Thompson Center Encore Muzzleloader

Safety & Instruction Manual

Encore

®

Muzzleloader

Rifle & Pistol

Including Encore Pro-Hunter

WARNING: Black Powder or an approved Black Powder substitute such as Pyrodex

®

are the only propellant powders that are safe to use in a muzzleloading firearm.

YOU MUST READ THESE

INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS

CAREFULLY. BE SURE YOU

UNDERSTAND THESE


BEFORE USING THIS FIREARM.

FAILURE TO FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS

AND WARNINGS MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS

INJURY OR DEATH TO YOU OR OTHERS.

THOMPSON/CENTER

400 North Main Street

Rochester, NH 03866-5002

TEL. 1-603-330-5659 www.tcarms.com

WARNING

READ THESE

INSTRUCTIONS

AND WARNINGS CAREFULLY.

BE SURE YOU UNDERSTAND THESE


BEFORE USING THIS FIREARM. FAIL-

URE TO READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS

AND TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS

MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR

DEATH TO YOU AND OTHERS.

This SAFETY & INSTRUCTION

MANUAL should always accompany this firearm and be transferred with it upon change of ownership or when presented to another person. A copy of the

SAFETY & INSTRUCTION MANUAL is available FREE upon request from:

THOMPSON/CENTER

• CUSTOMER SUPPORT •

400 NORTH MAIN STREET

ROCHESTER, NH 03866

TEL.: 1-603-330-5659 www.tcarms.com

• And Remember •

The Fundamental National Rifle Association

Rules for Safe Gun Handling are:

1. Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction

2. Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot

3. Always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use

2

YOUR SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-7

SAFE STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-9

SAFETY RULES FOR THE ENCORE MUZZLELOADER . . .10-12

BASIC EQUIPMENT FOR SHOOTING THE ENCORE . . . . . . .13

UNDERSTANDING BLACK POWDER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

UNDERSTANDING PYRODEX ® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

ENCORE TRIGGER POSITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

PREPARATION FOR FIRING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

MODEL & FEATURES IDENTIFICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

SERIAL NUMBER & BARREL MARKINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

CHARGING THE ENCORE MUZZLELOADER . . . . . . . . .20-25

PRIMING THE ENCORE MUZZLELOADER . . . . . . . . . . .26-27

FIRING THE ENCORE MUZZLELOADER . . . . . . . . . . . .28-29

UNLOADING AND UNCHARGING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30-31

FIELD CLEANING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32-33

THOROUGH CLEANING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34-36

DISASSEMBLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37-38

MOUNTING A SCOPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

SIGHT ADJUSTMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

TRIGGER ADJUSTMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

LIMITED WARRANTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41-42

CONTACT & SHIPPING FOR SERVICE . . . . . . . . . . . . .43-44

LOAD COMPONENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

SUGGESTED LOADS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44-55

ENCORE PRO-HUNTER APPENDIX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59-64

YOUR SAFETY

RESPONSIBILITIES

SAFETY IS YOUR NUMBER ONE

RESPONSIBILITY!!!!

At home, in the field, at the range, or anywhere, the first concern of every firearm owner should be safety. Apply the following safety rules in every situation, with any kind of firearm. If you feel uncertain about any operational aspects of your firearm, please contact Thompson/Center before proceeding with its operation.

WARNING: YOU MUST FOLLOW ALL OF THESE

SAFETY RULES TO ENSURE THE SAFE USE OF

YOUR FIREARM. THE FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE

INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS IN THIS MANUAL COULD

CAUSE SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH TO YOU

OR OTHERS.

As a gun owner, you accept a demanding responsibility. How serious you take this responsibility can be the difference between life and death. There is no excuse for careless or abusive handling of your firearm. At all times handle your firearm with intense respect for its power and potential danger.

3

YOUR SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES CONT’D

• ALWAYS KEEP YOUR FIREARM POINTED IN A SAFE

DIRECTION.

