Ring in Encore Barrel

Just to clarify, I was not asking if I should keep using this barrel or if it’s salvageable. I created this post to see if others have had this problem, with TC barrels. Not to sound arrogant, but I don’t believe this was human error. I definitely didnt short start it. The bbl was sent back to TC, I didn’t send it off to get qla removed.

I understand your problem. It's possible it was there the whole time. I'm general factory TC barrels aren't good conical shooters, more So because of the QLA. It sounds like perhaps you know this already if you're looking at having the QLA removed. In fact I would bet this barrel probably is the same as the day you got it. Load up your sabot in it and see how it does now that you know about the ring. If it was shooting good before you knew about it, and the only change is that you switched to conicals (not a short start, double load or other issue) then it would stand to reason that the load that's always shot well will still shoot well. If nothing else you have to assume that TC, whether you like their customer service or not, isn't going to send you a barrel back that has a safety issue.

As for fixing the problem, well that's up to you. You have a few options. How much do you like the encore platform? If you like it a lot then I'd try having the QLA removed. It's not going to make it shoot worse as long as someone does a good job. If you really like the encore and want to make an upgrade then call MGM. They make the barrels for Luke at Arrowhead and I believe Jeff Hankins get his from there as well. They make a quality product and their customer service is top notch. They sell standard muzzleloader barrels in both .45 and .50, the only difference is theirs aren't rated for smokeless.

Sorry, but looking back I see I mis-read one of your posts and thought you sent it to get the QLA cut off and Then noticed the ring. My mistake.

I don't have a Tc but I know some that do and never heard of the ring being in one from the factory. Not saying it can't happen, just never heard of one.

Measure the outside of the barrel to determine if the bulge carries through. If not then it probably came like that from the factory. If it does measure more in that area then it’s probably due to shooting.

DirtyDusty said:

Just to clarify, I was not asking if I should keep using this barrel or if it’s salvageable. I created this post to see if others have had this problem, with TC barrels. Not to sound arrogant, but I don’t believe this was human error. I definitely didnt short start it. The bbl was sent back to TC, I didn’t send it off to get qla removed.

Click to expand...

Up until 5 years ago, I've owned numerous Encore rifles and Pro Hunters. I never had the issue you've spoke of (ring/bulge) with the factory barrels and all were extremely accurate barrels. However I never shot conical bullets from any of them but, I have shot thousands of rounds through each one.
Its not a matter of rather its a TC barrel, Lothar Walther or Brux, they all can ring/bulge, or detonate for that matter. Something, and I would never believe the barrel was manufactured that way, happened to cause the ring/bulge. Unfortunately it was some type of human error. Could have been any of the things mentioned previously as possible.
Myself, I've been shooting muzzleloaders for 50yrs and there are things that happen that no one will ever figure out. It doesn't matter how long anyone, including me, has been shooting muzzleloaders, mistakes can be made. After all these years for me...….. https://www.modernmuzzleloader.com/threads/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly.34062/

I have already located a used .50 cal bbl to replace this one. Going go test loads in it this week.

I would send it off to Mike Belm for his opinion.. Just for an FYI if anything.