I am thinking about getting into hunting with a muzzleloader. I have decided to use an Encore & have heard that TC does not recommend using Triple Seven powder.
Does anyone know why?

Did you buy the Encore yet ? if No get another brand rifle ! I have one and the barrel was improperly stress relieved ! it was sent back and when it came back to me it was the same barrel and the letter said it was ok ! I showed the barrel to the store managed at Gander Mt and he let me pick one out from his stock of extras ! I found 2 that were good if I remember there were 6 total ? I shoot Trip 7 3f 80 grains and it is a tack driver ! but the hassle was not worth the gun ! I will never get another or recommend anyone buying one ! any gunsmith that don't know how to check for improperly stress relieved barrels or bent barrels is a store clerk withw shingle !

Oh I forgot the carbon ring after every shot will drive you up the wall , Possibly that is why they want you to not use 3F ??? I got western priners and they are better but not a cure !

I have an Encore and couldn't be happier. It shoots - MOA at 100 yds if I'm on.

If I can give you some advice forget the 777 and get Blackhorn 209.

Black horn 209 ??? Please advise ! where do I get it and what is it compared to ?

Blackhorn

Blacknorn vs 777

Thanks Dan42

Mine likes 777 pellets about as much as Pyrodex pellets, but it likes real 3F Goex better. If you already own your Encore frame (which you ought to buy as a pistol anyway) you may be interested to know I'm selling the 209x50 tube, walnut foreend, and a mess of accessories...

I have a Encore 205x50 rifle and also a 15 inch 209X50 Encore PISTOL barrel. I shoot two 50 gr T7 pellets in both. Last fall I shot the 15 inch pistol barrel and I cleaned it between each shot. WOW! One 4 shot group went 1.75 inches and most 3 shot groups were under 1.5 inches.

bass pro shops has it in there stores,blackhorn 209 that is. i'm shooting it in my triumph ,very easy loding and cleanup. shoots great.

My son and I both have Encore muzzleloaders, and both guns prefer Pyrodex pellets.

Couple of pics, shot with Encore 15inch 209X50 pistol. TC list T7 loads for the Encore rifle and pistol.

On the TC website, 777 is one of the propellents they discuss and recommend loads for. I have the latest DVD from TC, and all they shoot is Triple Seven pellets.

BS on the not endorsed/recommended, as to stress relieved barrels, if someone can see that with their naked eyes, they are akin to superman.

I shoot 1.5" at groups at 100 with my 26"barrel encore ,with 2 50grain triple seven pellets and 295gr powerbelts, good luck

Nothing wrong with shooting triple 7 in an Encore. I have done it for 5 years with no problems. Just use Remington Kleenbore primers.

I only shoot 777 in my Encore and love it. Sure there is a crud ring but nothing intolerable. I shoot 120 grains loose and get 1" groups or better all the time with a 250 grain Barnes sabot. I have not tried any of the newer powders but when I last tested powders - nothing came close to 777 for velocity over the chrono and from some of the things I have read on the other powders I doubt they will match up either.

If this is going to be a dedicated ML and no other barrels I wouldnt do it. That is a couple hundred bucks you could put in a scope.
I have owned both encores and omegas and have never found the encore to be more accurate just more money. If you like the breakdown idea look at the T/C triumph. Much lighter and very accurate. JMO

I bought a TC Encore in 50cal years ago on clearance (only one they had) I have never shot anything but loose 777. It gets the crud ring but I always run a patch between shots anyway. I get 3" groups with open sites off a bench rest. It is all the better I can see with bifocals. I bought all my 777 at Wal-Mart on clearance for $7 to $10 a pound. The 777 pellets are to high for me even on clearance.

Good luck with your choice.

quote:

Originally posted by tped:
I only shoot 777 in my Encore and love it. Sure there is a crud ring but nothing intolerable. I shoot 120 grains loose and get 1" groups or better all the time with a 250 grain Barnes sabot. I have not tried any of the newer powders but when I last tested powders - nothing came close to 777 for velocity over the chrono and from some of the things I have read on the other powders I doubt they will match up either.

Blackhorn 209 kicks 777's ass. It is the best out there. I gave away all of my 777 as I will never shove that junk down my bbl again.