custom encore rifle barrels

[adm1977]

I am thinking of purchasing a custom barrel for my T/C Encore rifle. Does anyone have any experience with a custom barrel for these guns. I was leaning toward one from either Match Grade Machine or E. Arthur Brown Company. I have been looking on some other forums and these two company's names seem to be the most often mentioned. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

[taylorce1]

My only two non T/C barrels have been a Garry Reeder barrel in .280 GNR and my Current Bergara barrel in .300 AAC. The .280 GNR was a miserable SOB to shoot, all I can say is be careful in what you order as sometimes you can get too much of a good thing. The muzzle brake and a short barrel made it very difficult to shoot accurately. Even with ear plugs under muffs and the concussion wave off the brake was more than I could handle so it was promptly traded.

I'd probably go with MGM before EABCO but I have no personal experience with either. SSK, Bellm, and Bullberry all have a good reputation for producing accurate T/C barrels.

 

[Rol_P]

I have an MGM custom Encore rifle barrel in .260 Remington. It is very easy to shoot and good accuracy. My recollection is 1 1/2" groups were not too difficult to achieve.7 It has been a few years since I used it and I could sell it if you were interested. I have started using a 30-06 for elk hunting so do not need the 260.

 

[zacii]

I have an MGM custom Encore rifle barrel in .260 Remington. It is very easy to shoot and good accuracy. My recollection is 1 1/2" groups were not too difficult to achieve.7 It has been a few years since I used it and I could sell it if you were interested. I have started using a 30-06 for elk hunting so do not need the 260.

1-1/2" groups doesn't seem very good for a custom barrel, unless that's at 200 yards or so

 

[Rol_P]

Am I correct in my recollection that Encores need tweaking in part due to the break action design? I vaguely remember something about headspace variation contributing to inaccuracy. I do remember an occasional 1" group with that barrel but it is not the norm. It is very handy for Whitetails at the ranges I was shooting.

 

[Yoda]

Here's the site for all your questions and maybe even the barrel http://www.bellmtcs.com also depending on just how custom u want to go and money u want to spend you might want to look at this guy. http://Www.dandtcustomgunworks.com

 

[elkeater2]

Bellm uses and recommends MGM barrels for some of his work. He also works closely with dandcustomgunworks - all good guys. Headspace has been an issue on barrels from some manufacturers. The break action design is proven and not at fault. Since true headspace is easily measured on the Encore, tools for doing so and advice for setting sizing dies is useful and can promote case life. A guy using factory loads can check them easily if there is a headspace question. Hardly ever are they too tight - much more common is finding it excessive. If so, cases will stretch more on firing than we handloaders want, and in the worst cases misfires can result from wimpy primer strikes. Again, there are ways of remedy which do not require barrel work. The firing pin bushing can be shimmed forward easily.
EE2

 

[YoteSmoker]

I thought Mike Bellm was a big advocate of Bergara barrels as the use the same air guage methods as Shillen custom barrels. This is the first time I've heard he also promotes Match Grade Machine.

 

[elkeater2]

Yotie,
He has been suggesting MGM in his newsletter for some time now, especially since he is not actually making barrels himself. Yes, he does his own extra work on Bergara barrels and sells them with heavier locking springs and some machining as well, including throat and crown work. He will also do chamber and throat work on customer's MGM barrels.
EE2