Never point a firearm at anyone or anything you do not intend to shoot whether or not it is loaded. This is particularly important when loading, unloading, or field stripping the gun. ALWAYS control the direction of the firearm.

• ALWAYS TREAT EVERY FIREARM AS IF IT IS LOADED

AND WILL FIRE.

Do not take anyone’s word that the firearm is uncharged or unprimed – always check for yourself. Never pass your firearm to another person until the action is open and/or on safe you visually check that it is uncharged and unprimed. Keep your muzzleloading firearm uncharged and unprimed and safely stored when not in use.

• NEVER PLACE YOUR FINGER INSIDE THE TRIGGER

GUARD OR ON THE TRIGGER UNLESS YOU INTEND TO

FIRE.

Ensure that other objects do not touch the trigger.

• ALWAYS BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET AND WHAT IS

BEYOND IT.

Always be sure of where the bullet will strike and shoot only where there is a safe back stop free of obstructions, water or other surfaces which can cause ricochets. Be sure your bullet will stop behind your target. Bullets can glance off many surfaces like rocks or the surface of water and travel in unpredictable directions with considerable velocity. Do not fire randomly into the sky.

• NEVER CROSS OBSTACLES SUCH AS FENCES OR

STREAMS WITH A CHARGED OR PRIMED MUZZLELOAD-

ING FIREARM.

Always make certain your muzzleloading firearm is unprimed before crossing a fence, climbing a tree, jumping a ditch or negotiating other obstacles.

• SAFE GUN HANDLING IS YOUR PERSONAL RESPONSI-

BILITY AT ALL TIMES.

Firearms are dangerous and can cause serious injury or death if they are misused or used inappropriately. Safety must be the prime consideration of any one who owns or handles firearms. Accidents are the result of violating the rules of safe gun handling and common sense.

Firearm safety training is available. Contact your firearms dealer, law enforcement agency, local sportsman’s club, etc.

for availability.

• YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FIREARM AT ALL

TIMES.

In owning a firearm, you must undertake full-time responsibility for your firearm’s safety and security. You must protect yourself and all others against injury or death from misuse of the firearm 24 hours a day.

• FIREARM SECURITY IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.

You must secure firearms safely from children and/or unauthorized users. Your firearm should always be kept unloaded and locked when not in use. Never assume that the use of this lock is sufficient to safely secure your firearm. You must always evaluate your personal situation and employ the security systems that meet your needs and prevent children and unauthorized users from gaining access to your firearm.

4


• APPROPRIATE USE FOR YOUR FIREARM MEANS USING

YOUR FIREARM FOR LEGAL PURPOSES.

For example target shooting, hunting and lawful resistance of deadly criminal force. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with all applicable laws and ordinances regarding the use of your firearm.

• NEVER RELY ON MECHANICAL FEATURES ALONE.

Only your safe gun-handling habits will ensure the safe use of your firearm. This is your responsibility.

• ALWAYS SAFELY STORE AND SECURE YOUR FIREARM.

Safe and secure storage of your firearm is one of your most important responsibilities. It is a full-time responsibility. You must always secure your firearm and ammunition and loading components separately so that they are not accessible to children and/or other unauthorized persons.

• NEVER KEEP AMMUNITION AND LOADING COMPO-

NENTS IN THE SAME LOCATION AS THE FIREARM.

Store each in a separate and secure place.

• ALWAYS WEAR EYE AND EAR PROTECTORS THAT ARE

SPECIFIED FOR FIREARM USE

every time you discharge your firearm. Make sure others in the vicinity of where you will be shooting do so as well.

• NEVER USE ALCOHOL OR DRUGS BEFORE OR WHILE

SHOOTING.

Do not use your firearm if you are on any medication which impairs, even slightly, your mental or physical ability.

• ALWAYS HAVE ADEQUATE VENTILATION.

Discharging firearms in poorly ventilated areas, cleaning firearms, or handling ammunition and loading components may result in exposure to lead and other substances known to cause birth defects, reproductive harm, and other serious physical injury.

