New barrel or new muzzleloader??

[300winman]

I have been looking at either getting an Encore or getting a barrel from Bullberry or MGM for my Contender......

The Encore is probably gonna cost me around $700+, depending on the model.....

For the Contender,

Bullberry- 50 cal SS for $559, but these guys make match grade barrels and guarantees sub 1" groups @ 100yds.....haven't found out yet, but the ramrod and forend might be extra

Match Grade Machine- for 50 cal SS is $445 for the barrel and $125 for the muzzle loader kit. Total $570.

both of these barrels would be 24" , and the rifle weight would be extremely light in the Contender frame....


What are some of your thoughts??? What Encore model would you recommend?? Anyone own one of these barrels for the Contender??

[Ranger413]

I've had the Encore muzzleloader set-up for the past six years or so.  Admittedly I haven't shot it much.  It likes 100 gr. of Triple 7 loose with 300gr. sabots (can't remember the exact brand).  I dropped a nice 8-point about five years ago with it.  DRT.  It will easily hit a pop can all day long at 100 yards.  Minute of deer is no problem.  As far as recoil - 100 gr. is a piece of cake, 150 gr. is another story.  I say its equivalent to a stout 3 1/2" 12 ga. turkey load.  But, seeing the 100 gr. performance on deer I don't see a need for the max load.  Maybe on elk/moose/etc.  With a scope and laminate stocks my Encore is a bit on the heavy side.  It balances nicely though.

I recently picked up a G2 209X50 muzzleloader barrel and forend on an on-line auction site.  I haven't had a chance to fire it yet, but it is a dream to hold.  Its rather lightweight (G2 with synthetic stock set) but I think the balance is perfect.  No scope mounted yet.  I fear that the recoil may be harsh and I've bought this set-up for my son.  He's soon to be 10, but I may be saving this until he's a little more adjusted to recoil.  Even then, I think that 80 grs. or so of powder may be the way to go.

[DEACONLLB]

I have a 209-45 in the g2 and also a 209-45 14 inch barrel in a contender pistol and both are fun to shoot, also have a 209-50 in the encore and it is great. I use 225 grn power belts in both The Encore and G2 with  100 grns T7 in the rifle and 50 grns in pistol.

Deaconllb

[TRM-1]

I had a G2 209X50 and with 100 grains of blackhorn 209 and a 250 grain shockwave it would kick pretty stout. I had a cheaper scope on it and it kissed my brow more than once. I really liked the setup other than recoil and it shot really good, But it has since found a new home. I have a pro hunter with a 209x50 barrel and love it. I use it all the time and didn't use the G2 with the 209x50 that much so that is why I sold it.

[300winman]

I have a 209-45 in the g2 and also a 209-45 14 inch barrel in a contender pistol and both are fun to shoot, also have a 209-50 in the encore and it is great. I use 225 grn power belts in both The Encore and G2 with  100 grns T7 in the rifle and 50 grns in pistol.

Deaconllb

Which do you like better the 45 or the 50.......do you feel a big diff in recoil between the G2 and the Encore??

[DEACONLLB]

A little more kick in the G2 as they are much lighter than the Encore. I see you are looking for a muzzleloader barrel for the contender. You do know that the muzzleloader barrel will only fit the G2 frame not contender. the Muzzleloader barrel has a small pin on the bottom of the mounting block and that keeps it from closing on the contender frame, just a thought if you are not aware of this.

Deaconllb

[300winman]

That is just the T/C barrel.........Bullberry and MGM and others make a ML barrel for it........just seeing if anyone has one of these barrels and was willing to part with theirs....

I have a 24" 445 Supermag barrel, and it shoots just fine, gets alittle wild with the 300gr rounds, but the 240's are nice to shoot......I use lighter loads for whitetail (245gr Powerbelt) in my other ML's, just figured this would be a lighter option...

[Keith L]

That is just the T/C barrel.........Bullberry and MGM and others make a ML barrel for it........just seeing if anyone has one of these barrels and was willing to part with theirs....

This would be the wrong place for that.  Want to buy posts are to go on the classifieds forums, not discussion forums.

[300winman]

That is just the T/C barrel.........Bullberry and MGM and others make a ML barrel for it........just seeing if anyone has one of these barrels and was willing to part with theirs....

This would be the wrong place for that.  Want to buy posts are to go on the classifieds forums, not discussion forums.

I was explaining why I posted an ad(in the CLASSIFIEDS) clarifying there are ML barrels for the original contender.....

This is what this post is about

I have been looking at either getting an Encore or getting a barrel from Bullberry or MGM for my Contender......


What are some of your thoughts??? What Encore model would you recommend?? Anyone own one of these barrels for the Contender??

[Keith L]

Pointing to your adds is not allowed either.  I don't moderate this forum, but if I did I would have removed it.  It has no place here.

