Hey guys:

I need some help from Encore owners. I have finally got my custom Encore barrel to shooting good most of the time. I have shot several groups under 1/2" at 100 yards with my 26 inch 22-250 barrel but I am still getting some vertical stringing. I can't figure out why the gun will shoot less than 1/2" and then open up to 2-3" vertically the next go round with the same load. I have discovered that letting the barrel cool completely between shots helps tremendously even though it has a "free-floated" forearm. I also took Mike Bellm's advice and made sure that the case was not sticking out of the barrel more than the barrel to frame gap. (My sized cases are flush with the end of the barrel) VV Jeff suggested pressure deviation. With the load that I have settled on the extreme spread is about 35 fps. Not terrible in my book, but not great either. I talked to Fred at Bullberry, even though it is not his barrel and he suggested that the barrel is not locking into the frame the same every time. Something else to try.

This barrel does not like high pressure loads, I've tried several powders and once I get into the 2700+ fps range, the cases become difficult to extract. Most of these loads are 2-2 1/2 grains off of max for the powders that I have used. This is fine though I am after accuracy not speed.

I guess that my problem is that I have nothing to compare this barrel to as it is my first Encore barrel. According to Fred, my .2577 Roberts barrel from Bullberry should be finished this week. This will give me something to compare it to.

After all of this ranting my question is this: Is it normal for Encore barrels to exhibit vertical stringing since they can't be truly "free-floated"? It is just so frustrating to shoot a sub 1/2" group to be followed up with a 3" group from the same load. You can draw a straght line and connect all three bullet holes but they are stacked vertically. Help!!!!

Thanks,
8point

8point,
My experience with TCs is that vertical stringing has much to do with front rest placement. They are finicky about where you put the rest. I have had the most success by placing the front bag (or whatever) right against the trigger guard. Also, it seems to be helpful to place the rear rest fairly close to the rear part of the trigger guard. Give it a try and see what happens.

Rick

Greyfox:

Yeah, I've tried that and found it to be true also. I get my best groups by placing the front bag at the very rear of the forearm being very careful to rest it in the same place from shot to shot.

To further elaborate on my question, I would like to know from experienced Encore shooters who have worked with several barrels if vertical stringing "just happens" from time to time. I am very pleased with the groups that i get "most" of the time. It is just frustrating to see them open up that drastically. But if it is a problem that all Encore shooters are living with then I will quit trying.

Thanks again greyfox...8point

My first guess would be the problem discussed by Greyfox. Most verticle stringing problems I have seen were:
1. Varying pressure on the forearm or the buttstock. I have found I get better results using only one forend screw. Not sure how this applys to a "Free Floated" forearm, but you may want to try removing one of the screws on the bar. Also make sure buttstock rests on the same place every time,
2. Varying chamber pressures. You may try comparing a low pressure load to a medium load if your barrel doesn't like heavier loads.
3. Loose base or scope mounts.
4. Sloppy barrel fit (Oversized Hinge pin fix).

Not sure if this is much help, but it may give you some ideas. If you find the problem, let me know.
Good luck

There are 3 steps to a simple fix. First, get a Bellm oversize hinge pin (www.bellmtcs.com). Second, trash the factory forend (esp. if it is rynite!) and get a pillar-bedded forend or one with a hanger bar setup from either Virgin Valley (www.virginvalleycustomguns.com), Fred @ Bullberry (bullberry.com)or Dave Van Horn (www.mygunroom.com/dvgunshop/calibers.html)

Lastly, be consistent in your shooting style and placement of the bags. Then, all your troubles should go away...

Thanks Old Fart and Bobby:

You guys keep telling me to be consistent on my bags!! I'm doing that already.

And Bobby, this gun is a custom project that utilizes the hanger bar system already. That eliminates two out of three variables. I currently have over $1400.00 invested in this gun counting the scope and it is the most inconsistent shooting gun that I own! My question is can I expect it to shoot as consistently as my bolt action guns?

If the Bellm hinge pin is a must have then I will try it also. What's six more dollars!

Thanks for the help....8point

[ 04-30-2003, 00:25: Message edited by: 8point ]

I know people have already hammered the "bag placement" thing into the ground, so I won't go there. However, one other thing to consider along those same lines is consistency of grip. I don't know why, but I'm guessing it's the design of the Encore and contender rifles. They seem to be extremely finicky about bag placement and, more importantly consistent grip.

I've had several instances where customers have complained about flyers with their encores while saying that they can shoot their bolt action rifles with no problem. However, when we get them in for testing, we can find no fault. After questioning them for a bit about their shooting practices, I can usually boil it down to the way they hold the rifle. It seems some people have a habit of resting their hand over the scope while shooting. Others will not grip the forend for every shot or they will not grip in the same place with relatively the same pressure.

I don't mean to imply that you have poor shooting practices by any means. I just figured since you are gathering info about this particular problem, I'd toss that out there for you.

Originally posted by VVJeff:

quote:

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I don't mean to imply that you have poor shooting practices by any means.

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My shooting??

Naw, it couldn't be that!!

Thanks Jeff, 8point