Finally got to shoot my 470 Nitro Express Encore today. The barrel from Virgin Valley Guns came last week, and I just had to put the finishing touches on the forend and my �recoil tamer� grip from Denzel Roberts. I heard all kinds of crazy predictions from friends and strangers alike about what this gun was going to do to me. From broken wrists to front sight embedded in the forehead, I heard it all. So I was a little apprehensive about shooting this thing. Set up at the range as far from the other shooters as I could, since I knew it was going to be loud. Loaded a 500gr Kynoch solid and sighted in. Forend was resting on my sandbag, weak hand grasping the firing hand at the wrist. Then I pulled the trigger. Guess what?. I have shot 454 Casull Loads with worse recoil than I got from this thing. Barrel didn�t even jump more than 3 inches of the bag. So much for all the dire predictions!. Shot 4 more of the Kynoch solids then decided to try shooting in the off-hand. Since I was out of the Kynochs, I loaded up some 500gr A-Square Monolithic Solids. No problems, the forend wouldn�t even come out of my support hand. Shot 5 of the A-Squares, including a rapid-fire string of three rounds in 30 seconds. This gun was a lot of fun to shoot, as soon as I load up some more ammo I�ll be back out shoot some more. My dies should be coming in sometime next week. The gun has the factory T/C fiber optic sights, which worked great today, very bright and easy to see. But I think a low power pistol scope will be the ticket for this set up. Next time I�ll bring my chrono out and see what kind of velocity I�m getting from this 15 � � barrel
Thanks for the report Erik! I'm having a "little sister" to your barrel produced by VVCG as we "speak" (10 weeks would put delivery around mid-Feb). Much like yours - blued, integral brake, front sight behind brake, but in 375 H&H chambering, and half inch longer. Very glad to hear that the recoil should be manageable, even with full power loads....
Sounds as if my 50 Alaskan Encore (12") kicks more than the 470 NE. Odd as I would have though the 470 would have kicked more. It will be interesting to see what your vels were. The 12" 50 AK is moving a 570 Woodleigh at 1445 fps and a 450 Barnes Orig. at 1727 fps. with Re #7 at 54.0 and 59.0 gr. respectivley.
470 NE Encore?????? How on Earth did you think you could burn all that powder in 16" of barrel? The muzzel blast out of a 26" barrel will blind you at night.
I have a Contender that started life as a super 14" 41 Rem Mag. It is now a super 16 1/2" including a permenetly mounted brake so it can be used legally with a carbine stock, and chambered for 411 JDJ. A Redfield Pistol scope in Weaver rings, and Mounts. It has only been test fired by the smith, and it also has a 10" bull barrel, also with a Redfield and a fore stock for the short barrel, chambered for 223 Rem Both in a hard case. ANYONE want it?
------------------ ..Mac >>>===(x)===> also DUGABOY1 DUGABOY DESIGNS Collector/trader of fine double rifles, and African wildlife art
Posts: 14634 | Location: TEXAS | Registered: 08 June 2000
I just wanted a 470 NE, and since I can't afford a double I figured why not a barrel for my Encore. I didn't notice the muzzle flash everyone was warning me about. It was a bright day so maybe I didn't see it. Or maybe it was because my eyes were closed . I just finished my first set of reloads (after having to modify most of my reloading equipment). 110 gr of H4831 behind 500gr Barnes XLC's. It does look kind of weird with blue bullets though. Maybe if I put a bucket in front of the barrel, I can reclaim some of that unburnt powder.
Dang it Mac,do you EVER check your e-mail?Sent you one about that 58 Berdan Carbine cape gun of mine,thought you might be interested in it AGAIN since I've figured out AGAIN that I ain't ever gonna shoot the thang.That T/C Carbine in 411 JDJ sounds neat BTW.
------------------ I'm out to wrong rights,depress the opressed,and generaly make an ass of myself!
Brian, I don't have the carbine stock for the 411 JDJ it has walnut Magnum grip, and the super 14 fore stock on the 411 JDJ barrel. The barrel was a super 14, but a muzzle brake was permenetly mounted to make the barrel 16 1/2" so it is legal to use a carbine stock. the 223 barrel is a 10" bull barrel, with it's own forestock. I planned to buy the synthetic carbine stock for the super 14 Barrel which has "TWO" mounting screws for the forestock. I've simply lost interest in the project, and have never even fired it with the 411 JDJ rounds, and don't have dies for the 411 JDJ.
------------------ ..Mac >>>===(x)===> also DUGABOY1 DUGABOY DESIGNS Collector/trader of fine double rifles, and African wildlife art
Posts: 14634 | Location: TEXAS | Registered: 08 June 2000
efryman, I love it! Makes me want to run out in the yard, rip my shirt off, and beat my chest. I bet recoil is a hand-full, but it shure looks like fun! I've shot a double in 470 NE and even it makes you pay attention.
I have 13" Encore's in 378, & 460 WBY's and one in 500 A-Square. The 460 recoil is painful with full house loads, as well as the 500. The 378 is not bad. With practice, all are quite accurate and fulfill their design purpose.
They are all "backup" guns, designed as companions to larger rifles, chambered for the same calibers.
The first two have scopes. The 500 an Express sights.
I have not had the opportunity to chrono them yet. That is an excellent question. I would like to know. I will say again, that the Scope equipped Encore's are very accurate. The terminal effect is very impressive, and similar to the rifles.
I have requested a 585 15" believe it or not. Was told no. I am still begging. I have the rifle, of course and love the caliber.
By the way, I started out with a 300 win mag 15" and then progressed to a 375 H&H 13." I enjoy them as well. Scope on 300, iron on 375. It is very important to work your way up with these guns and develop sound handling techniques. It is also imperative to approach your loads for them carefully. Take your time and enjoy. Eventually, however, the goal is ammo compatibility with a rifle. Sight in with same shells and carry one type of ammo.
Finally got a chrono that works, 1850 fps with Federal factory ammo. I'm sure I can push my reloads past that. I'm getting used to shooting the beast now. Shot all 20 of the Federal rounds, and was looking for more. My forend ripped of at shot # 18. The metal inserts that hold the forend hanger bar to the wood forend snappped in half. I had the gun set up on the bipod for a couple of shots, and this is probably what caused the excess stress on the hanger bar.
JP, who made your 460 WBY and 500A2 barrels?. I'd sure love to shoot those babies.
Right now I am not allowed to advertize for liability reasons. Sorry.
500grains:
They are actually somewhat easier than the rifles. With a one handed grip, the recoil is transferred throughout the arm and shoulder, and then into the body. I usually like a side stance. With a rifle, the thing hits you right in the shoulder. But you are wright, the wrist is a weak link. It's good to pump some iron and have a strong wrist.
With the 585 and 577 there is just not enough "meat" around the barrel blank for safe operating pressures. I doubt a reputable smith will make one. We will have to wait for a larger encore design--perhaps?
. I just finished my first set of reloads (after having to modify most of my reloading equipment). 110 gr of H4831 behind 500gr Barnes XLC's. It does look kind of weird with blue bullets though. Maybe if I put a bucket in front of the barrel, I can reclaim some of that unburnt powder.
