Magnum Recoil damaging Encore frames?

[UMFAN1]

I recently posted a question to a number of custom Encore barrel shops asking their opinions on life of stocks when shooting a .375H&H rifle barrel in the Encore, without a muzzle break. 1 response I received said that this cartridge would "destroy the frame very quickly" without a break on the barrel and that this shop wouldn't sell a magnum barrel with a break on it.

So my question here is, do any of you experienced this problem or heard of this problem occuring with this cartridge?

[kgillard]

Hi UMFAN1,

I, too, would like to know the answer.  I recently purchased a T/C Encore and my .375 H&H barrel should be arriving within the next few days.  I shot some preety hot stuff with a T/C and never had a frame problem, but then again, I never shot one with the .375 H&H.  

I'm sure T/C would not produce something that would not last, but then again, I don't think they intend the .375 H&H for plinking.  Hey, if you hear of anything, please let me know.  Thanks!

Karl Gillard
Lake Charles, LA

[Lone Star]

The recoil won't damage the frame (although it can bend forend and grip/buttstock screws/bolts, been there- done that).   The cartridge's breech thrust can damage a frame though, stretching it past its elastic limit.  This thrust is approximated by multiplying the interior cross sectional area of the case by its chamber pressure.  A .223-sized case can be loaded to 60,000 psi without trouble in a Contender, but loading an H&H-based case to that pressure will tear it apart.  The Encore is much stronger, but it too has limits.  I'd be careful not to exceed factory pressures in an Encore chambered in any large-diameter cartridge.   BTW, a muzzle brake does nothing about breech thrust - it has already dropped off by the time the bullet gets to the muzzle.

[Redhawk1]

I have shot a lot of 416 Rigby's out of my Encore, and it has not affected my frame at all.    So I think you will be fine with the 375 H&H. Also Lone Star made a great point.  

[New Hampshire]

I have shot a lot of 416 Rigby's out of my Encore,

Do you get pleasure from pain  :-D .

Seriously though, is that .416 you got that good?  I keep toying with the idea of getting a thumper bbl for my Encore, maybe the .375 or now the .416.  Problem is I cant really figure on what Id use the .416 for (I suppose dumming it down for deer might be kinda neat....if not still painful  :grin: .)
Just curious.
Brian

[Redhawk1]

I have shot a lot of 416 Rigby's out of my Encore,

Do you get pleasure from pain  :-D .

Seriously though, is that .416 you got that good?  I keep toying with the idea of getting a thumper bbl for my Encore, maybe the .375 or now the .416.  Problem is I cant really figure on what Id use the .416 for (I suppose dumming it down for deer might be kinda neat....if not still painful  :grin: .)
Just curious.
Brian

I was very surprised when I shot it for the first time. I loaded some 300 gr. Barnes X bullets in it and headed to the range. I was expecting a big thump, it was a big push with a loud band. Not bad at all.  

I did however install a mercury recoil suppressor in the stock and installed a simms recoil pad on it. The 416 Rigby came with a muzzle break, it is a Cabalas exclusive barrel.  I took a Water Buffalo with it. One shot and the 1800 LB beast hit the dirt. I used a 300 gr. Barnes X bullet and the shot was at 135 yards. It took out both shoulders and the lungs. I recovered the bullet on the exit side of the hide when we skinned out the buffalo. It was a perfect mushroom and only 2 gr. weight loss.

As far as using it on smaller game why not, dead is dead. It can be loaded down with 300 gr. bullets, what is the difference between a 45-70 300 gr. or a 416 300 gr. bullet except the difference in the speed of the bullet. I think it would be a cool Moose gun.  

[UMFAN1]

Thanks to all of you for  the comments.  
I too would be suprised if TC would sell a factory barrel that will destroy their frames.  Does TC warranty their frames for such an occurence?

[Redhawk1]

Thanks to all of you for  the comments.  
I too would be suprised if TC would sell a factory barrel that will destroy their frames.  Does TC warranty their frames for such an occurence?

Your best bet is to call TC up. I am sure they would not make a chambering that would damage there frames.  

[Lone Star]

Your best bet is to call TC up. I am sure they would not make a chambering that would damage there frames.

As long as you used factory-pressure ammunition they wouldn't.  But the .416 is loaded to much lower pressures than other similar-diameter cases - just 44,000 psi.  Increasing the Rigby loading to 60,000 psi - like the modern .416 Weatherby Magnum - would most certainly damage a frame, no doubt about it.

[New Hampshire]

. I think it would be a cool Moose gun.  

Ironically that is one of my factors in the equation.  Our Moose hunt is on a lotery system, so if I get picked even TWICE in my lifetime Im lucky.  So I was thinking the .375 H&H would be awesome as a sort of "dream hunt" gun/caliber.  Then along comes the Rigby.  Not too keene on muzzle breaks, but Im sure on this gun it is probably a good idea  :-D    :-D .

Thanks,
Brian

[Redhawk1]

. I think it would be a cool Moose gun.  

Ironically that is one of my factors in the equation.  Our Moose hunt is on a lotery system, so if I get picked even TWICE in my lifetime Im lucky.  So I was thinking the .375 H&H would be awesome as a sort of "dream hunt" gun/caliber.  Then along comes the Rigby.  Not too keene on muzzle breaks, but Im sure on this gun it is probably a good idea  :-D    :-D .

Thanks,
Brian

I am going to try my 416 Rigby on smaller game such as black bear some time. I know it is way overkill, but I know it will work without blowing a massive hole in the bear.