T/C Encore Custom Rifle Barrel

[Range Finder]

Rifleman:

I'm thinking about buying an Encore and putting a custom barrel on it in 30-30 Winchester.  I'd like to go either 25 or 26" in barrel length with a 1 in 9.5" twist.  I like the 30-30 for the hunting I do and would like some feed-back on this set-up.

Please keep in mind that I'm as dumb as a box of rocks when it comes to the T/C as I have never owned one, or for that matter even shot one.  Thoughts on reloading for the T/C Encore would be appreciated.  What kind of pressures can this rifle take?  Do you think the extra barrel length would improve factory loads enough to make it worth while?  And, does anyone have any experience with the 30-30 barrel?

Right now I'm just considering this project albeit seriously.  The T/C  appeals to me and even though I'm a serious lever man I do like the idea of single shots, new barrels giving me a new caliber, etc.  Thanks for any info you give.  Rest assured it will be greatly appreciated.

Good shooting! :grin:

Range Finder

[armory414]

Why a custom barrel, and why .30-30?  The Contender has long used the .30-30  cartridge, and 21" carbine barrels were made for them by TC; I don't think the extra length will give you a great advantage.  Look at all the lever guns with carbine-length barrels.  With the Encore you can go to cartridges with greater power, depending on what you are hunting.

[Range Finder]

Armory414:

Thanks for the reply.  I like the 30-30 and feel that with a 25" or 26" barrel the ballistics will be improved - especially with reloads.  The reason I asked about a custom barrel is because the on-line catalog shows the barrel you mention for the Contender only.  However, the custom shop does offer it.  So I can get the barrel length and rate of twist that I want.  Remember, I'm normally a lever man, especialy Marlins and have them on the rack.  They are great killers.  Just thought I'd try the caliber I like in a barrel I'd choose.  Thanks again for the reply. :-)

Good shooting,

Range Finder

[BeverlyHillbilly]

Range Finder

If you are looking hard at the 30-30 versus other calibers for that length of barrel, have you considered the 30-30 Ackley Improved (AI)?  You can shoot regular 30-30 shells in it, and also have the option of increased velocity and range with AI reloads.  

RC

[Keith L]

My question is sort of like the first, but I wonder why you choose the Encore if you want 30-30.  I shoot it out of a Contender, it works fine, is about a pound lighter than an Encore, and you can get a custom shop tapered or bull barrel up to 24 inches.  If you don't want to go into larger, stronger calabers think about a Contender.

[Range Finder]

Guys:

First, thanks for the replies.  I like the 30-30 Winchester and actually didn't give the AI a thought.  I might consider this.  Thank you.  Secondly,  I'm already considering other calibers that are only offered in the Encore and I would probably buy the 20 ga rifled barrel as well.

Range Finder

[Keith L]

Works for me!

[Tad Houston]

Be careful range finder, these things can be very addicting!

[skb2706]

For that caliber I would not spend the money for a custom made barrel....you are talking easy $400. Why not buy a factory .308 and load it to the level you like...now we are talking less than $250 and unless you are shooting groups you will have exactly what you want and more. Use the $150 to purchase a decent loading setup and you win all the way around.

[Range Finder]

Guys:

Thanks for all the replies and your input is very much appreciated.  Again, I'm considering this option as well as several others available in the Encore.  Again, thanks for the insight.

Good Shooting to all! :-)   Range Finder