Encore Muzzloader Question

[Varmint Hunter]

I picked up the 2007 TC catalog to review their current muzzloaders. TC has far more muzzleloaders, with more options, than I would have ever believed.

I see that they sell a 209x50 Magnum which is rated for 150gr of BP or equivelent BP substitute. I assumed that ALL new muzzleloading Encores would safely handle that charge. Was I wrong? What makes the "Magnum" different?

Nowhere in the info for the new Triump does it indicate that this new rifle is rated for 150gr charges; is it? How about the Pro Hunters?

Midway lists the new Triumph camo model as having a SS barrel but TC doesn't make that claim in their catalog. I assume that TC whould have indicated that in their catalog if that was the case.

The "Weather Shield" coating that TC puts on some BP barrels; is that coating on the bore as well as the exterior surfaces?

I'm also looking at the Encore Pro Hunter with SS fluted barrel. I ASSUME that I can put any other encore barrel on that receiver; correct?

Decisions - decisions - decisions 

[Redhawk1]

The pro-hunter is an Encore. You can interchange barrels with the standard barrels on the Pro-hunter frame.  I use a 120 gr. charge of loose triple7 in my pro-hunter, it is equivalent to 150 gr. or 3 triple7 pellets.
As far as the Triump rated for 150gr charges, I would call T/C and find out.

[Varmint Hunter]

Redhawk,

Thanks for the quick response.

I noticed that when I switched from 100gr 777 (loose) to 2-50gr 777 pellets that I lost 200 ft/sec. I also switched to the less hot Rem CleanBore primers (at the same time) so wasn't sure what to attribute the velocity loss to.

I'm not crazy, just curious; can 150gr of loose 777 be used in the rifles that ARE rated for 150gr of BP or would that be an excessive charge? The manufacturers aren't particularely clear on this.

[Redhawk1]

I would say no to 150 gr. of loose triple 7. 120 gr. of loose triple7 equals the same as three 50 gr. triple7 pellets. The 50 gr. pellets are really not 50 actual grains. If you took a scale and weight 3 triple7 pellets you would get about the same actual weight as 120 gr. of loose triple7 would yield.

I found the 3 of the 50 gr.triple7 pellets will impact the same spot as 120 gr. of loose triple7 powder. I also found 90 gr. of loose triple7 will impact the same place as 2 triple seven 50 gr. pellets.