Encore strength

[BK]

I asked this in the handgun section but perhaps should have started here...I am about to take delivery of an Encore with 44mg and 45-70 (Katahdin) barrels. I've been reloading 44Mag for Ruger Blackhawks and 45-70 for Marlin leverguns for some time. How does the Encore compare to these in strength (with TC barrels)? For 45-70, many loading guides show hot loads for Marlins but even hotter ones for Ruger #1's only. Where does the Encore fall? Any experience or actual data would be very welcome.

To give you a basis for comparison, here are a couple of the hotter loads I've used in those guns:

FOR NEW MODEL RUGERS AND THEIR EQUIVALENTS ONLY! NOT FOR OLDER GUNS OR REPLICAS.
300 gr Cast Performance WFN GC bullet
23.5 gr. H110 or W296
Winch. WLP primer
COL 1.625"

FOR MARLIN LEVERGUNS AND EQUIVALENT ONLY --- NOT FOR TRAPDOOR  LEVERGUNS OR REPLICAS
440 Gr Cast Performance LFN GC bullet
45 gr. RL7
Winch WLRM primer
COL 2.55"

I'm new to this board but have already learned a lot. Thanks!

Barry

[onesonek]

Contact foxridge outfitters ( TC's custom shop ). They should answer any questions you have.  I think the PH# is 1 888 243 4570, or call TC to get  the number.  My data  was worked up, (carefully) in a custom throated chamber. So it most likely would be to hot for a factory chamber. Therefore I won't go into details of my loads, but I did start at the low end of the Marlin scale.  O.

[tlyne]

If I may answer your Encore strength question this way. The Encore is in 300 win mag chambering and is coming out 2003 year in 375 HH (If I unstand your question).

[onesonek]

Twyman, hi, you are correct about the Encore being chambered in "standard belted mag. rounds".  But where in lies a "problem" with the Encore, it's ability to handle magnum pressures, with a caseheads larger than a 300 or 375, such as the 45-70.  Example: I know the "short mags"(based on the 404 or similar caseheads), when run up in pressure, started to create problems.  Mainly frame sretching and thrust. Making it hard to open the Encore.  So, a 45-70 loaded  to the same pressure as a 300 Win, will be to much for the Encore.  I just wanted to clear up the various loading differences, ( Marlin- #1 ) in manuals.  That is why I didn't list my personal data, because of the long throat variable.  So, to Barry, I was trying to stress caution, because the 45-70 is wonderfull round, BUT, it will take apart an Encore if one assumes they can run #1 loads up the tube, without caution!  I just didn't want to see anybody to take anything for granted. Good luck& Good shooting to Barry, Tywman, and All...

[jamie]

When I asked questions about the strength everyone including GB and T/C said that the Encore can handle #1 loads.  That frame is still tight as when I bought it and shoots 1" with all the barrels.  A 45-70 loaded to the same pressure as the 300 win mag would cause catostrophic destruction for certain. I don't think you will get that kind of pressure with IMR 3031, you simply run out of case volume.  As a matter of reference, when I talked to T/C and asked for load data for the 250 Barnes X I was told that with 3031 to just put as much as I could.

[Lynn Alan Kietzman]

What about the .450 Marlin. Because the case head is basically a .458 Win (.300 Win or .375 H&H, etc) cut to the same length as the .45/70, can they be run up to Mag pressures? Thanks

[thomas]

I have a Encore barrel in 450 Marlin.
The factory has assured me that any factory loading or any load of of a manual is more than safe in the encore.
This being the case I see no need whatsoever to worry about the 45-70 as some of the other have cautioned you about.
The 450 marlin operates at much higher pressures than any of the 45-70 rounds. Marlin used the belted magnum case to assure that it could not be fired in a gun chambered for the 45-70 as a Hot loaded 450 marlin will destroy a 45-70 firearm.
If you still have concerns please call tc. they were more than helpful on this matter.
tom

[Ebjonnes]

I shoot a Encore 24in. barreled rifle chambered in 338/348win.imp..This round has a casehead dia.of .615 and slightly more case cap.than the 338win mag.My handloads are full power 338win.mag loads,and after more than 400 rounds the rifle shows no signs of "frame stretch" or any other ill effects of exessive bolt thrust.

[thomas]

all of the custom guys including foxridge chmaber the encore for 458 win mag. this is a much higher perssure round than the 45-70 and a large case head to boot.

Just too much confusion on encore strength. the encore can handle high presures with large case rounds up to 60.000 psi

Like i stated before a call to tc  or ssk will put all fears to rest.
Toml