T/C Encore .243 Win accuracy

[gnomejoe]

I'm looking for a handload for T/C encore, 15" SS with muzzle break and 2-8 power scope that will give me really good accuracy at 200-300 yrds.. I've tried 10-12 loads with 80- 100 gr bullets and the best I can do is a 6 in. grouping @ 200 yrds. This will not cut it for deer hunting.

[phade]

I'm not familiar with the Encore and their barrel options, but what is the rate of twist? 1 in 28? I'm wondering if you are pushing it too fast with that short of a barrel? I'd stick with a 95 or 100 grain for the deer load (imo) and maybe see if you can slow it down a tad to see if the lower speed will help with that barrel length.

[Pygmy]

T/C barrels in .243 have a twist rate of 1-10".

I can't recommend a load for your firearm, since every firearm is an indivual. However , many .243s give good accuracy with 100 grain bullets and medium slow powders such as IMR4350.

There are some deer bullets made in 80-85 grain. Nosler partition and Barnes TSX come to mind. Medium burn rate powders such as 4895 or 4064 often work well with this bullet weight. Good luck.

[pistolp71]

I don't think it's a load issue. I can give you a few good loads that have worked for ME from IMR4350 but I don't think that is your problem. Great grouping from a handgun with a low power scope at 200-300 yards is asking a lot.

[Early]

My thought exactly: pretty darn good for a handgun. And, the kill zone on a deer is a bit bigger than 6", isn't it?

[Larry]

It may be your twist rate but you did say you tried 80 to 100gr bullets. You didn’t say what powder you are using I would stay away from the ball powders and try the IMR powders or even the H series from Hodgdon. I would try 4895,4064 and 3031 I would keep the powders on the faster side. I would weigh the powder charges one a time and not throw them.

[jusputtn]

Actually, that will cut it for deer. If you can hit an 8" pie plate then you're good to go.

Also, a lot of sporter weight rifles will group 2" to 4" at that range.

[Larry]

i have a 6mmbr in a xp100 and can shoot 2" groups at 200yd's with my 6mm rifle i cam shoot 1" to 1.5" groupes at 200 using 105grA-MAX in my 700rem