Took the modified Encore 209x50 barrel out today (see cut and crowned). Set the target up at 50 yards. First 3 shot group using 80 gr of BH209 and Hornady 300 gr XTP with Harvester CR sabot produced a group measuring about 4". A reason for this big group could have been the hang fires I was getting. I tried both Win and CCI 209 primers. Maybe it could be that I need a BH209 breech plug (please advise). Switching to 80 gr of Alliant Black MZ and the same bullet my group size cut down to slightly less than 2 1/2". Zero hang fires with the Black MZ.
I switched targets and using the same 80 gr charge of Black MZ but a Speer Gold Dot 185 gr and black Harvester CR sabot I was elated with the result. A nice group about just a tad over 3//4" C-C. This barrel shoots better than when it was longer. Of course I removed the QLA which could have been an accuracy killer.
