encore, and 45/70 handloads

[troy_mclure]

on the 45/70 there are 3 "power levels". trap door, lever guns, ruger #1. which category does the encore fall under?

[35w]

I have a Encore with 24" 45-70 barrel with Williams peep site and a Marlin 1895. Both use the same loads, 300 gr HP, 54.0 gr IMR 3031.
At 100 yds, the Encore will drop each shot (provided I do my part) into an area 1" x 2". The 1895 will do the same, maybe better because it has a 2-7 Leopold. For deer, this drops them in their tracks, with authority.
Using Ruger loads would put alot of punch on deer and the guy behind the trigger. I figure, if Lever loads shoot well, stay with it and have fun target shooting so when deer season arrives, you will know exactly how its going to shoot.

RB

[Tn Jim]

Encores are rated to the #2 power level, same as the lever guns. #1 level loads (Trapdoor level) are more fun and won't rattle your teeth loose.

[troy_mclure]

thanks guys!

[Gary paugh]

I shoot ruger #1 loads in my encore never heard of it not being rated for hot loads Hell you can get a 416 barrel for it.
My gun has a 24" bull barrel on it and handles the high end load fine.

[Varmint Hunter]

This question comes up all the time. If you look at 3-4 different reloading manuals you'll probably notice that they vary quite a bit as to what a level 1, level 2 or level 3 load is with regard to pressure. Some of the info is completely contradictory.

In my ProHunter I use loads recommended for the lever action; whatever that means. No matter how you view the data, an Encore action is not nearly as strong as a Ruger #1. I would avoid using Ruger #1 data in an Encore.

The 416 Rigby cartridge is a relatively low pressure cartridge and was designed for weaker actions of yesteryear. Notice that the Encore is not available in 416 Rem, 416WBY or similar higher pressure big bore cartridges.

I'd be interested in knowing what T/C has to say about reloads for the 45-70 Encore. Has anyone asked them directly?

[troy_mclure]

i emailed them about a week before i asked on here, still waiting on a reply. but t/c is notorious on their not responding to emails.

[quickdtoo]

The Encore is available in 500S&W, it has a bigger case head and has a much higher SAAMI max pressure than Ruger 45-70 loads.

Tim

[troy_mclure]

are .300 & .338 RUM's high pressure too?

[quickdtoo]

Yes, they have bigger case heads and have SAAMI MAPs of 65kpsi.

Tim

http://www.lasc.us/SAAMIMaxPressure.htm

http://stevespages.com/page8d.htm

[Idaho_Elk_Huntr]

I use the top loads and then some. 

[Tn Jim]

Varmint Hunter, I spoke to T/C about three years ago about this very subject. The guy I talked to (can't remember his name now) said #2 levels are max. Something about the force exerted during recoil and the width of the case head spreading it out over a certain area. Max loads are a no-no.

[Varmint Hunter]

Varmint Hunter, I spoke to T/C about three years ago about this very subject. The guy I talked to (can't remember his name now) said #2 levels are max. Something about the force exerted during recoil and the width of the case head spreading it out over a certain area. Max loads are a no-no.

That's about what I would have expected. Like I said, I avoid max loads listed for Ruger #1 or bolt action rifles.

I was shooting the Hornady 350gr FP at about 1,900 ft/sec. Does a number on bears. I'm not sure what an additional 200 ft/sec would do other that loosen my teeth.

[Ireload2]

TC sells belted magnum barrels including .375 H&H and others that operate at much higher pressure than the 45-70 case should be loaded. The 300 grain .375 H&H has plenty of recoil. The other belted magnums have as much pressure as any rounds loaded. I would say the case is the limiting factor not the Encore.

Varmint Hunter, I spoke to T/C about three years ago about this very subject. The guy I talked to (can't remember his name now) said #2 levels are max. Something about the force exerted during recoil and the width of the case head spreading it out over a certain area. Max loads are a no-no.

[troy_mclure]

just got this back from T/C:


We recommend the trap door. We do not recommend Ruger #1. Thank you and have a good day.
 
 
 
Danielle,
Customer Service Rep.
603-330-5659 ext. 536
 

doesnt make sence, most of the contender pistol loads are higher pressure than trapdoor loads, and i know the encore is stronger than the contender.

[Varmint Hunter]

I hate to say this but, T/C has (some) customer service people who really are not knowledgeable about guns, reloads, powder, black powder or T/C forearms in general. I have been given completely incorrect answers to questions more than once. I was also given information that I later found to be contrary to the T/C manual that came with the forearm. It is a BIG mistake to have employees with limited knowledge answering technical questions about firearms and/or reloads.

I like T/C but recognize this as a serious problem that needs to be address.

[martineta]

Also recognize lawyers run the world and to talk max loads is just begging to be sued.  I don't fault Thompson at all for erring on the conservative side.  I hope they are around for my great grandchildren to buy toys from.

[Varmint Hunter]

I wasn't suggesting that they err on the cautious side. I was saying that the info provided showed a complete lack of experience and/or understanding of the issue.

[troy_mclure]

i just fired some hornady 325gr leverevolution 45/70 from my 24'bbl.

these are level 2 loads. they have some kick to em. i had been firing Remington express rifle, level 1, its a filthy round, ill never buy a box again.
but they kicked about as much as a .308, the hornady's kicked like a 12 ga.

i cant wait to get some level 3 loads!

i am glad i paid the extra for the pro hunter tho, that recoil pad is NICE!