[300winman]

Pointing to your adds is not allowed either.  I don't moderate this forum, but if I did I would have removed it.  It has no place here.

Well thank god for that......because I think you are full of it.........I'm not selling or buying here......as posted before, I'm interested in the differences between the Encore and the Contender barrels, and if someone owns one, to chime in and give me their thoughts.......

If you don't have any relevant info, please stay out of this thread and starting crap with me!!!!!   As a moderator, you should know better!!

[stoutstuff]

Not recomending this, but I'm one of those that bought a Contender .50  barrel and removed the pin. I called TC and asked about it and was basically told that they worried more about debris getting into the action of older style frames as they had more parts than the G2 and would void a warrantee based upon that. I'm not looking for max loads and do not experience fouling back into the frame. The rifle makes a great set up.
Stoutstuff

[Keith L]

Pointing to your adds is not allowed either.  I don't moderate this forum, but if I did I would have removed it.  It has no place here.

Well thank god for that......because I think you are full of it.........I'm not selling or buying here......as posted before, I'm interested in the differences between the Encore and the Contender barrels, and if someone owns one, to chime in and give me their thoughts.......


If you don't have any relevant info, please stay out of this thread and starting crap with me!!!!!   As a moderator, you should know better!!

The relevant information I have for you is that you need to learn the rules of the site you are posting to.  You have done something that is not acceptable here.  If you continue to react like you just did you won't be here long. 

[300winman]

The relevant information I have for you is that you need to learn the rules of the site you are posting to.  You have done something that is not acceptable here.  If you continue to react like you just did you won't be here long.

I have read through the terms and use, and found I have done nothing wrong.....but you sir are in violation of 2 rules:

"Purposely posting incorrect, misleading, or hazardous information will result in removal from the GBO website permanently on the first offense."

"Trolls, GBO will not tolerate "TROLLS" anyone suspected of being a troll on the forums will be dealt with promptly. "

   

You are not a moderator in this forum, yet you are come in to my post and start posting mis-information, just to start a war with me....unacceptable, you have been reported.....

[Keith L]

Thank you.  That will save me the trouble of reporting you.

[Graybeard]

300winman I suggest you show a bit more respect for the moderators of this site and site rules or move on to another site with more lack rules. Keith merely pointed out that your comments were in violation of site rules.

If you can't respect site rules and the moderators here who tirelessly give of their time to help maintain order than you are in the wrong place.

[martineta]

I have a contender old style with a 22 lr match barrel and a 223.  Love them dearly.  The first encore I bought was the 26 inch 50 cal and killed two deer with the first two shots I made.  Literally picked it up on a Friday evening and hunted the following dawn.  Prior to shooting I called TCīs Help desk and they told me the gunīs iron sights were set for 50 yards and they recommended 100 grains of Pyrodex loose powder and the 250 grain saboted shockwave bullets. Two for two made a believer out of me.  I have since aquired 3 other barrels for the encore, sold the first 26 inch 50 and replaced it with the new Endeavor Barrel, I like the twist 1/4 turn breech plug removal.  The prohunter flex stock is fantastic.  I never use more than 100 grains of the new Blackhorn 209 powder.  Never notice the recoil nor on my 308 or 243 barrels.  I love my contender but if you ever think you might want a heavier caliber, go with the encore.  I did and 10 years later still think for me it was the right thing to buy. 

[300winman]

300winman I suggest you show a bit more respect for the moderators of this site and site rules or move on to another site with more lack rules. Keith merely pointed out that your comments were in violation of site rules.

If you can't respect site rules and the moderators here who tirelessly give of their time to help maintain order than you are in the wrong place.

My apologies Graybeard......any rule I broke was unintentional..........I just felt alittle razzed......I will be sure to be careful in how I word my responses from now on.........

I have a contender old style with a 22 lr match barrel and a 223.  Love them dearly.  The first encore I bought was the 26 inch 50 cal and killed two deer with the first two shots I made.  Literally picked it up on a Friday evening and hunted the following dawn.  Prior to shooting I called TCīs Help desk and they told me the gunīs iron sights were set for 50 yards and they recommended 100 grains of Pyrodex loose powder and the 250 grain saboted shockwave bullets. Two for two made a believer out of me.  I have since aquired 3 other barrels for the encore, sold the first 26 inch 50 and replaced it with the new Endeavor Barrel, I like the twist 1/4 turn breech plug removal.  The prohunter flex stock is fantastic.  I never use more than 100 grains of the new Blackhorn 209 powder.  Never notice the recoil nor on my 308 or 243 barrels.  I love my contender but if you ever think you might want a heavier caliber, go with the encore.  I did and 10 years later still think for me it was the right thing to buy. 

Thanks for the response!!  I agree that a 50 cal might be alittle much for the Contender, the Encore is looking like a better choice.