Review the warnings and labels for all ammunition and loading components and cleaning products carefully. Wash hands thoroughly after exposure.

• BEFORE HANDLING ANY FIREARM, UNDERSTAND ITS

OPERATION.

Not all firearms are the same. Familiarize yourself with the mechanical features of any firearm you intend to use. If you feel uncertain about any operational aspects of your firearm, please contact Thompson/Center before proceeding with its operation.

• NEVER ALLOW A FIREARM TO BE USED BY INDIVIDU-

ALS WHO DO NOT UNDERSTAND ITS SAFE OPERATION

OR HAVE NOT READ THESE FIREARM SAFETY RULES.

• ALWAYS USE THE CORRECT COMBINATION OF LOAD

COMPONENTS FOR YOUR PARTICULAR MUZZLELOAD-

ING FIREARM

as detailed in this manual.

5


• BE CERTAIN THE BARREL IS CLEAR OF OBSTRUCTIONS

BEFORE SHOOTING.

Mud, water, snow or other objects may inadvertently lodge in the barrel bore. A small obstruction can cause a dangerous increase in pressure and may damage your gun and cause injury to yourself and others.

• BE SURE ALL ACCESSORIES, SUCH AS HOLSTERS.

GRIPS, SLINGS, SCOPES AND OTHER ACCESSORIES

ARE COMPATIBLE

with the firearm and that the accessories do not interfere with safe operation. It is your responsibilty to understand and follow all of the instructions in this manual,as well as those which may be supplied with your ammunition and loading components and any accessory.

•

NEVER DISASSEMBLE YOUR FIREARM

beyond the procedures outlined in this manual. Improper disassembly or reassembly of your firearm may be dangerous and can lead to serious injury or death.

• NEVER MANIPULATE, ADJUST OR CHANGE ANY OF THE

INTERNAL COMPONENTS OF YOUR FIREARM UNLESS

SPECIFICALLY INSTRUCTED TO DO SO IN THIS MANUAL.

Improper manipulation of any other internal component may affect the safety and reliability of your firearm and may cause serious injury or death.

• NEVER ALLOW ANY ALTERATION OR REPLACMENT OF

PARTS IN YOUR THOMPSON/CENTER FIREARM UNLESS

PERFORMED BY A QUALIFIED GUNSMITH

using genuine

Thompson/Center parts. If you do otherwise, improper functioning of your firearm may occur and serious injury or death and damage to property may result.

WARNING: SAFE USE OF A FIREARM IS YOUR PER-

SONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND THE FAILURE TO FOL-

LOW ALL OF THESE BASIC SAFETY RULES MAY

RESULT IN SEVERE PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH TO YOU

OR OTHERS. YOU ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT SAFETY

DEVICE WHEN IT COMES TO THE USE OF YOUR FIREARM

AND THOMPSON/CENTER AND ITS PARENT COMPANY

WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY PERSONAL INJURY,

DEATH OR PROPERTY DAMAGE THAT RESULTS FROM: (1)

THE CRIMINAL OR NEGLIGENT USE OF THIS FIREARM; (2)

A DISREGARD OF THESE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS AND

WARNINGS; (3) IMPROPER OR CARELESS HANDLING OF

THIS FIREARM; (4) THE USE OF NON-STANDARD, DEFEC-

TIVE, IMPROPER LOAD COMPONENTS OR (5) IMPROPER

OR NEGLIGENT MODIFICATIONS OR REPAIRS TO THE

FIREARM.

6


•

NEVER CLIMB TO OR DESCEND FROM A TREE STAND

WITH A PRIMED MUZZLELOADING FIREARM. NEVER

RAISE OR LOWER A PRIMED MUZZLELOADING

FIREARM TO OR FROM A TREE STAND.

Tree stands are potentially hazardous. If you feel that you must use a tree stand, purchase a top-quality brand only and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter. Failure to follow this rule may cause serious injury and/or death to the shooter or bystanders and damage to property.

