TC Encore .35 Whelen fixed!!

New DNZ scope mount, New hinge pin (larger), same Nikon Monarch scope, Hornady Superformance 200g rounds = 1 1/8 Group.


Thanks everyone for comments and help.

Help folks.

Bought a .35 Whelen barrel for my Encore on Friday. Went to range on Monday to shoot and shot Federal Fusion 200g. Shot almost a whole box and could not get a decent group of of it. One group had two in the same hole and then a flyer to the right about 3".

Today I went and tried again this time with Barnes Vortex 180g. ammo. First shot about 2" high 1/2 right. Second shot about dead level vertical but 2 1/2" right. Third shot about 1" low and 1" right.

Scope is Nikon Monarch. Base and rings are solid so what gives I wonder.

I called TC and they suggested I return to them and they are sending me info so I can send barrel back to them for a look over.

Just bummed that I'm not going to be able to use it first part of the season. Was really looking forward to it as I
have heard so many good things about the caliber.

Anyone know of similar issues with this same barrel / gun combo in this caliber?

Other folks I know that have them are getting very good results with factory and reloads alike.

Just thought I would check before I dropped it in the mail. Maybe there is an easy fix?

Thanks Everyone

I dunno...When I got my Prohunter I put a Begera Barrel on it in 35 Whe

This is why we get our gun together long before season opens...not the day before

s**t happens

I would not call 3 shots a "group"....I'd say 5

Sounds like you were all over the place...I'd suspect the scope but since T/C had you send it in, then they may know something

BTW

shotguns - pattern

Rifles - group

Yea I like to get my stuff ready way before season too , just wasn't able to get the barrel until last week so not much of a choice. I'm sure I can get it all worked out prior to second primitive weapon season, whatever the outcome is on the barrel.

lot of times a new tc barrel dont shoot with a crap. = ( just get some cheap ammo and blow a few boxs through it then try again.. also make sure your not over torqueing the forarm screws.

msredneck wrote:BTW

shotguns - pattern

Rifles - group

not in this case...

sucks to have that kind of money in a setup and cant get it to perform like it is expected. heck, id be bummed if i had a handi rifle that was shooting like that...

sadly you are not the first person i have heard of that has had this problem with a T/C.. i have a couple friends that have had similar issues with their 35 whelens. best of luck to you! do you have something to hunt with in the meantime?

Beladran wrote:also make sure your not over torqueing the forarm screws.

ditto

also if memory serves your shooting to light of a bullet for the twist rate in the encore... you need to be in the 200-250 range. i "think" the twist rate is 1:10 and for 200gr or less you want a 1:12-14

Joe S. wrote:

msredneck wrote:BTW

shotguns - pattern

Rifles - group

not in this case...

sucks to have that kind of money in a setup and cant get it to perform like it is expected. heck, id be bummed if i had a handi rifle that was shooting like that...

sadly you are not the first person i have heard of that has had this problem with a T/C.. i have a couple friends that have had similar issues with their 35 whelens. best of luck to you! do you have something to hunt with in the meantime?

Thanks, Joe. I'm going to give it one more try with another scope just to see if it could be scope related. Will let you guys know what becomes of that trial.

find a box of 225accubonds and a box of 250gr bullets.. think remington makes a cheap 250gr.. see if those change your groups.. also stay away from superformance hornady ammo been reading bad things about it in encores

Beladran wrote:find a box of 225accubonds and a box of 250gr bullets.. think remington makes a cheap 250gr.. see if those change your groups.. also stay away from superformance hornady ammo been reading bad things about it in encores

Yes I read less than stellar reviews of the hornady superformance ammo. I just looked it up and the twist rate I find is 1:14, not positive mine is that but at any rate more ammo may be the key.

Also wanted to note that I was going on memory of my target so I'll adjust the numbers above. Still not to my liking though and not good IMO for 50 yds.

I have a T/C Pro Hunter in 35 Whelen that will not shoot any Hornady ammo (heavy/light, etc). Heavy gr. bullets worked for me. I shoot Rem. 250gr. green/yellow box with good results.

I have a T/C Pro Hunter in 35 Whelen that will not shoot any Hornady ammo (heavy/light, etc). Heavy gr. bullets worked for me. I shoot Rem. 250gr. green/yellow box with good results.

i thought remmy made a 250 gr in the "cheap" box. i know in the premier?(gold box) they have a trophy bonded corelok but they are like $70 bucks a box = (

Helps to know your barrel twist rate when selecting ammo...and yes sometimes it may take a few to get it shootn

All I can say is I got no issues with mines....

with what you are describing to me...I'd say its either the scope, the mounts or the (hate to say it...the shooter...) Let another person who you know who shoots pretty well try it out and see if you get same result...it is a tough cartridge to handle...

Don't let Joe S fool ya'll...I'll take an Encore over a Handi any day



Best of Luck

Beladran wrote: also make sure your not over torqueing the forarm screws.

Agreed. Check this. A buddy found out his forearm screw was broken. Took it to a machine shop and some kind of accident happened and he had to get a new barrell. Check the screws.

If this is the barrel you have...

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/153067/thompson-center-barrel-thompson-center-encore-35-whelen-1-in-14-twist-24-blue

Its been discontinued....and I'd wanna know why...it might be why TC said send it back...

i have made a couple post about a hanger bar system for the forearm of encores and someone said they couldnt find any info on them.. Bullberry makes them

http://www.bullberry.com/forenddiscount.html

In the meantime

Could I interest you in what I've found to be a very nice barrel

too bad they are out of stock...right now

http://www.bergarabarrels.com/bergarabarrels/break-action-barrels/t-c-encore-and-pro-hunter-rifle-barrels.html

those are good barrels at a good price.. i been watching a custom 338RUM barrel on gunbroker.. if someone buys that i wanna be at least another state away from them when they drop the hammer... there is a good reason why nobody chambers a encore in the ultra mag family