Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Muzzleloaders T?C 209x50 & "Magnum" version

I'm looking to by a new muzzleloader and was considering one of the Encore 209x50 ML models.

After speaking to several shooters who own the various non-magnum 209x50's, I realized that most of them were using magnum loads (3-pellets) & 250gr or 300gr sabots.

T/C sais that the "Magnum" version is rated for 3-pellets but never mentions what all the other 209x50 guns are rated for. Does anyone KNOW what the difference is between the magnum and non-magnum versions is?

I might add that I spoke with two differnt women at the T/c help line and neither one had a clue, and both gave information that was contrary to the owners manuals that are linked from T/C's web site.

I own one of the T/C Encore 209 X 50 muzzleloaders. I believe what is inferred is that this model can use up to 3 pellets of propellant whereas standard muzzleloaders can only use 2 pellets. In effect this model is the "magnum" version.
Does this help? Jim

I'm wondering if it's just marketing hype since most of the guys who are shooting the non-magnum versions are using more than 100gr equivelent charges of Pyrodex or Triple 7. Many of them are using 3 pellets, no different than that recommended for their 209x50 Magnum version.

Hype

I called TC last year and asked what a maximum load of 777 was in my Encore .50 inline. The guy told me 150 grains. This is contrary to what Hodgdon states in their guide, which is no more than 100 grains in any ML. I ran with the 150 grains and everything was cool, shot well, killed deer. This year I tried 100 grains of 777 FFFG loose powder. Shot better (one ragged hole at 100 yards) with Hornady 300 grain SST sabots at 1900 over the screens. Still killed deer. Magnum? Has something to do with champagne, hasn't it? I'll stick with the 100 grains.