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July 1999 Winner:
Robin Ernst
Both of those deer were
killed with the same gun, in November 97 and November 98 in Illinois.
Gun was the first Encore 209 x 50 built by Bullberry.
1st deer had net B&C score
gross 155 6/8, net = 145 1/8 typical.
2nd deer not scored yet,
but approximately 137 gross, 135 net.
Load is Winchester 209
primer, 3 50 gr. Pyrodex pellets, black MMP sabot, Hornady .452 diameter
300 gr XTP. Barrel is 22" bull.
I prefer the .452 diameter
over the .429 as it uses a sabot with thinner petals and makes for
a shorter bullet which is less likely to cant when loading in less
than ideal conditions in the field.
Every whitetail I have
shot with this combination, from 70 to 180 yards acted like it was
hit by a freight train.
The most accurate load
I tested with this barrel was WW 209 primer, black MMP sabot, 2 Pyrodex
50 gr. pellets, Hornady .451 diameter 230 gr. XTP. 50 yard 3-shot
groups measured approximately 0.33".
Least accurate was the
Barnes MZ, which probably was due largely to canting when loading.
The biggest advantage
to Bullberry's 209 x 50 over T/C's version is not greater velocity
(22" BB is faster than 24" T/C), but the dramatic reduction in barrel
fouling experienced with the Bullberry.
Under hunting conditions,
speed in loading for a 2nd shot can be critical. The T/C barrels foul
so quickly they need cleaned between each shot for ease of loading
and a reliable 2nd shot. The Bullberry 209x50 can be fired 5-6 times
between cleaning and still be loaded quickly.
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