I am a big fan of the Encore. I have had two, first a walnut and blue and then decided I wanted a camo and stainless version. I was not so lucky with regard to "shooting well out of the box" however. I was about the wrap my first one around a tree due to its inability to shoot ANY load in the T/C manual that would even hit a 4'x4' target holder at 100 yards. But after a lot of trial and error and input from some knowledgeable helpers on-line, I discovered Precision Muzzleloading Bullets and had two loads recommended by them, a 300 gr. ballistic tip and a 330 gr. HP, both in sabots which both shoot consistently into 2 in. groups at 100 yards with almost any loads from 100 to 150 gr. of Pyrodex, loose or pellets. My newer Encore shoots both loads equally well. I have also found the 300 gr. Barnes bullets to shoot well. My guns, and apparently many of the guns with faster (1:28) twists, shoot heavier, longer bullets better than many of the shorter, lighter bullets.