I am assisting some family members fine tune their Encores for an upcoming CO elk hunt. On five separate occasions we have recently experienced perfect keyholing from a 50-yd benchrest. Here's the load recipe: No Excuses 460 gr cast (.502" dia), powder (80 to 90 grains) - both Triple 7 and BH209, with Winchester and Cheddite primers, respectively. Using bullet test kits, each barrel was previously slugged and both bores measured .502".
During each shooting session, the breech plug was removed and barrels were cleaned with several patches between shots. Even without the keyholing, accuracy was marginal at best. I should add that the T/C QLAs have been removed and the muzzles professionally recrowned. Both rifles are identical except we all know every rifle is different.
Coincidentally, that same recipe shoots well and flies true in my TC Triumph.
I finally found that the 350 Federal BorLok bullets provided acceptable 50- yd accuracy with those same loads.
Anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks and be well. DJB
