target shoots using three 50 grain pellets of 777. When I talked to him a month or so ago he still had all his fingers, eyes, ears, etc.

Mel

RandyWakeman · « **Reply #3 on:** December 08, 2003, 06:27:26 PM »

Quote from: Mel Taylor

Is the warning intended for any rifle or just for the Encore?

Hodgdon has 100 grains max. pellets for all .50 caliber rifles.

carolcann · « **Reply #4 on:** December 14, 2003, 04:04:37 AM »

hogdons emphatically states 'never use more than two pellets' in any muzzleloader'.

Three can be done, but unless one is after elk or such, why?
I get a very consistent 1810-1840 fps with two pellets and a 295gr Powerbelt bullet. Every group I shoot is under 2.5" at 100 yards, better with a sandbag rest.

That puts my Encore 209x50 barrel squarely in the range of the best 454 Casull or 12ga slug gun loads with a high-performance bullet. For any deer (except elk or moose) that walks N.America, that is ample!

I have never chrono'd three pellets, but last yer I shot 120gr of T7 loose powder for some slightly better velocity and equal accuracy. I really like not smelling-up my clothing with sulphur!

sheephunterab · « **Reply #5 on:** December 14, 2003, 06:39:51 AM »

Three can be done, but unless one is after elk or such, why?

For extra velocity and range, that's why. 200 hundred yard plus shots are quite doable with velocities of 2,300 fps. I think the size of the animal has much less to do with the load than its distance away. I like shooting long range and I can shoot much longer ranges with three pellets! :lol: