To make a long story as short as possible. Bought a stainless Encore new last year. New Nikon 3x9 with Weaver base and Leopould rings. I couldn't get under 4-5 inch groups. Found the Belm site and took his advice on Encore shooting technique and loading procedures. new barrel lug springs, 1x pin and hammer spring, trigger job. Still no good. I have tried Powerbelts various weights, Shockwave 200,250, 300, PRB 180,200, 240, Hornady XTP 240, sub-base, no sub-base, Pyro pellets, 777 pellets and loose, 90-130 grains. Nothing shoots really well. Best so far has been 250 SW with 110 of 777 loose, 3-4 inches at 100 yards. I have tried Winchester and the new Remington primers.
I sent the barrel back to T/C not wanted to cut off the QLA without trying them first. They stated the barrel was in spec, but replaced the breechplug and sent it back. When I started shooting with the new plug and Remington primers the first 20 or so shots where CLEAN. I mean no blowback, residue nothing. Some of the spent primers looked like they just came out of the package. This was with loose 777 from 100-110 grains and 200 -250 SW's. Between shots swabed with 1 patch of Windex/alchohol and 1 dry patch. (I have also tried the spit patch method)Cleaned with same and returned the next day. Same loads as the day before but now lots of blowback, sticking primers etc. I have been getting more of a pattern then a group. I have checked the scope mounts and screws and they are tight. I might get 3 rounds in a 2 inch group and 2 flyers that open it up to 4 inches. I'm a good shot and have been very carefull about bag placement and not flinching.
It's good enough to hunt with but just. I expected much betterwith this expensive a gun. I don't understand what wouldcause the drastic change in the blowback. From nothing to horrible. I'm usingCVAbreechplug grease, not the TC super lube that came on the new breech plug but I can't see why that would be a factor. I'm lubing both the plug and the barrel threads. Hope this is not too long.
Ethan