Encore .45-70

[GH1]

Can anyone tell me what kind of pressure levels these guns are rated for? I'm hoping to put together some rounds in the levergun range, not Ruger loads.
Thanks.
GH1

[cabledad]

I don't reload even if I should but I have a Encore 45 70 thats a hog killing son of a gun.I started out with Hornady 300 gr.  and they were pretty tough to shoot ruined 2 scopes before I realized it is the load not the scope(BSA) I switched to 405 Remington Gov and Luepold scope.They do the job and don't kick.By the way I do have a muzzle brake.Just my opinion.

[GH1]

I appreciate the input about the scope. I'm loading these for a buddy and not myself, so I'd better find out what scope he has before I go too hot.
I sent an e-mail to T/C but I've yet to hear a reply. Maybe they don't want to offer such advice? I don't know.
Given scope info you've given me and they're lack of response, I think I'll go with Trapdoor levels.
GH1

[Iowa Fox]

Lever gun data for the Encore is OK. One of the best publications is the TC handloading book, yellow spiral bound. The Encore with the 45/70 barrel is pretty light, even with lever gun loads the recoil is punishing.

[GH1]

Thanks Iowa. I'll probably load in the TD range, but it's nice to know I have a little wiggle room. The owner was shooting Remington 405 factory ammo and wasn't happy with the drop at 100 yards. So I'm going to go with a 350 gr bullet at around 1800 FPS or so, that should flatten it out a bit. I also had to educate him some. He's accustomed to shooting .243, .270, and .30-06 rounds, which are flatter shooting. He used a bore sight to set his scope without checking it and he didn't take into account the drop inherent in a heavy, slow moving slug.
So with a lighter, faster round and a little educationg I think I'll be able to make him happy.
GH1

[Camp Cook]

I load 325gr FTX @ 1850fps and 430gr WLNGC's @ 1600fps in my 22" barreled Contender carbine in 45-70 if I had a 45-70 for my Prohunter I wouldn't hesitate to use any/all of my Maralin 1895GS 45-70 loads in it.
 
I have spoken with he that cannot be mentioned on this site he tells me that the Encore/Prohunter is not designed to handle Ruger #1 45-70 loads.

[Grumulkin]

Since an Encore can handle 416 Rigby loads and things like the 300 Win. Mag., I doubt the Ruger #1 will take more pressure than the Encore.

[Camp Cook]

Just stated what he who cannot be mentioned here told me...
 
Due to his vaste experiences working with/testing these rifles I will go with what he said over an I think...
 
If I were to ever get a 45-70 barrel for my Prohunter I would stick to my top Marlin level loads.

[Thebear_78]

I have an encore set up with a 18" barrel and synthetic stock, with a williams peep.   It is a seriously light, handy, little package.   I have run a few of my marlin loads 405gr @ 1925fps out of it and can assure you the encore will handle more than your shoulder will!

[wolfe28]

Lever gun data for the Encore is OK. One of the best publications is the TC handloading book, yellow spiral bound. The Encore with the 45/70 barrel is pretty light, even with lever gun loads the recoil is punishing.

When I got my 45-70 encore barrel, I emailed the folks at TC and asked them this exact question.  They confirmed the above quote; Lever gun load data is fine, but don't exceed it. 

D

[guns-o-fun]

I had a 45/70 barrel for my prohunter frame.  Hurt to shoot.  Don't really like the caliber in this platform.  Also have a Katahdin 460 S&W barrel and it kicks hard enough to make my neck hurt at the range (even off-hand).  Some have suggested adding lead shot to the synthetic forend - but then that defeats the whole idea of having a lightweight, compact boomer...Had a Handi rifle with a 20 inch in 45-70 and it was a lot easier on the shoulder.  With an Encore, I think you will hit the pain threshold before you get dangerously high pressures!