209 X 50 loads and hanging on

[hardwickbv]

After owning an Encore 209X50 Pistol for almost 2 years I have finally mounted a 2X burris scope with Leoupold QR rings and base.

I am now ready to get serious about working up a load.

Primary use would be for deer hunting.
Most shots will be under 100 yds

What loads do you guys use?
I plan to start with 70 grain 777 using a Hornady 240 grain XTP with mag Sabot.

How do prefer to hang on to the gun while shooting?

both hands on grip with a support or bipod on the forend.
one hand on the grip and one on the forend

or both ways depending on availability of a support


As you may be able to tell I have little experience shooting these long handguns so any help would be appriciated.
I have shot a lot with Glocks and Colts but they are considerably shorter and lighter than this one.

Thanks

Bob

[Darrell H]

Bob,

I have a 14" stainless steel 209X50 Encore barrel from Bullberry.  I've owned it for just under a month now and my best load is 100 grains of Goex FFG and a 250 grain Hornady SST.  With my 2X Burris it gives me groups of about 7/8" at 50 yards.  

I got to try it out on a 125-150 lb. wild boar last weekend.  The bullet entered just behind the right shoulder and passed through the chest cavity and lodged under the skin on the opposite side.  The boar fell on the spot at the shot.     I like it!!!

HTH...X

[Darrell H]

I just now saw the second part of your question...

I hang onto the grip with one hand while supporting the forend with the other when I'm forced to shoot off-handed (as I did with the hog last weekend).  If a tree is available, I make a "V" with my left thumb and index finger while pressing my left hand against the tree and rest the forend in the "V".  This gives me a very steady hold in the field.  

The recoil is not that noticeable in the field, but I need some padding under my right elbow off of the bench!!  Ouch!!

X