TC Encore Strength with Hot 45-70 loads

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cleo

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So, the Nosler reloading manual describes 45-70 max loads only to be used in modern "Strong" actions such as the Ruger #1 and newer Marlin Lever actions etc... but not in older spring field trapdoor etc guns...

I have a newer TC Encore prohunter withe the 20" katahdin prohunter barrel. I note that there are also 375 H+H and 416 rigby barrels avail for the same platform, which I would think exert much more force on the action than max loads with a 45-70. As such would it be safe to assume the TC Encore should handle max loads in the 45-70? I e-mailed TC and they have not responded...

Any advice?
Thanks,
Cleo
 
You can overload any gun of course but the Encore is modern and strong. However my gut says no way is it as strong as a Ruger#1 . The TC's got it's own issues where hotter loads are contemplated. The TC barrel lug is welded on and can be a weak spot. Headspacing can be an issue too. For a brief while some Encore barrels were chambered for some WSM numbers then dropped. Breech thrust was too much. The extraction of brass may (?) be a problem even before top loads are hit without a bolt's caming advantage - maybe. I've never got there myself but...

Hodgdon has three recommended loading levels - trap door, Marlin lever and then Ruger#1. I load my uber short Encore 45-70 (15" tube) at closer to their top Marlin lever levels it seems - as I look at their data tonight. That's my recommendation. Probably I couldn't tolerate it anyway at top Ruger#1 levels - even if the action would. Your 20" Katahdin is a chunky barrel I think so your shoulder will tolerate more powerful loads perhaps.

Be interesting to hear from TC on that however if they reply. See comment by EOD3 here.

Encore45-70_target325FTX_sm.jpg
 
I have one Of those Katadin barrels in 45-70. It shoots well, but when the loads get hotter, I find the flexible buttstock compresses too much.
The rifle absolutely "LEAPS" staight back and
Up very sharply. It allows the scope to come wayy too close to my face! I since stopped shooting hotter loads in this barrel.

My Marlin guide gun does just fine with them.

If you shoot a marlin guide gun in 45-70, do yourself a favor and try H4198 under a 350 grain Hornady flat point. I found
This powder to give me the best performance with this bullet. It provides the highest load density without compressing. I know there are many other powders available, but I have used this combo in at least 8-9 other 45-70's. All Marlins mind you.

Hope my info helps you or someone else.
 
If I had a 45-70 barrel for my Prohunter I would load it with exactly the same top loads that I shoot in my Marlin 1895GS but if you are still in doubt about where to stop email Mike Bellm mike@bellmtcs.com and ask.

The Prohunters are fairly light rifles my s/s synthetic stocked 22" barreled Prohunter in 375H&H with a Leupold VX3 2.5-8X36mm mounted with Leupold quick detachable rings/base only weighs 7.5lbs = it recoils I could just imagine the recoil from a top loaded 500gr + 45-70 coming out of an even lighter 20" 45-70 barrel.

Actually it sounds like it would be a lot of fun = cleo you into selling that barrel? :D

As for powder choices I have tried most of them and now only use H322 for all of my 45-70 loads from 250gr - 550gr...

CC
 
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