loading for a 308 encore pistol

[bambi shooter]

Going to load some 125 grain sierra game kings in my 15" 308, and was wondering if anyone had some good load data they would share for this bullet. I have 3 manuals, but as the hand cannon is new territory, I thought I could get some feedback from those who have tried and true info.

[1sourdough]

 Many manuals have the single shot handgun section. Most of the loads seem about the same as for rifles though. If it was me I'd use something in the 3031 or 4895 area & load in the lower levels to start out. I'd rate 'shootability' high on the list.

[kynardsj]

Go to the Hodgdon website and check their section for 308 pistols. IMR3031 has always been a favorite of mine for the 308.

[DANNY-L]

I'm still playing with my rifle useing imr 4895 with 46.5 gr,cci 200, nos.125 bal. tip, oal 2.753 I've done several groups of 3,the 1st shot was 1/2" from #2&3 shot which cut holes in half. The Ruger 77 must like a warm barrel.

[Richard P]

   I recently loaded 32gr Accurate 2495 (their version of 4895) in a 15'' 308 barrel.  It produced roughly 2000 fps with the Hornady 130gr bullet.  It is relatively pleasant to shoot off the bench. It showed to be a serviceable load at 100yds, printing about 2 1/2'' for five shots. I see the Encore 15'' as a hunting gun not a target rifle.  I havent tried to run any test series for really good accuracy. The same powder and charge coupled with a Sierra 150gr flat point (30-30 bullet) yielded a bit over 1850 fps. Again the group size for three shots was serviceable for field use. 
   I know you can get much more velocity from these barrels but for woods hunting I see no need to explore it.  If you hunt in more open areas or a power line you might spend more time developing loads.  My brief test groups were shot using a 4x Burris scope.  rp

[Win 1917]

It showed to be a serviceable load at 100yds, printing about 2 1/2'' for five shots. I see the Encore 15'' as a hunting gun not a target rifle.  I havent tried to run any test series for really good accuracy

Over the years piles of deer have been taken with guns that didn't shoot that good. On the other hand with some more load work I know you'd be shooting groups half that size. 

[41 mag]

X2 on the Hodgdon loads, they show some good combos for he shorter barrels. I also second the 3031 comment as well. It has worked very well for my short 16.5" barrel with most 150gr bullets.

It showed to be a serviceable load at 100yds, printing about 2 1/2'' for five shots. I see the Encore 15'' as a hunting gun not a target rifle.  I havent tried to run any test series for really good accuracy

Over the years piles of deer have been taken with guns that didn't shoot that good. On the other hand with some more load work I know you'd be shooting groups half that size.

Absolutely to the above. Just a bit of seating depth should drop those groups in half. I get better than that from factory rounds when fire forming for my AI barrels. In fact with my .223 AI I haven't even bothered working up loads for it as the factory Winchester stuff shoots so well I see no need. I do have a nice supply of formed cases though when I decide to.