Hammer gun vs. bolt action accuracy. The only thing that I would agree with is the slower lock time. The biggest factor in the accuracy difference on centerfire rifles is the lock up (in which the bolt is far superior). The Encores / G2's really benefit from reloading to get the bullet jump to the lands consistent. However, in a muzzleloading rifle that is not a factor since bullet / sabot are already in the lands and grooves and you don't have to worry about head space. In my opinion the bolt gun has no advantage in a muzzleloader except lock time. In the Encore, I have seen muzzlelaoder groups much better than centerfire Encore groups, which can only be due to how they are loaded. Would I go out and spend $600 on a Encore and then spend $400 on a smokeless barrel? NO, I would buy a Savage or for that much money you could have a NULA. If you already have the Encore receiver, I would go either way depending on which gun you like the feel of. Since I have a Encore, I will go with a SMI because I can pick my twist rate, barrel length, etc. Plus it was a pistol and my 7-08mm on a great rest will out shoot them all when I do my part. Not to mention if I sold my Encore, I would no longer be Encoreguy :lol: