Varmint rifle barrel for Encore

[DLEB]

Have the Encore 209/50 Muzzleloader and have tried the factory 7mm Mag with horrible results (2-3" groups at 100). I have sold the 7mm Mag bl. I do not hand load . Is it possible to get a rifle barrel for the Encore that will shoot sub moa with factory ammo? Would really like to try a 204 or 22-250 for varmints, but have had such a bad experience with the factory 7mm Mag that I do not have much faith right now. The muzzleloader will shoot 1 1/2" groups all day with 100 grains of powder. 

[Grumulkin]

I have a factory T/C 7mm Rem. Mag. that shoots sub MOA easily but I handload.

For a varmint barrel, I would try a 204 Ruger, a 222 Rem. or a 22-250 Rem.  They all have a reputation for good accuracy with a variety of loads so I think it likely you would find a factory load that would work for you.  I have a factory 222 Rem. and a 22-250 Rem. both of which shoot sub MOA (more like 0.5 to 0.75 MOA).

You could also consider a custom barrel from SSK or others.

[manofthe45]

As you don't reload I would go with the 223.  The sheer # of factory, reloaded, and custom ammo out there will allow you to find something that will shoot sub moa from your rifle.  While slightly less pop than the 204 and 22/ruin pelts it is the better choice for the non reloader in my mind. Best of luck.

[Lone Star]

The two largest mechanical contributors to accuracy are barrel quality and ammo quality.  Factory 7mm Mag ammo is not loaded with the goal of achieving maximum accuracy - that isn't needed since few big game hunters really care or can shoot well enough to tell a difference.   This is not the case with varmint calibers, and I know from personal experience that there is plenty of highly accurate factory ammo in .223 and .22-250.  I assume the .204 is the same.  You will still have to try different brands and bullet weights to find the combination that is best for your barrel.  How many loadings did  you try with the 7mmMag?

Barrel quality is tough.  Some factory barrels will shoot very well, but another in the same chambering may not.  The factory buys barrels in bulk and the QA/QC is not what custom barrel makers use....if it was the cost would be too high.  If you want the best chance of very good accuracy, a custom barrel is your best bet.  There are a number of good suppliers, but the cost is about double a factory barrel.

I too would suggest a .223 barrel regardless.  The real-world   performance difference between it and the .204 and .22-250 is quite small, and there is the greatest number of factory ammo choices in the .223.  It is a bit cheaper to shoot, easier to find ammo for, and is suitable for over 90% of the varmint shooting most folks ever do.

Do not be fooled by all the accuracy claims you see here on the forum.  Most guys seem to calculate their accuracy by shooting ten groups, then choosing the smallest one as their rifle's "accuracy".  Groups size will vary considerably even with identical loads in the same barrel shot the same day, so just because your barrel won't shoot ten 1/2" groups in a row doesn't mean that you have a bad barrel. 


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[DLEB]

I tried 3 different brands of Premium ammo in the 139 and 140 grains with no luck. My 7mm Mag Ruger will shoot several brands and weights under 1" regularly.

[HEAD0001]

Get a 223 Remington barrel, and shoot the Black Hills Red Box ammo.  I do not think you will be sorry.  Tom.

[skamaniac]

I bought a 22-250 pro hunter barrel and it shoots Remington Premier Accu-tips great.  I topped it off with a Pentax 4-16x50 Gameseeker.  These scopes are under priced.

[DLEB]

I think you are right about the Pentax Gameseeker. I had one of the first Pentax scopes available and sold it with the rifle it was mounted on. Exceptional scope and the Gameseeker looks to be the same. If they can make a camera of that quality it is obvious to me that they can make a scope.

[Davemuzz]

Dleb,

When you owned the 7mm Mag, what forearm did you have mounted\use when you shot that barrel?

Dave

[DLEB]

Had the factory walnut forend

[Davemuzz]

When you attach the forearm to the barrel, do you check to see if you have any "space" or float between the barrel and the forearm?

I ask because the T\C's are kind of "touchy" if the forearm's are pressed against the barrel or the tangs of the forearms have contact with the frame.

Have you tried to float the barrel...or I should say have you done anything to the stock so it "floats" on all the barrels you attach it to?

Dave

[alsaqr]

Have TC .22 Hornet, .223, .30-06 and .35 Whelen  barrels for my Encore.  The .30-06 shows signs of good accuracy but i have to work on some loads for it specifically as  it has a shorter throat than my other guns in .30-06.   The .35 Whelen is away becoming a .35 Whelen Improved-never fired it.   The .22 Hornet is superb with 45 grain bullets in handloads at around 2450 fps, under 1" for three shot groups at 100 yards.  It did not like either of two hotter handloads i tried in it.  So i've got to work some on that.   The .223 is also great.  Easily capable of 1" groups  with a variety of loads  worked up for a Handi-Rifle.