Author Topic: Oh Boy,a new 209x50 encore. Now what?? (Read 599 times)

pa ridge-runner · « **on:** October 10, 2004, 04:12:35 AM »

Well I finally broke down and bought a 209x50 cal barrel and fore-end for my encore.I originally bought my encore with a 7mm-o8 barrel,but after shopping around for an inline I decided to go with the 50 cal barrel instead of a whole new gun even though the cost for the barrel is more than some complete guns.I have been reading alot of different stuff about sabots,powerbelts,pellets vs loose powder etc,etc.Now I am completely confused :?

.What do you fellas think I should use to fire this gun without much hassel to a newby.I plan on using it for deer in the upcoming muzzy season here in Pa.I have a flintlock and a cap lock also but this seems to be a little more complicated.Any advise will be greatly appreciated.Right now it seems like I will need 777 powder and 245 grn powerbelts and 209 primers.Am I barking up the right tree?? :-) Pa R.R.

sparks70 · « **Reply #1 on:** October 10, 2004, 05:13:53 AM »

I was unable to get my 209 x 50 to shoot really good until I went to the 777 flake powder. 100 grains and TC new shockwave bullet. This bullet is cheap @ Wal-mart. They also carry the powder and the TC jag to push the bullet down the barrel. Make sure to get the $3.00 jag or you will deform the bullet in loading. This is one of the most accurate rifles I have ever used. It will consistently shoot 3 shots @ 100 yds. All will be touching. Don't crawl up on the scope though, it will smack you in the eye. I use rubbing alcohol between shots to clean the barrel. One patch in and out. I turn it over and run it back in. I use one more patch dry in and out then turn it over and go back in one more time. The alcohol will evaporate quickly. Ditch the extractor so you don't have to take the forearm off to clean the gun. I shoot mine quite a bit so I try to make the cleaning as easily as possible. The 777 flake burns better than the pellets so it is easy to punch thru the crude ring with the alcohol.

toecutter · « **Reply #2 on:** October 10, 2004, 05:13:55 AM »

Congrats on the purchase, I don't think you'll be disappointed.
I hope this helps you: Though they didn't group worth a damn in my barrel when it was new, I do plan on revisiting the powerbelts, for the sheer fact that they load so easy. So that seems like a good choice if they shoot well for you (duh!) For me though the T/C 240/245? XTP's shoot hands down the best. When I do my part they shoot .75" groups, when I don't, 1"(or worse). They are cheap as hell and can be found almost anywhere (Wally's or Dick's). The only down side like I said was they load a bit harder than the powerbelts.
As far as powder goes, i don't use pellets, I tried them but I like the versatility of loose and besides that, I 'm just too cheap (or i shoot too much, whichever way you want to look at it)

I also see no time advantage using pellets over powder (which many people have claimed to me) With speed loaders charged in my pouch there is absolutely no way I'm at any time disadvantage. I switched to FFF t7 by accident this year and It has given me a marked accuracy improvement.
That's what works for me, It might not work for you but then again the whole fun of this (to me anyway) is getting to spend time shoot'n and tinker'n. So don't be in a rush to figure the thing out (except for deer season) cause believe me their is no emptier feeling than having no loads to work up or guns to work on!! This will only lead to typing long rambling passages about guns to strangers on-line. :wink:

btracker1 · « **Reply #3 on:** October 10, 2004, 05:42:58 AM »

Here's what I use Encore 209-50 trip7-(two 50gr pellets) a powerbelt 245gr jhp and 209 primers and it is a tack driver.good luck PA

Thebear_78 · « **Reply #4 on:** October 10, 2004, 09:58:10 AM »

I have had great results with the 250gr Barnes Expander MZ. It not only shoots very well but has awesome performance when it hits a deer. THe hollow point is huge, looks like a small copper shotglass. I shot a large whitetail doe with one of thse at 175 yards a couple years ago and she dropped stone dead, the bellet had great expansion and complete penetration. I never could get the powerbelts to shoot good for me either. Good luck.

Encore28 · « **Reply #5 on:** October 10, 2004, 10:17:53 AM »

I bought my 209x50 6 months ago and finally fired it today.......It is unbelievable!! Using 2 50gr 777 pellets and a Hornady sabot (with the stem to hold the pellets). I may never carry another gun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Encore28

toecutter · « **Reply #6 on:** October 10, 2004, 01:45:52 PM »

I gotta know how you waited that long to fire your new barrel? :shock: If someone bought me a barrel with the condition that I couldn't fire it for six months, just look at it, I'd have to send 'em packin!! You've got the self control of a monk!! (notice I didn't say priest) I tip my hat and salute you sir, I know my limitations and you have far surpassed mine. :-D

Encore28 · « **Reply #7 on:** October 10, 2004, 02:29:23 PM »

Toecutter,

To be honest I bought a new Remington 700 in .257 Roberts about 3 months ago and just fired that for the first time today also!!!!!
Having a new baby really changes your life and priorities............I don't shoot nearly as much as when i was single or married without children (I am not complaining).
I would of fired that gun the same day if I received it a year ago BUT things change. Your post made me laugh--------------------------
Take care and shoot straight
Encore28

pa ridge-runner · « **Reply #8 on:** October 10, 2004, 02:51:32 PM »

Thanks to those that replied! Ok some of you like the powder.I have Goex FF and FFF for my flintlock.Can I also use that powder? If so,How many grains do you recommend?Also what is the best primer for this.I know..."dumb bunny",but if I dont ask I'll never know :oops:

Encore28 · « **Reply #9 on:** October 10, 2004, 03:58:58 PM »

Ridge-runner
If i were you I would stick with the 777-Try the loose 777 also. You can use your Goex but leave that for your flintlock. IMHO.
I use Winchester primers labeled for muzzleloaders.
Try some different sabots out-you may get better results.
The fun of muzzleloading is tweaking your loads!!!!!! :grin:
What part of NE PA are you from?

? I am from Lake Ariel.
Good luck................
Encore28

toecutter · « **Reply #10 on:** October 10, 2004, 04:45:22 PM »

If you go with fff I would start 10-15% less than ff. IMHO

As for you encore28, I think you should change your screen name to "The Rock". In light of all the child having stuff, it is a comfort to know that you still get to buy new guns even if you don't get to shoot'em. Congratulations on the little one and almost as important, congrats on getting to try out your "new" guns.

pa ridge-runner · « **Reply #11 on:** October 11, 2004, 02:12:48 AM »

Thanks everyone for your advise.I will try a few different loads and tinker a bit.I,m also going to head to Cabelas today and check what they have.Cabelas has alot of selection but they are not thrifty at all.They wanted 85 bucks more than what I paid for my encore.Encore 28-I,m from Carbon county,Lehighton area.