Encore Katahdin barrels

[handgunhuntr]

What are your experiences with Encore Katahdin barrels (18") in 444 Marlin and 45/70 Govt?  What game have they taken and what can be expected accuracy wise?

[Capt Gary]

I have a new Katadin, 20" Pro Hunter" 45/70 barrel. I have only had time to take it to the range once, but was very suprised and pleased.

I started out shooting Federal Classic factory loads with 300 gr bullets. Got it centered up and shot a three shot group at 100 yards that measured 11/4 inches and was 2" high.

Switched to Hornady factory loads (325gr bullet) and the group dropped to 1" low and 3/4" in a cloverleaf.

I had planned to handload (this is my first 45/70) but the Hornady loads shot so well that I will probably stick with them.

The Katadin barrels make a really nice little rifle.

[Varmint Hunter]

I've got a 20" Katahdin Encore. Accuracy is surprisingly inconsistent. Any particular load will shoot good (1.5" or so @ 100yds) one day and then shoot lousy on the next day. I shimmed the forearm and had the trigger redone but it didn't seem to help all that much.

Overall, I seem to get around 2" - 2.5" groups with the 325gr Flex bullet @ 1,800 ft/sec.  Same load at 200yds drops 12" and will group into about 5" - 6".

[Capt Gary]

Looking forward to shooting mine again. It will be about 10 days before I can get back to the range. Hope everything holds together. Looking forward to just trying some other loads. I'm sure I'll use the Hornady load for hunting this season, but always like trying new things.
A friend of mine just picked up a .460 S&W Katahdin barrel. Will be interesting to see how it does also.
These things are fun to shoot.

[Hopalong7]

     I've got the 18" 45-70 w/ break and in a word, it's a hoot!  Mine shoots good and not so good also, but I really don't think it's the rifle.  A short barreled, very light rifle is inherrantly hard to shoot and especially off a bench.  I have the same problem with my Contender carbines.  The lightness and handiness in'm that we love also makes them hard to hold steady while shooting.  Like they say "Everything in life is a compromise", you just don't get somtin' fer nuttin'.  I also use my barrel in pistol configuration and quite often shoot it more accurately that way.
BTW: If you really want some fun, shoot some "real black" rounds through that sucker!
GOOD SHOOTIN', Walt