My 280 barrel was only averaging about 1.25" at one hundred yards.
Fixed it. Traded for a Bergara 308.....
Two shots touching and one unsociable slug took it to .75".....
Sometimes we just need a change.

How you close the Encore's action can have a major effect on accuracy. I have a 20 BR that was built by Virgin Valley Custom Gun (VVCG) - now MGM. It, as well as a 221 FB also built by VVCG, will shoot groups that are less than 1/2 an inch wide. However, unless the action is consistently closed, groups that are 1/2 an inch wide can string vertically up to three inches tall.

By snapping the action closed the vertical stringing goes away and round groups can be fired. Not saying that is part of your problem, but just something to pay attention to...

It was a little tongue in cheek humour.....
But I do appreciate your advice.
Kinda like what I learned in competitive target shooting 45 years ago.
Consistency. Same hold, same hold, same hold, ( grip )

Encores are accurate despite what the critics say.

I've only had one that was poor accuracy.
A MGM in 223......
But I think it was a fluke.

Get barrel hangers or drill ur fore ends n put a sleeve so the barrel doesn't touch if u tighten it too much. Have ur trig done n it's attack driver. My encore n g2 both r great. Been shooting encores since people didn't know what they were. My serial # is only 4 digits

The 223 was tested with forend in place, without forend, two different frames, free floated forend........ Never a consistent group.