What about a long range precision 308 encore barrel?? Any thoughts?

[teddy12b]

I'm thinking about a barrel for my encore in 308.  I'm not intersted in any other caliber.  I'm wondering about what I could expect out of factory encore heavy bull barrels, or if I should look at custom barrels.  I'd be looking for something between 1/2" to 1" in accuracy.  I'm more than happy with 1/2" groups and don't need anything better than that as I'm not in competition.  I would like to get out to 800 yards and don't think that'd be a problem with all the different barrel lengths available in 308.

What barrel would you use?  What should I be looking at?

[kynardsj]

My 24 inch tapered would shoot 1 inch at 100 yards. If I was going to buy another 308 barrel it would be a 26 inch bull. If you play around with loads there isn't any reason why you shouldn't get good groups from the right bullet/powder combination.

[65465 Mo]

What are you shooting at (target )at 800 yards?

[teddy12b]

I just shoot at steel targets.  Not for competition, but for my own satisfaction of a job well done.  I'm not going after game at that distance, unless there's absolutely no wind and it's a groundhog or something like that.

[fireball168]

For what you can pick up a factory barrel for right now, with the $50 rebate - that's where I'd start.

Stainless Prohunter barrels are $300 + tax, after you send in the rebate $271 out of pocket - less shipping and a stamp for the rebate.


Spend the extra money buying a Stratton hanger bar and a decent trigger job if you haven't already.


If you aren't satified with the accuracy of the factory barrel, wait until the rebate expires - used barrel prices seem to go up every time.

[Grumulkin]

I have never failed to get 1 inch or better accuracy at 100 yards with every T/C Encore rifle barrel I've ever tried except a 375 H&H Mag. barrel that I only got 1.5 inches out of so, for what you want, any T/C barrel would do.  The tapered 24 inch barrels make a handy length, the heavy 26 inch barrels are nice and I also like the 28 inch Pro Hunter barrels.  By the way, I've NEVER paid close to $300 for a stainless Pro Hunter barrel but I guess I shop well.  I would recommend pricing barrels at EABCO and manventureoutpost.com.

I have a Match Grade Machine 375 H&H Magnum handgun barrel and it shoots VERY well.  Match Grade Machine barrels cost more than T/C barrels but if you want the best and don't mind paying for the privilege, I would recommend them.

[fireball168]

By the way, I've NEVER paid close to $300 for a stainless Pro Hunter barrel but I guess I shop well.

I would recommend pricing barrels at EABCO and manventureoutpost.com.

Manventureoutpost:

308 Prohunter stainless, not listed - although their prices are pretty good on some of the other stuff.

Eabco, $310

http://www.eabco.com/store/products/TC_Pro_Hunter_Barrel_28_Stainless_Fluted_with_No_Sights-1765-121.html