•

NEVER LEAN A CHARGED AND PRIMED RIFLE AGAINST

A TREE, WALL OR ANY SURFACE

. Once the rifle has been charged it is your responsibility to guard it against accidental bumps.

• USE THOMPSON/CENTER SCOPE MOUNTS ONLY

.

The current product catalog lists a series of scopes and mounts which are designed specifically for use with our firearms. These mounts make use of existing screw holes.

Those who desire a scope sight should make use of

Thompson/Center mounts. Do not drill additional holes in the barrel as this could weaken the barrel structure leading to a rupture. A ruptured barrel can cause serious injury and/or death to the shooter or bystanders and damage to property.

•

NEVER MODIFY ANY OF THE PARTS IN YOUR FIREARM.

Do not add or replace any of the parts in your firearm unless they are genuine Thompson/Center parts and you follow the instructions supplied by Thompson/Center. If you do otherwise, improper functioning may occur and serious injury or death may result. In addition to the dangers presented, the use of non-factory parts, including but not limited to, barrels and springs, voids all warranties.

WARNING: NEVER RELY ON MECHANICAL SAFETY

FEATURES OF THE GUN ALONE. ONLY YOUR SAFE

GUN HANDLING WILL ENSURE THE SAFE USE OF

YOUR FIREARM. THIS IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.

7

SAFE STORAGE &

TRANSPORTATION

WARNING: ALWAYS POINT THE MUZZLE IN A SAFE

DIRECTION.

WARNING: FIREARMS ARE DANGEROUS WHEN

USED AND STORED IMPROPERLY. THEY POSE A

RISK OF SERIOUS OR FATAL INJURIES. FIREARMS

CAN BE ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS TO CHILDREN WHEN

THEY ARE STORED IN AN IRRESPONSIBLE AND UNSAFE

MANNER. FOR YOUR SAFETY AND THE SAFETY OF OTH-

ERS, IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT YOU KEEP YOUR FIREARM

LOCKED AND UNLOADED IN A SECURE PLACE. THE

AMMUNITION AND LOADING COMPONENTS SHOULD BE

STORED IN A SEPARATE, SECURE LOCATION WHEN IT IS

NOT IN USE. SAFE AND SECURE STORAGE OF YOUR

FIREARM IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT RULES OF

FIREARM SAFETY. YOUR FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE

RULES MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO

YOU OR OTHERS.

• ALWAYS SECURE YOUR FIREARM IN A MANNER THAT

WILL PREVENT UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS.

Whenever your firearm is not in use, keep it unloaded and locked. Your safety and the safety of others requires that you always secure and store your firearm in a manner that will prevent unauthorized access. Never leave a firearm unattended unless it is locked, unloaded and secured.

WARNING: NEVER LOCK A LOADED FIREARM AND

NEVER LOAD A LOCKED FIREARM!!

• ALWAYS STORE YOUR FIREARM AND AMMUNITION AND

LOADING COMPONENTS SEPARATELY

so that they are not accessible to children or other unauthorized persons. Safe and secure storage of your firearm and ammunition and loading components are your responsibility. It is a full-time responsibility.

• NEVER ASSUME THAT A “HIDING” PLACE IS A SECURE

STORAGE METHOD.

Others may be aware of your storage location or come upon it by chance. It is your personal responsibility to use common sense when storing your firearm and ammunition and loading components and to always make sure they are not accessible to children or other unauthorized persons.

• NEVER TRANSPORT A CHARGED OR PRIMED MUZZLE-

LOADING FIREARM.

When transporting your firearm, be sure it is uncharged, unprimed and securely locked. Safe and secure transportation of your firearm is your responsibility.

8

SAFE STORAGE & TRANSPORTATION CONT’D

• ALWAYS FOLLOW THE LAW!

Many jurisdictions have laws that make it a crime to keep a firearm unlocked and in an area accessible to children or others. Keeping a firearm locked and unloaded when not in use is not only common sense safety practice... IT IS THE LAW. You must be familiar with all local, state, and federal laws regarding the safe storage and transportation of your firearm. Failure to know and follow the law may result in unauthorized access or use of your firearm by another. Obey all laws relating to the storage and transportation of firearms. Your local police department or gun shop can furnish you with available information on storing and/or transporting a firearm safely and legally.

