I have a TC Encore .50 cal. Starting to get ready for the Colorado Muzzle loading elk season. Can't shoot sabots in Co. i just can't make this rifle shoot Power Belts accurately. Usually 7" - 8" @ 100 off bench. I have heard that since the Encore has the recessed crown, many of them won't shoot anything but sabots accurately. Is there any truth to that? Actually, mine won't shoot sabots all that accurately either. Best group with Hornady SST's, 90 gr granulated Pyrodex, new Rem muzzleloading 209's was just 3 shots in 4 inches @ 100 off bench.

Anybody had there barrel cut of and re-crowned? Or put a custom barrel on one?

Any other suggestions appreciated!

Usually the powerbelt in heavier weights should give huntable accuracy in an Encore/Omega. If they don't I doubt you will be able to get any conical to shoot well. Just my opinion tho.
Redclub

ledvm,

There is some truth in the T/C QLA muzzle not shooting conicals that well.

I have used other rifles in Colorado. Recently I bought a White .504 Ultra Mag from a guy in Idaho who sold it because of their rule change. I suggest you look for one of those rifles, and then shoot a slip-fit conical. You can even sell the T/C to finance the White.

The No Excuses are one bullet that will work well in the White under Colorado rules (there are others).

http://members.aol.com/noexcusesb/index.html

jim

ledvm, which powerbelts have you tried. My encore didn't like the 295's or 348's, but will shoot the 405's into one inch at 100 yards with 100grs of 2ff triple 7.
Also you might try twisting the plastic base off and putting a dab of bore butter on the post then replace it. I read about that on a different forum where some members said it made a big improvement with there rifles.
One other thing, are you swabbing the bore between shots. That made a big difference with my rifle when i first started out. Hope this helps, Karry

Have not shot .405 PB's. Will give them a try.

Do you think granulated 777, Pyrodex, or real black ffg is best for accuracy?

Also what about 209's? Is the .25 ACP ignition system better for accuracy?

ledvm, I have only tried 777 and Pyrodex so far and 777 has been the most accurate in my rifle. I have not tried the 25acp ignition system. As far as the 209's i've tried Rem, winchester and CCI and IIRC i couldn't tell much difference as far as accuracy. I do have a pound of BlackMag3 powder but have not got around to trying it out.
BTW good luck in colorado, i just found out i didn't draw for muzzleloader elk in CO. Maybe next year. I'm not a Black Powder expert but let me know if you need any more help. Karry

My Encore shoots 348's with 100 grains loose (FFG) Triple Seven the best. 1-2" groups, open sights. With a clean barrel the groups expand, but with a fouled barrel they tighten up. I use 1 spit patch between shots to get the best groups.

I was getting patterns not groups before I cut off my qla shooting conicals. Sabot grouping was better also but was reasonable groups prior to removing qla.....know a few others removed theirs also.