Picked up a muzzleloading pistol barrel for my Encore at a gun show this past weekend. Been looking for one, and this one looks like it's never been fired, but it probably has. I'm looking for loads and anyone who has experience with one.

All information will be greatly appreciated.

Shortgun

Hello Shortgun,

There are several posts about that subject in the archives. Here is one that I participated in:

http://www.handgunhunt.com/forum/ubbthre...=true#Post75248

Here is the Thompson Center manual online: (Pistol loads start on page 63):

http://www.tcarms.com/assets/manuals/noncurrent/Encore_Muzzleloader_Manual.pdf

I would be happy to try and answer any of your questions, either here or PM me!

i like two pyrodex pellets with a 250gr t/c shockwave bullet for deer

I Like 2 50grain 777 Pellits with the Shockwave
777 Burns cleaner with MUCH easyer CLEANING !
Also Reloading is easyer.

Blackhorn 209 and a 300 grain XTP-MAG.

I use 2 50gr pellets Pyrodex and a sabot w/.429 cast bullet.

1948ER,

Which .429 cast bullet are you using and what kind of accuracy are you getting? I have been unsuccessful so far in finding an accurate load using cast bullets in sabots. I recently received an order of .45 caliber, 255 gr RNFP bevel-based bullets from Beartooth. I'm hoping that the bevel-based bullets will fit in the sabot better and give me better accuracy.

I have a factory 15 inch barrel. I use 100 gr. 777 and 45 cal. 300 gr. saboted XTP. I have taken whitetail and a wild hog with mine.

Thanks guy's I'll put the info to good use. I plan on installing a scope on mine. What are you gent's useing?? Fixed or variable??


Shortgun

HHI # 8338

Shortgun, I use a 4X Leupold on my 13 3/8" Bullberry 209 X 50 Contender.



I've had several 209 X 50 pistols and they yield .44 Mag revolver ballistics. Whatever you prefer on guns of this nature is what I would suggest.

Best of luck to you!

Thanks, Darrell H

I was thinking of a 1.5x4 or another 2x6 Bushnell.

Shortgun

HHI# 8338

It's one I cast myself for my .44spec. Your problem may be in your 'sabot'. Mine are Hornady's for .44 bullets. Some are for .45's, so be sure which caliber your sabot is for. It does make a difference as the .44's are thicker than the .45's.

Here is Mine
Its a MGM Contender 16" 209-50 , Lupold 4X

Mike, nice rig. Just curious, how difficult is it to load? I have a rif?! barrel for the encore and it's a BUGGER to push the round down.

Has anyone tried using cast bullets without a sabot? I know years ago before sabots became popular, I used T/C's "real bullet" and had great accuracy. I also remember them being a lot easier to shove down the barrel than the sabots.

Gregg, what's you thoughts on this? I know you done extensive test and studies with the 209x50; what were your results?

Thanks
As to how hard to load---The First Sabot not hard at all
But when using Pyrodex the second one was hard and Realy bad if you wanted a 3rd,
Had to Clean after 2nd
With 777 2nd,3rd no problem but at the 4th it starts to get harder,
I Clean after 4th in the feild, And Every 2 Shots at the bench.

With sabots If you buy the sabot seperate from the Bullet you must get the correct size for the bullet you are using, Sabots
come in 2 sizes that I know of for the 50cal.

The wrong one makes it realy hard to use.

Mike

right now i have red dot on mine but plan on upgrading to a good 2x or 4x fixed power scope

Add my vote for Blackhorn 209. Your loading difficulties should be reduced from shot to shot vs. Pyrodex or 777. No crud, no build-up, no rust.

The Encore manual has suggested loads for the pistols. Here's the link:

http://www.tcarms.com/manuals/ Select Encore Muzzleloader Manual about half way down the page. The pistol charts are near the end of the manual.

As mentioned, I use the T/C lead Maxiballs and Power Belt copper clad bullets; either push down the barrel with no problems even after several shots.


295 grain Black Belt and Power Belt bullets on left, 270 grain Maxiballs on right; with and without lube.

INCIDENTALLY: Black Belt was the original name, Power Belt is the name they are now marketed under.



Sabots are not legal here in Colorado and I have no experience with them.

Gregg,

Have you ever used the Maxi-Hunters??

Shortgun

No I have not, but they look like they would work great for deer and smaller game.