Well MGM came through and delivered my new 338 Federal barrel for my Encore. As usual, fit and finish is very nice.

I loaded up some 200 grain Hornady' s for initial sight in behind a mid range charge of H-335. Recoil was stout, but not unbearable. Accuracy was excellent and velocity was right at 2400 FPS.

I loaded up some 160 TTSX Barnes for grins and giggles and with 48 grains of 8208 XBR I was running 2641 FPS. I worked up to 50 grains and found a very good loading at 49.5 grains. I believe this may be my deer load from now on. I know it's a light bullet for a .338 but it shoots well and is probably running close to 2700 FPS.

I'm a fan of this caliber. Recoil is stout, but not horrible. I'm running a 15.8" barrel and a 2.5-8 Weaver on this gun. It's a neat set up for sure. Come on deer season!

Brenden