• YOUR FIREARM IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.

You must prevent your firearm from being stolen or from being used by untrained or unqualified individuals. Keep it locked, uncharged, unprimed and secured when not in use.

9

SAFETY RULES

FOR ANY

THOMPSON/CENTER

MUZZLELOADER

In addition to the Safety Responsibilities covered so far in this manual, there are several guidelines specific to black powder muzzleloading guns that must be adhered to at all times to ensure the safety of the shooter and others.

•

NEVER USE SMOKELESS POWDER OF ANY TYPE OR IN

ANY QUANTITY IN A MUZZLELOADING FIREARM, AND

NEVER MIX POWDERS.

The use of any smokeless powder could result in a detonation or explosion which could cause injury and/or death to the shooter or bystanders and damage to property.

• USE ONLY BLACK POWDER OR AN APPROVED BLACK

POWDER SUBSTITUTE SUCH AS PYRODEX® TO LOAD

YOUR MUZZLELOADING FIREARM

. Never use even small amounts of smokeless powder, even if it is black in color. The use of any other propellant may cause injury or death to the shooter or bystanders and damage to property.

•

NEVER SMOKE WHILE USING YOUR MUZZLELOADER

.

The spark from a lighted cigarette, cigar or pipe can ignite

Black Powder or a Black Powder substitute such as Pyrodex,

Percussion Caps or Primers. Smoking around a charged and/or primed muzzleloader, percussion caps, primers, priming powder or supply of powder may cause premature firing of the gun or an explosion of the powder can, horn or flask causing serious injury and/or death to the shooter or bystanders and damage to property.

• BEFORE LOADING, MAKE SURE THE MUZZLELOADING

FIREARM IS NOT ALREADY CHARGED.

To make sure it is uncharged, keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and insert the ramrod provided with the rifle into the bore. Note the position of the ramrod in relation to the muzzle. It will be slightly below the end of the barrel if the rifle is not loaded.

• NEVER EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED MAXIMUM

CHARGE LISTED IN THIS BOOK.

To do so could result in injury or death to the shooter or bystanders.

• NEVER POUR POWDER DIRECTLY FROM A POWDER

FLASK OR CONTAINER.

A sudden powder ignition from a lingering spark could cause the entire flask to explode. Use an individual charge from a powder measure when loading your muzzleloading firearm. Read and follow your powder manufacturer’s procedures for powder storage.

10

MUZZLELOADER SAFETY RULES CONT’D

• WHEN LOADING, BE CERTAIN THAT THE PROJECTILE IS

LOADED IN THE PROPER SEQUENCE AND THAT IT IS

SEATED PROPERLY.

Serious personal injury or death can result if the projectile is not seated properly. To provide a reference mark for future loadings, mark the ramrod at the muzzle once a projectile has been loaded to the proper depth.

NOTE: Be sure to recheck the ramrod mark if you change loading components or alter the ramrod.

• NEVER POUND ON THE RAMROD

. Black Powder and approved Black Powder substitutes such as Pyrodex ® are potentially sensitive to impact and could ignite from impact.

Always keep the muzzle directed away from your face or body when loading.

• BLACK POWDER AND BLACK POWDER SUBSTITURES

SUCH AS PYRODEX ® LEAVE CORROSIVE RESIDUES IN

THE BORE AND ON THE GUN.

A thorough cleaning is absolutely necessary before storage for any amount of time to keep the firearm functioning correctly and in safe condition.

•

UNDERSTAND THE TERMINOLOGY

“Charge” or “Charged” which applies to the presence of a propellant powder charge and projectile in the bore of the muzzleloading firearm.

• “Uncharge” or “Uncharged” refers to the opposite condition to

“Charged” and indicates that the powder charge and projectile have been either fired or removed and that the bore is completely clear.

