209x50 - Katahdin vs. Full length

[DropTheHammer]

Considering a 209x50 barrel for my Encore.  Like the idea of the 20inch Katahdin Carbine Pro Hunter...  But wondering how much performance I would be giving up with the shorter barrel...  Any advice?

Secondly, I see there is a special Katahdin forend, at least for the centerfires.  Whats the difference between that and the regular heavy forends??   

[manofthe45]

I had the original 209x50 katahdin barrel for my encore.  Shot fine.  You do not need a special ML forearm the 209  katahdin barrel

[swampthing]

With the heavier 120g+ charges you lose about 240fps. Should be a even less with 100g and lighter loads.

[ohiosam]

I looked at the Katahdin before I bought my full length ML barrel. It didn't feel right to me, can't explain it. It was suprising because I prefer short rifles, thought this would be great, but this was a little to much.

[Guns4570]

I hate to be the only hold out on this thread but I chased down a Katahdin PH barrel for my Pro Hunter and I cannot be happier with its performance in thick brush and its accuracy and its killing capability.  So if anyone gets a Katahdin barrel and don't like it from TC look me up.  I feel a CHRISTmas spirit sweeping over me so I can become the Island of Misfit PH barrels...LOL.  The possibility of shooting 285 grain Barnes MX in the Kathadin and using the same bullet in the 460 S&W Mag Katahdin barrel has me very much excited to see how it will work out.

[swampthing]

Just got back from the range. 45g of 777 ffg under 335g LBT hardcast sabot, from 28" omega= 1250fps.
                                           45g of 777 ffg with same bullet from 20" Katahdin= 1150fps.
Put 55g in Katahdin and shot sub .75" at 50yds with peepsights, velocity was 1250fps.
I'll be using this one, probably sell the Omega.

[Two Bears]

Just got back from the range. 45g of 777 ffg under 335g LBT hardcast sabot, from 28" omega= 1250fps.
                                           45g of 777 ffg with same bullet from 20" Katahdin= 1150fps.
Put 55g in Katahdin and shot sub .75" at 50yds with peepsights, velocity was 1250fps.
I'll be using this one, probably sell the Omega.

How do you like the LBT hard cast?
Have you shot any deer with them?
What group size are you getting with the LBT?

[swampthing]

They are great. Took a charging wild hog through the lungs, he stopped, dropped, and rolled.
With these I'm getting one ragged hole at 50yds, with 777 loose ffg, with the factory peep sights. Will do same up to 70 or so grains of 777 ffg. 90g and its more like a 1.5" or so.
                                I use 55g as 1250fps is all the 335g bullet needs to get the job done in a hurry and its still flat enough shooting for 125yds or so.
www.prbullets  is where I get them. I think there 60 bucks for 240 bullets with sabots.