#3142478 - 01/28/13 01:15 PM
Shot the Encore Smokeless Conversion............
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TN Larry
8 Point
Registered: 09/17/03
Posts: 1753
Loc: Baxter, Tennessee
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I bought Howa's Encore smokeless conversion and put it on my Pro Hunter frame. I paired it with a 3x9x40 Redfield Revolution Scope.
I finally got around to getting the scope mounted on it and have took the opportunity to shoot it the last two weekends. Man, I love not having to clean the thing. 
I shot last weekend at 50 yards to get my scope in the ballpark. I shot 200 gr XTP, light blue harvester, and 56 gr H4198. I basically had it lined up after about 4 shots.
This weekend, I was ready to tinker a little and back out to 100 yds. I got it shooting good but a little high with the XTPs and 60 grains of H4198. It kicks like a mule with the 60 grains.
I then shot a group with the SST and Barnes 195 with 60 grains to see what I wanted to shoot for hunting purposes. It is 4" high at 100 with the SST and 2" high at 100 with the Barnes. Both group very well even though I didn't measure either one of them (they are both less than an inch). I now have to decide which bullet that I want to hunt with before making a minor scope adjustment down because it will shoot either one.
I think that I will stick with the 60 grains. This shouldn't be pushing it too much, and it shoots good with that amount. I also don't know if my shoulder or nose could stand a bigger dose. Even though this scope has a long eye relief, I came very close to having "scope eye" as the scope barely kissed my nose on one shot. I don't have a chrono but from looking at charts, I am assuming that I should be pushing close to 2600 fps.
I am glad that I took the smokeless route so far. The funny part is that it looks like a "toy" with the 24" barrel. That is until you shoot it.
Any opinions either way on the SST vs the Barnes??? I have read good on both, and it seems to me to just pick one and go with it.
_________________________
I pray to fish until my dying day. When it comes to my last cast, I then most humbly pray, when in the Lord's safe landing net & I'm at peace that in His mercy I be judged big enough to keep.
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#3142484 - 01/28/13 01:18 PM
Re: Shot the Encore Smokeless Conversion............
[Re: TN Larry]
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TN Larry
8 Point
Registered: 09/17/03
Posts: 1753
Loc: Baxter, Tennessee
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I posted basically the same post on Doug's to see if they have any opinions on SST vs the Barnes as well.
_________________________
I pray to fish until my dying day. When it comes to my last cast, I then most humbly pray, when in the Lord's safe landing net & I'm at peace that in His mercy I be judged big enough to keep.
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#3143181 - 01/28/13 09:57 PM
Re: Shot the Encore Smokeless Conversion............
[Re: TN Larry]
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Rubberduck270
8 Point
Registered: 11/01/10
Posts: 1605
Loc: Lawrence Co.
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My barrel is 24" since its a stainless version. The thumbhole stock also helps but she still isnt a joy to shoot lol.
If 150 is as far as you'll ever shoot Id stick with 60 grains. My max shot is around 225 so I needed all the velocity I could get.
Ive got a pretty humorous video on my phone of a co-worker shooting mine for the first time. I told him it packed a punch but he didnt belive me. Now he does :). Im helping him build one off a H&R 45-70 with a 22" barrel. Its tiny and hes already talking about staying around 58-60 grs.
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Smokeless Muzzleloading: It ain't your Grampa's flintlock
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#3148033 - 02/01/13 09:42 AM
Re: Shot the Encore Smokeless Conversion............
[Re: Rubberduck270]
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TN Larry
8 Point
Registered: 09/17/03
Posts: 1753
Loc: Baxter, Tennessee
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My barrel is 24" since its a stainless version. The thumbhole stock also helps but she still isnt a joy to shoot lol.
If 150 is as far as you'll ever shoot Id stick with 60 grains. My max shot is around 225 so I needed all the velocity I could get.
Ive got a pretty humorous video on my phone of a co-worker shooting mine for the first time. I told him it packed a punch but he didnt belive me. Now he does :). Im helping him build one off a H&R 45-70 with a 22" barrel. Its tiny and hes already talking about staying around 58-60 grs.
I will probably stick with the 60 grains. I am still undecided on the bullet but leaning towards the Barnes at least for now. I want to do a little more shooting before I decide. I have a little while to decide but know after shooting the past two weekends that I am good to go either way. I knew it would shoot based on Howa's results but didn't want to wait til the last minute.
I can believe the video about your buddy shooting. Mine doesn't really hurt my shoulder but has a horrible "jump". If you don't watch it, it will jump out of your hands or let the scope come back and get you.
Overall, I am super impressed right now and really like that I was able to stick with the Encore frame.
_________________________
I pray to fish until my dying day. When it comes to my last cast, I then most humbly pray, when in the Lord's safe landing net & I'm at peace that in His mercy I be judged big enough to keep.
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