Next Encore Barrel

[Moonie]

Ok, so I'm looking at MGM for my next barrel for my Encore. I've decided on a barrel length between 16.25" and 20". Most likely the shorter as I want to use it as both a pistol and a short carbine. The calibers I'm looking at are 460 S&W, 45-70 and 500 S&W. I've wanted a 45-70 since I owned a Contender in my early 20's in 7-30 Waters. I already reload and cast for my NMBH 45 Colt so the 460 would be easiest/cheapest to get setup and shooting.

Anyone have opinions on these?

Actually I'm open to any opinion on calibers and barrel lengths. In the past I owned a Contender in 7-30 and 357Max and currently my Encore is in 270 Winchester.

[3leggedturtle]

460 since your already set up for 45C. Then add the 45/70 later. I get a 20".. i have tried the 16" on a Contender; didnt like as either a carbine or pistol. I have an 18" 45ACP bull barrel that I absolutely love to carry, It has enough weight to shoot offhand decently, and light enough to carry all day on a woods walk. I also have all my barrels d+t'ed for iron sights.

[35 shooter]

As far as options other than what you listed, a .358 win. or 35 whelen would be a good choice for cast. I love my whelen bbl. and it keeps it's shots in 1.5" or less @ 100yds. with the loads it likes from 200 to 300 gr. boolits. Absolutely drives a nail with jacketed.
This is a group i shot this last weekend with it. Just a stock pro hunter encore bbl.130466 5 shots 100 yds.
360230 noe fpgc
54 gr. imr 4350
Ben's Red lube
Sage's .010" hard al. checks
2200 plus fps....did i mention i like the whelen? Love the encores too!!
The 5th shot opened the group up to 1.298"

[tdoyka]

i have four MGM barrels. the 20 vartarg, 22-250ai, 6.5 creedmoor, and the 444 marlin. my next barrel will be the 500 s&w in 23" heavy factory barrel. my 45-70 is in a handi-rifle with 405gr cast fbfn.
i would go with the 500s&w. load up some 440gr cast and away you go.

[Moonie]

As far as options other than what you listed, a .358 win. or 35 whelen would be a good choice for cast. I love my whelen bbl. and it keeps it's shots in 1.5" or less @ 100yds. with the loads it likes from 200 to 300 gr. boolits. Absolutely drives a nail with jacketed.
This is a group i shot this last weekend with it. Just a stock pro hunter encore bbl.130466 5 shots 100 yds.
360230 noe fpgc
54 gr. imr 4350
Ben's Red lube
Sage's .010" hard al. checks
2200 plus fps....did i mention i like the whelen? Love the encores too!!
The 5th shot opened the group up to 1.298"

Actually planning to get a 35 Whelen barrel for my Savage Edge 30-06.

[glockky]

I am not trying to sway your opinion on caliber choices but I have several encore and did have one of the 20" katahdin 45-70 barrels.
Key word there being "Did". The recoil even with mild 45-70 loads were brutal in the light rifle. I have shot 45-70 in handi rifles and several marlins, and must admit they all would get your attention. Neither of those rifles kicked anywhere near the level of the encore. I would imagine the 460 and 500 would be just as bad if not worse.
If you not recoil sensitive then you may be ok. My winchester model 70 in 300wsm was a breeze to shoot compared to the 45-70.

[Moonie]

I am not trying to sway your opinion on caliber choices but I have several encore and did have one of the 20" katahdin 45-70 barrels.
Key word there being "Did". The recoil even with mild 45-70 loads were brutal in the light rifle. I have shot 45-70 in handi rifles and several marlins, and must admit they all would get your attention. Neither of those rifles kicked anywhere near the level of the encore. I would imagine the 460 and 500 would be just as bad if not worse.
If you not recoil sensitive then you may be ok. My winchester model 70 in 300wsm was a breeze to shoot compared to the 45-70.

I am not recoil sensitive when it comes to handguns but in rifles I am some. Perhaps a pistol length barrel would be better, something around 13"

[nhmikel]

Got a 450 Marlin 18" & 460 s&w here

[Doc Highwall]

The 460 S&W having the smallest case capacity will be the most efficient with a short barrel and would be my first choice of the three cartridges that you mentioned.

[nhmikel]

So...what do you guys think about my Contender 45/70 12" SST w/fact tamer (ported) would be like?

[Doc Highwall]

Too much recoil and muzzle blast gets old real quick, been there done that. Now I just look for something that is accurate that I can shoot all day and not break the bank so I can afford to do it again tomorrow.

[big bore 99]

I had the Encore in 15" .45-70. Great accuracy at 100 yds with jacketed. It was a thumper, but manageable.

[Nazgul]

I shoot an Encore 15" barrel 45-70 with muzzle brake by SSK. Very manageable with reasonable loads. I shoot 405 gr cast at up to 1400 fps. Keep them slow and they are fine.

Accurate at normal handgun ranges.

Don

[nhmikel]

Got a 480 Ruger Blued 12" BARREL if anyone is interested ...also have die set