Fellow Encore fans, just got a 308 barrel (15") for my Encore and looking at a decent ammo that keeps recoil down without having to install a brake. It doesn't have to be recoil reduced, just efficient ammo that isn't so hot that I need to have a wrist massage after each time at the range (unless any of you know a Swedish bikini model who has nothing better to do after 4 on most Saturdays and Sundays). Any ideas?

The 308 is a great round in the Encore, do you handload?

Does she have to be Swedish?

I have shot both factory and handloads through my son's .308 Encore, and yes it can have a pretty good "whip" to it. Without you going to a "reduced recoil load," and not wanting a brake, I don't believe there is a way to get around it.

Just eat more Wheaties!

Just funnin' ya...

I actually do know a Swedish model. Almost married her darn, what was I thinking.

The 308 ammo is going to have some kick to it-Just the way it is.
If, you do end up getting a brake, a good one will turn it into a puff-cake (recoil wise that is).

Changing/trying different grips can help a bit on how it FEELS; adding weight (maybe in the form of a Harris Bipod or the like) will also help, but you can't get away from this Law of Physics: "For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction."

Or sumpin' close to that...

Thanks to all - I will probably end up with a brake, but first I'll put a few rounds through it to see what it feels like beffore I take the plunge into installing a brake.

@ Racksmasher --- Not yet, but I got this barrel with the Lee Classic Loader in mind, just so that I can tailor ammo to this barrel. Would love in any input on which powders burn best in a 15" barrel with a 150-165 gr. bullet.

I like Varget and the 150 grain Accubond in .308 handguns. I've taken a couple of elk with this load and it has worked well.



I got 2500 fps in a 14" barrel and 2600 fps in a 16.25" barrel. I've got a TX auodad hunt planned for January, 2013 and I plan to try the 150 grain ballistic tip over a max charge of Varget in my 16.25" XP-100.



Have fun experimenting!

Put me down for Varget as well. It wouldn't hurt to try some of the youth loads before you go to the expense of a brake. They might take just enough off the edge to make it tolerable. You can get started loading for <$200 and then you can make it shoot like you want it to.

Difference of a good brake:
6.5-06 with a 140 grain bullet

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZEt3dECMdA&feature=my_favorites&list=FLfEoqqK-q7iARmKwk742NZg

Darrell H - is it wrong to be turned on by those elk pictures?!?!?! Nice shooting and thanls for the heads up.

Ernie - I will look into that brake; those are amazing? Thanks for the link... watched it three times through!

I had really good luck with a 150 SST, IMR 4895, and a Win primmer.

I put my barrel threw the ringer and found the best load for "it." In short, I put all the top performing powders threw it with 150 SST bullet and Fed, CCI, and Win primers.

Just FWIW...

Duane

Is that IMR 4895 ? Havent heard of 4891.Slip of the finger maybe?

that'll be my next barrel for my Encore!

Thanks Junebug, and you are 100% right on. I fixed the typo in the original post... LOL

I am the type of crazy person that throws everything they have down the barrel and sees what shoots. I don't argue with what the barrel likes.