Encore .300 Wby performs like a .300 Win - Should I settle?

[fishtracker]

So, I purchased a .300 Weatherby barrel for my encore a few months ago, and have been  piecing it together and loading up a few preliminary loads.  Using 190gr VLS's, and H1000, I worked up loads from 80 to 87gr, with no pressure signs.  Those 87gr loads did beat me up a bit.  I scoped myself for the first time ever (just a slight whiff, thankfully).  Not really interested in tempting fate a second time, especially where hunting situations may dictate shooting at odd angles.  Also, some of the lighter loads grouped a tad better.   I took it out last week with couple of promising loads, and got ahold of a chronograph.  At 100, the first load was about 1.25", and the second was .88".  I'm happy enough with the .88, but the chrony is making me doubt my choice.  I'm coming in at 2922 fps, with 190gr VLD's.  That puts me right in line with a 300 Win mag. 
 
I wanted to build a long range (500 yd max) gun.  Topped it off with a Leupold CDS, which will help me with the elevation.  So what do you think, should I settle with a good but slower-than-I-expected shooter, or really try to get the most out of the Weatherby and add only 200 fps?
 
It is really fun to shoot, and looks pretty good too!
 
 
 

[Grumulkin]

I personally go for accuracy rather than velocity.  If you're dissatisfied with your accuracy, then try another powder; if you're satisfied, I wouldn't bother.

[6x6 elk]

What barrel length did you go with? The high velocities that you see with the Weatherby  cartridges are usually through 26'' barrels. Muzzlebreaks help alot with the sharp recoil of the 300 Wby. but they also increase muzzle blast.

[fishtracker]

I have the 28", which is why I was a bit surprised that it was as slow as it was. 
 
I'm just gonna say no on the brake.  My hearing is really good, and I want to keep it that way, and this will be a hunting rifle.
 
Really, I think that I need to sit down with the ballistics and see if I can accomplish what ranges I expected with the load that I have. 

[dirtydawg]

I was able to get 3200 from 85 gr. of RE22 with Hornaday 180 gr. in a Ruger #1 with 1.5" groups maybe you could find a powder your barrel likes. You never know, my 6.5X55 mauser likes everything but my TC 6.5X55 pistol barrel only likes IMR 4350

[65465 Mo]

Really doubt any critter hit will be able to tell the difference.