Author Topic: Question For Encore & G2 45 Cal. Shooters (Read 614 times)

Bullseye · « **on:** September 20, 2004, 05:51:18 PM »

At one time the 45 cal Encores had a bad reputation for accuracy. Some was due to the 1 in 20 twists that the early barrels had. The new ones have a 1 in 28 twist.

So how is the accuracy at 100 yards and less with this caliber. I am thinking about buying an Encore for my wife and found a 45 caliber on clearance at a good price. Since I already have a 50 cal. it would also be something different, but I would go with the higher priced 50 cal. if it would save me from pulling my hair out to get it to shoot good (I do not have much hair left).

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #1 on:** September 20, 2004, 06:15:45 PM »

I bought my son a 45 cal Encore. It is the 1 in 28 twist. I am shooting 1 to 1 1/2 inch groups at 100 yards with the T/Cs Super 45 XR Sabots (155 grain XTP and 180 grain XTP) . The 155 gr. shoot 1/2 inch higher than the 180 gr. bullets. I am using 2 triple7 pellets (100 gr.) and the 25ACP breechplug. The gun shoots like a dream. It did not like the 225 gr. power belts. I could not get them to group well.

I will try different weights at another time. Let us know what you decide.

toytruck · « **Reply #2 on:** September 21, 2004, 02:29:49 PM »

I have used a .45 Encore the last two years to kill four deer. I was using 225 grain powerbelts and 90 grains fffg Triple 7. At 25yds using two pyrodex pellets and the 225 pb I had one big hole touching with several shots also, groups were one inch or less using Triple 7 or Pyrodex pellets. The powerbelts were the most accurate bullet I found to shoot in the .45 caliber to date also. My barrel is the 1:20 twist.

However, out of four deer only one had a pass through with the 225 pb and I like a hole on both sides and a good blood trail.

So, I now have a .50 barrel and hope to get out finally tomorrow and see if I can get it to shoot with 250 TC Shockwaves or 250 Hunterman bullets or 240 Speer wadcutter.

I like the .45 caliber don't get me wrong, but as stated I also want pass through shots like I got with the .54 caliber FireHawk. :lol:

Bullseye · « **Reply #3 on:** September 21, 2004, 05:51:10 PM »

I like pass through shots also, but since I live in a slug gun only state I am used to not getting them. It seems strange that a 225 gr. bullet with the velocity from the 45 would not pass through. Did the bullet hit major bones? I shoot 240 gr bullets in my 50 cal with pass through on all deer shot so far. Now I am puzzled.

toytruck · « **Reply #4 on:** September 22, 2004, 04:21:08 PM »

Bullseye,

The powerbelts I was using didn't have the plastic pointed tip just the hollowpoint. The buck I shot using the 225 pb hit backbone, knocked him down, but he got backup and I had to shoot him again in shoulder even closer, that put him down for good and insides looked like a 30-06 hit him,but it didn't exit. The other three deer were does hit in the ribs. Only one had a complete pass through and a impressive blood trail although she didn't go but about 15yds. The other two does only went about 15-20yds also, but no blood trail and no pass through. I recovered a couple of the bullets and they flattened out like a quarter.

Maybe the powertip powerbelts do better as they are designed for better penetration. I want to try the flat point powerbelts that they have now, but haven't seen any locally yet. They are only in 444 grain also in .50 cal. that should punch through about any animal in the woods.

sduve · « **Reply #5 on:** September 23, 2004, 11:04:57 AM »

It has been my experience that the Powerbelts are too soft, especially at close ranges. to obtain a pass-through. Just my $0.02.

Bullseye · « **Reply #6 on:** September 27, 2004, 03:14:36 PM »

Well this is what I decided and why, just my opinion and not judgement on what any one shoots or why.

I have seen many more reports about accuracy problems in this forum over the last year with 45's than 50's.

I have seen many reports about lack of pass through with the 45 over the 50. This made me check on bullets for the 45. I buy bullets and sabots individually for my 50 as this is much cheaper, and I am cheap. The most economical bullets for the 45 are Hornady XTP's in 10mm (.40). The Hornady catalog shows an expansion range for these of 750-1450 fps. A 45 shoots bullets at 1900-2000 fps. Not a good combo in my opinion. Power Belts - easy to load but to expensive for me. That leaves bullets like the shockwave that have a harder lead core and thicker jacket. These babies are $10 for 15, remember I am cheap.

Acessories for the 45 are not the best at the present time. The speedloaders did not even impress me as much as the stuff available for the 50.

So..... the 50 cal was $60 more than the 45 was on clearance. After she shoots 100 shots the difference in the price of bullets is only $10 less than the difference in the price of the guns. So you guessed it, my wife is now the proud owner of an Encore 50 cal. Now to get her comfortable with it before deer season. Thanks for all the advice folks!!! You got me looking and making a good decision, at least in my mind.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #7 on:** September 27, 2004, 03:54:58 PM »

Bullseye, you know you can't go wrong with that 50 cal, plus it is an Encore.

throttleman · « **Reply #8 on:** October 27, 2004, 06:29:19 AM »

Although I have not shot any animals with the PB's I did some testing with one gallon water jugs. The PB's looked like an aluminum can after exit. Probably retained about 30% of their weight. These were .50 cal, 245? grain. Much more impressive were the Maxi Hunters except they were not at all accurate in the Encore. Good luck.