Encore .45-70 Barrel Arrives

[Walkingeagle]

Hello all,
I bought a used stainless 24” .45-70 barrel for my Encore ProHunter complete with iron sights, and it is due to arrive today. My desire is to start playing with black powder and cast soft lead bullets, with my standard lube used in my MaxiBalls. I am pretty excited!!
Loaded up some .459-405HB cast over 65gr Goex 2f with slight compression as a starter (my veggie wads have not arrived yet). Hopefully the weather will let me get to the range soon.
Walk

 

[03mossy]

Sounds like a fun way to tinker over the winter. Keep us posted with your results.

 

[Walkingeagle]

Just received it, looks good!! Set her into the receiver and preparing for the scope mount now. She is light, lol, weighing in without scope at 5.9lb. I don’t think you would want to push the +P loads out of her! I do not see the black powder loads being any issue however, but will report once I can get to the range. Even my standard smokeless load with 405gr cast of 34.0gr IMR4198 would not be unpleasant in my opinion, but again, we will see. This may just be my elk rifle next year, but for now I cannot explain my level of excitement!
Walk

 

[Walkingeagle]

And with the Leupold VX-Freedom scope attached...
Now weighs in at 6.6lb. Cannot wait!
Walk

 

[Idaholewis]

And with the Leupold VX-Freedom scope attached...
Now weighs in at 6.6lb. Cannot wait!
Walk

SWEET Looking Rig!