Need help with new TC Encore

DocCoyote

DocCoyote

New member
I'm at my wits end! I just bought a new TC Encore with a Virgin Valley Custom Guns barrel. It's a Shilen Match Grade barrel, 26" long with 1:10 twist in .257 Weatherby. The problem is that it won't shoot for beans; the best group I've gotten so far is 4" at 100 yards.

I'm shooting factory 100 grain spitzer ammo that chronographs at 3680 fps average with a SD of 10-12. That's very consistent speeds, but also pretty fast. Weatherby publishes that this ammo should travel 3602 fps at the muzzle. Could this be a source of the poor groups? (BTW this is the only load I've shot through this gun so far)

I've put two different scopes on it to make sure that wasn't the problem. I've got a Talley one-piece alloy base/ring combo. I've checked it twice to make sure it's not loose. Other than cleaning it, I've done nothing to the gun.

Does anybody have any ideas about what I can do to tighten these groups up?
 
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I'd say run a few different loads through it.



I knew somebody was going to say that, and I should've already. At $45/box I've been not wanting to.

Has anybody ever seen one load shoot 4-5" groups and then shrink down to 1" with a different load?
 
Are you handloading for the rifle at all? If so, I'd try and pick a load in the 3200 fps range with the hundred grain bullets and see if groups get better. The speed may be to much for that particular bullet, and may be destroying it internally. I know this defeats the purpose of the .257 Weatherby, but it is a start. Did you check the twist rate with a tight patch and cleaning rod? A friend had a problem with his encore, and the twist was more like 1-9-1/4, switched to 120's, problem ended. Last try, you would have to measure how much jump you have to the lands. Bullets may need to be seated out a bit further. Careful of the pressure of course. These are just a few thoughts.
 
Mine use to shoot different every few shots, and the best fix was the Lock in place hinge pin that Cabelas and others sell. The little pin from the factory rolls, and pops out a little on either side after every shot, and that effected my accuracy. Now our encores are tack drivers. IT costs about $35.
 
Break open rifles care about how they are supported. Keep the rest as close to the trigger as possible. Encores also scream for handloads where you can control the headspace. The 100 grainers should be a good match for a 1 in 10, but those $45 boxes of ammo could be way off headspace wise.
 
Like TNT said, the hinge pin will affect accuracy.

Also, they are very sensitive to where you put the sand bags under them. Going from forend to hinge area with sand bag will change groups.
 
Hey Doc, VV barrels is a good company and makes some very nice barrels. As stated above, "do you reload at all?" Or are you only using factory ammo? One of the big things when it comes to accuracy with a TC is headspace. What you will need to do is get you some feeler gauges in .000" and up then measure the gap when in the closed position of the barrel and the breech face(with an empty chamber). Write that down in your notes so you wont forget later on. Now, when a round is chambered to get the utmost accuracy you need .001" gap between the case head and the breech face. When using factory loaded ammo it is almost a given that you will have too much O.A.L so that when you close the action you most likely have to close it with a firm flick of the wrist so it will close. That in turn can cause undue pressures higher speeds and so on. TC's do not like this, you will need to start with my suggestion and also keep in mind as it was also stated in the post above is where/how you rest the forend the closer to the trigger guard the better. Two other points I may add. One, would be a trigger job and the next one, would be to make sure the barrel is floated. Although, it is a barrel from VV I am almost sure it has the hanger bar system on it.

I hope this helps and if you have any other questions you may pm me and I will help you out any way I can. If you need a trigger job let me know I have done hundreds of them and I have all the parts.

Kapac
 
I wish I could help but, I've had poor luck with TC and H&R single shot rifles. I tried the different ground OD pins and forearm tricks on TC's Also diff. brass sizing to no avail. Same with H&R Handi rifle. I just flat through in the towel.

I seen other people shoot nice groups with them though.

I sure can get a single shot bolt action to shoot for me though.
 
Doc

Virgin Valley went out of business in 2004. Match Grade Machine purchased all their shop equipment and Mark Stratton a former employee still produces various Contender/Encore equipment.

So your barrel is about 3 years old.Due to the high intensity of that cartridge I would look for two problem areas. One the crown and 2 heavy copper fouling.

The other folks already alluded to the pressure points. Their advice is sound.

MGM and Stratton are both located in Southern Utah around St. George.

Best wishes, Bill
 
Thanks guys for all the information, I've got a lot to try. Yes, I do reload and will be doing so soon. I hope these things will help.
 
two TC's. 1 Encore 223 SS factory H.B. 1 Contender G2 204 Blue H.B. An out of the box Steven's 223 flat beat the pant's off of the TC 223 with any load I threw together before trigger work. The best the 204 G2 did was about 1.5 MOA. not enough to earn a starting job in this house.

Good news is I sold them both at very little loss. Add more 3 more Steven's.

The next biggest dissapointment was a Winchester Coyote in 223 Rem. nice looking rifle SS medium weight barrel, blue reciever, laminate stock, about $480.00+tax NIB. The Steven's smoked it, no problem. Winnie's collecting dust in the attic.

Some folk's say lifes to short to shoot an ugly rifle. Give me an ugly rifle that'll shoot anyday, theres no safe queens here.
 


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