My luck contiues. Went to the range this morning to try the Encore with the new steel T/C scope base, the APP powder and the Barnes bullets. I shot the first shot with 777 to check point of impact, not even on the paper. Shot again, same thing. Thought maybe the new base cured the problem I had with the gun shooting low so I pulled it to remove the shims and found the two rear screws broken off. I didn't tighten any tighter then I normally would even though these where torx screws. Now I have two broken off screws to remove.
Anybody know what tap and Easyout to use?
Anybody want to buy an Encore muzzle loader barrel

I'd haul it to a gun smith and have them take the broken screws out, re-mount the base and scope and bore sight it. Sometimes the little they charge for their service is well worth it. Good luck with the rifle. What's the old saying, When it rains, it pours?

I'm with Cayugad on this one as well unless you know a competent machine shop better than any gunsmith. What needs to be done is to have the barrel put in a vice under a drill press with a very small reverse drill bit. It can be done with a regular bit and a very small easyout.

On my preicous Encore barrel I would leave it to the professionals.

One other thought sometimes with broke off screws they are not bottomed out and you can unscrew them using a pin or something like that.

I"m thinking of sending the barrel out to David White and having him make it shoot or junk it.

Don't give up man this could be a fun learning experience. I must tell you when I posted the reply it was less than 12 hours after I broke a bolt on my differential cover after replacing the axle seals on my truck. I tried the reverse bit for the stud removal but the one I had was to dull so I bumped up to a titanium bit drilled a hole and took it right out with a screw type easyout.

I am still mad the manual didn't have a torque spec for those bolts so I went with 50lbs. In the future I will use 30lbs for that type of cover.

Get it back together and we will make that rifle sing a different tune.

sorry. After a full summer and $$$$ in bullets and assesories I gave up. I have sent the barrel to David White at Presicion Rifle Works to remove the screws, clean up the holes and install a 6 screw base. He is also cutting the QLA off and recrowing the barrel. I have spent more then the cost of this work just on Shockwave bullets and powder trying to get a good load.

Most everybody on the Belm site that has had these mods done has reported improvement in grouping. I will report when I get the barrel back.