Encore 22-250 Users

Dixiedog1

Dixiedog1

Active member
I'm starting to work up a load for my Encore 22-250 and was wondering what type of accuracy can be expected from a typical barrel. The first load of 39 grs of H380 isn't impressive but if there's not much more to be had I'm not going to waste time with this one.

This is a 10 shot group at 100 yds....I only see 7 holes but I'm assuming I didn't have 3 fliers miss the target when the other shots look like this
DSCF0506.jpg
 
I would think it should do much better. I shoot a 52gr. Berger and 36gr. of Varget in my Tikka with 1/2 inch groups at 100yds. pretty normal. Usually smaller. The encore 22-250 was one of the first barrels I ever had for an Encore and it shot extremely well. Is your barrel a Pro Hunter, 26 inch heavy barrel or the 24 incher with sights? The only T/C barrel that would not shoot an inch or better was a 25-06. It was a POS and got sold really quick.
 
That group is a 1.313 by my calculation, not super bad for a first run on 10 shots with the lighter 24" barrel. I dont have the 22-250, but do have the swift in a 26" heavy, MGM. It was a little picky at first, but now have found several powder, bullet combinations that will shoot half that group size. Dont give up just yet. IMO.
 
I'll start working with it a bit....I just went out and loaded up a few more to try. I'll have to try them out next Friday and see if it gets better.
 
Encore's often benefit from a Bellms oversize hinge pin and stronger lockup springs. Not saying to quit on finding a better load, but don't give up on the Encore until your sure it won't shoot.
 
It could come down to something like that but I hate to mess with my frame since my 444 Marlin and muzzle loader barrels are so accurate...I don't want to mess it up for them by tweaking my frame for the 22-250.
 
Ive had good luck with varget in my encore. just off the rifling. seems to shoot any bullet. Heck it shot white box winchester as good as any handload ive tried, lol. same set up it sounds like. I didnt have any luck with 2460. Havent tried H380 [beeep].
 
Personally in 22-250 I prefer BenchMark Powder. But that is just my preference.

You said 10 shots?? With the type of target you are using it would be impossible to have 3 additional shots inside of the other 7 shots. You have three shots that didn't hit the target.

How far back are you putting the tripod on your forearm?? You need to keep the tripod as close to the action as possible when you are bench rest shooting an Encore. You probably had the tripod at different spots on the forearm during your 10 shot group. And you probably had some muzzle flip that threw the other 3 shots off the target.

Group size is probably not your problem right now. I would say shooting technique needs alot of work before you worry about a 10 shot group size. Especially when 3 shots are not even on target. Practice your technique. Don't worry about the group. And work on your consistency. Consistency is KING with an Encore. Consistency is much more important with an Encore than it is with a more rigid bolt action.

Shooting an Encore well takes considerably more concentration and shooting technique to be able to shoot small groups. Much more than a standard or target bolt action. Tom.
 
AND, if its a new barrel, be patient. Clean it, shoot it, clean it. my new guns generally start tightening up 100-200 rds, closer to 200 usually.
 
Originally Posted By: HOGGHEADPersonally in 22-250 I prefer BenchMark Powder. But that is just my preference.

You said 10 shots?? With the type of target you are using it would be impossible to have 3 additional shots inside of the other 7 shots. You have three shots that didn't hit the target.

How far back are you putting the tripod on your forearm?? You need to keep the tripod as close to the action as possible when you are bench rest shooting an Encore. You probably had the tripod at different spots on the forearm during your 10 shot group. And you probably had some muzzle flip that threw the other 3 shots off the target.

Group size is probably not your problem right now. I would say shooting technique needs alot of work before you worry about a 10 shot group size. Especially when 3 shots are not even on target. Practice your technique. Don't worry about the group. And work on your consistency. Consistency is KING with an Encore. Consistency is much more important with an Encore than it is with a more rigid bolt action.

Shooting an Encore well takes considerably more concentration and shooting technique to be able to shoot small groups. Much more than a standard or target bolt action. Tom.

I use a Harris bipod for support so it's in a consistent spot. It could be technique but I would think if that was the problem I would have similar issues with my 444 Marlin and .50 cal muzzle loader barrels. I guess I don't understand how the technique would take more concentration with the Encore than it does with ARs or bolt action rifles. I'm not new to the single shot game, I've had Contenders for ages and never had a problem.






Originally Posted By: getfoxyTry some Varget man

That will be my next powder to try after I try working up and down with H380 a bit.
 
I would bet that the Harris bipod is the problem with your groups. The Encore will not shoot well when you put all the weight of the rifle out on the tip of the forearm. And that is exactly what the Harris bipod does.

I would bet you have forearm issues with the rifle, and the bipod is exacerbating those problems.

You would not be the first person I have seen have problems with a Harris bipod on an Encore. I bet if you took off that bipod, and rested the front as far back on the action as possible that all 10 shots of your next 10 shot group will be on target. I have many times seen a Harris bipod throw a shot clear off the target. Which is what happened to 3 or your 10 shots. Just an opinion. But I have been there and done that. Tom.
 




Quote:I use a Harris bipod for support so it's in a consistent spot. It could be technique but I would think if that was the problem I would have similar issues with my 444 Marlin and .50 cal muzzle loader barrels. I guess I don't understand how the technique would take more concentration with the Encore than it does with ARs or bolt action rifles. I'm not new to the single shot game, I've had Contenders for ages and never had a problem.

I went through some of this when I went from a Contender to a Encore. My Contenders never gave me this kind of problems, but my Encore just about drove me nuts. I know this sounds entirely contrary to all reasonable logic or accepted shooting technique. But try shooting a group with the barrel resting on the bags instead of the forearm. I did this with a 204 ruger barrel and couldn't believe the differnce, it turned the barrel from a 3" group to well under a 1".

That told me to quit messing with loads until I straightend out my gun.
 
Originally Posted By: rhbrinkWhat kind of bullet are you shooting?


55 gr Vmax

Originally Posted By: biggen0_8



Quote:I use a Harris bipod for support so it's in a consistent spot. It could be technique but I would think if that was the problem I would have similar issues with my 444 Marlin and .50 cal muzzle loader barrels. I guess I don't understand how the technique would take more concentration with the Encore than it does with ARs or bolt action rifles. I'm not new to the single shot game, I've had Contenders for ages and never had a problem.

I went through some of this when I went from a Contender to a Encore. My Contenders never gave me this kind of problems, but my Encore just about drove me nuts. I know this sounds entirely contrary to all reasonable logic or accepted shooting technique. But try shooting a group with the barrel resting on the bags instead of the forearm. I did this with a 204 ruger barrel and couldn't believe the differnce, it turned the barrel from a 3" group to well under a 1".

That told me to quit messing with loads until I straightend out my gun.


I'll try this as well. I'll shoot a group resting on the barrel then another on the back of the fore end and see how they compare.
 
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