Author Topic: 45-70 load and Fox Ridge Hvy barrel length (Read 577 times)

Rscout6945 · « **on:** September 27, 2004, 11:37:46 PM »

I am looking to get a Fox Ridge Heavy Custom Barrel for my Encore by the end of the year. I am looking at a 20-22" barrel and pushing a 300 grain bullet at about 2000 fps.

My question is how much weight and velocity would I lose by using a barrel at 20" instead of 22".

Also what would be a good place to start with load developement. I will be using 300 grain bullets and would like to shoot for 2000 fps out of which ever length barrel I pick. What would be the max velocity for the 45-70 300 gr.

Oh, and if anyone knows what level of 45-70 load the Encore is rated for.
Thanks alot

Sean · « **Reply #1 on:** September 28, 2004, 03:12:12 AM »

The Encore should be good for at least the same loads as the 1895 Marlins. In my Guide Gun (Marlin) with the 18.5" ported barrel I get 1840 fps with a 400 gr Speer and H-335. Your velocity with a 300 gr bullet should be easily met with a 20" barrel. Sean

KN · « **Reply #2 on:** September 28, 2004, 12:04:52 PM »

I've been shooting #1 loads in my Encores from day one. Its a lot of kick. I use H-322 for all my 45/70 loads with magnum primers and have great accuracy. KN

Rscout6945 · « **Reply #3 on:** October 01, 2004, 11:47:31 PM »

So, What is the max velocity for a 300 grain bullet, 20" barrel in marlin load levels? With Ruger #1 levels.

What is the best powder for this?

Thebear_78 · « **Reply #4 on:** October 02, 2004, 10:02:41 AM »

Buffalo bore has 350gr JFN @ 2150fps and 405gr JFN @ 2000fsp. I wouldn't see any reason you couldn't push 2200fps with 300gry loads. As soon as I get my barrel back from having it cut to 18" I"m going to try a few loads with the 300gr Barnes X bullet. With its spitzer design is shoots really flat out to 250 yards. For closer range stuff the bulk remington 405gr JRN bullets are real sledgehammers in the 1800-1900fps range. Good luck.

Bob C · « **Reply #5 on:** October 02, 2004, 10:36:02 AM »

I haver a Fox Ridge 22" bull barrel in .338/06.

It is a little heavy, but with a walnut buttstock the balance is fine for me. It is very pleasant to shoot, even with 250 grain bullets.

Lone Star · « **Reply #6 on:** October 02, 2004, 03:16:18 PM »

Quote

i asked TC a long time ago when i first got my Encore and they told me that it was ok for the Ruger #1 loads. since then i've been told by TC that i shouldnt use the Ruger #1 loads. i've been told that TC has told others this as well.

The reason for their change of advice is because they changed the throating on their barrels several years ago. They originaly used a rather long throat which allowed higher powder charges, but now they offer only a short throat. Using loads developed in a long-throated rifle in the short-throated T/C will send pressures up considerably. Why they did this I do not know, but it has complicated loading for both Encores and Contenders. Loading data that was safe in an old T/C may not be safe in one made today. Strength really has nothing to do with it - differing presures do.