My 243 Winchester barrel, the first Encore barrel I ever owned, quickly became a safe queen after I began to expand my collection. As a deer hunting barrel, it was outclassed by my 300 Win Mag barrel. For target practice, my 221 Fireball barrel is much cheaper to shoot. So I decided to send it to someone who will put it to use.

I got this barrel in return.



For a while now, I've been wanting a 460 S&W barrel for my Encore. Yes, I have a Model 460, but I wanted an Encore barrel in that chambering as well. Just looking at it, I can tell this thing is going to be downright awful to shoot. It has a very narrow factory taper rather than a heavy or full bull profile, and it lacks any muzzle brake or porting, not to mention a scope.
Unfortunately, it's a bit late in the year to get it properly set up for deer season. That said, it won't be sitting around in the safe. I've got an idea on how I can utilize it this season.

Two years ago, I experimented with my other Model 460 and Unique powder for reduced loads. Although I've lost my notes, I remember they were acceptably accurate and quite pleasant to shoot while still being potent enough for close range deer hunting. I'm going to load up some 250 grain XTPs and Unique powder to try to replicate a 45 Colt Ruger/TC only load. If I can't figure out the issue with my 41 Magnum's dot sight, and if this thing shoots pretty well, then this setup will be my close range deer gun this fall.

Next spring/summer, this thing is getting an SSK brake and a Nikon Force XR scope.