“Prime” or “Primed” applies to the act of placing a primer, cap or priming powder in or on a muzzleloader.

• “Unprime” or “Unprimed” refers to the opposite condition of

“Primed” and indicates that the primer, cap or priming powder has been removed from the firearm or is not in place.

•

NEVER PRIME YOUR MUZZLELOADING GUN UNTIL YOU

ARE READY TO FIRE IT.

Your muzzleloader should remain unprimed until the instant before firing. After you prime the firearm, your full concentration should be on the target and the act of firing.

11

MUZZLELOADER SAFETY RULES CONT’D

•

A SHARP OR HEAVY BLOW TO THE EXTERNAL HAMMER

CAN FRACTURE PARTS AND CAUSE A MALFUNCTION

OR DISCHARGE OF THE FIREARM

. An accidental discharge may cause serious injury and/or death to the shooter or bystanders and damage to property.

•

NEVER HAND A CHARGED MUZZLELOADING FIREARM

TO ANOTHER PERSON.

Once charged, a muzzleloading firearm requires your complete attention. Never charge the firearm and then hand it to another shooter. Equally, you should never shoot a muzzleloading firearm that has been charged by someone else. Only the person doing the loading knows whether the firearm has been charged properly.

• DO NOT CHARGE YOUR ENCORE MUZZLELOADER

DIRECTLY FROM A CAN, HORN OR FLASK.

A spark from a previous firing may ignite the stream of powder being poured into the gun and cause the container to explode. The explosion of powder can, horn or flask may cause serious injury and/or death to the shooter or bystanders and damage to property. Use a separate pre-calibrated measuring device containing small quantities of powder to charge your gun.

Keep the muzzle directed away from your face and body when loading.

•

ALWAYS KEEP SUPPLIES OF POWDER AND PRIMERS

WELL AWAY FROM A FIRING POSITION OR SHOOTING

BENCH.

A powder horn, flask, can of powder, or quantity of primers can ignite with deadly force if exposed to sparks or intense heat. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe handling and storage of powder and primers. Keep unused powder and primers well away from firearms that are being discharged. Sparks from the discharge of a muzzleloading firearm may cause an unused supply of powder or primers to ignite causing serious injury and/or death to the shooter or bystanders and damage to property.

• You must follow this procedure every time a firearm leaves your hand, is cleaned, handed to you or another person, transported or stored.

WARNING: NEVER RELY ON MECHANICAL FEA-

TURES ALONE. ONLY YOUR SAFE GUN HANDLING

WILL ENSURE THE SAFE USE OF YOUR FIREARM.

THIS IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.

12

BASIC EQUIPMENT

FOR SHOOTING THE

T/C ENCORE

™

MUZZLELOADER

In order to shoot your Thompson/Center Encore muzzleloader, the minimum accessories or equipment will be necessary.

WARNING: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SHOOT YOUR MUZ-

ZLELOADING FIREARM UNTIL YOU HAVE READ THIS

MANUAL IN ITS ENTIRETY AND UNDERSTAND IT

FULLY. FAILURE TO READ AND FOLLOW THESE INSTRUC-

TIONS COULD RESULT INJURY AND/OR DEATH TO THE

SHOOTER OR BYSTANDERS AND DAMAGE TO PROPERTY.

IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO UNDERSTAND ANY OR ALL OF

THIS MATERIAL, CALL THE CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPART-

MENT AT THOMPSON/CENTER.

1. Proper eye protection - specified for use with firearms.

2. Proper ear protection - specified for use with firearms..

3. Black Powder or an approved Black Powder substitute such as

Pyrodex, in the appropriate granulation for your particular firearm.

4. A Powder Measure.

5. Projectiles: Appropriate for your firearm.

6. No. 209 Primers

8. Bore cleaning patches.

9. A Jag to hold cleaning patches

10. An appropriate bore cleaning solvent (Like T/C’s No.13).

11. An appropriate oil or rust inhibiting lubricant (Like T/C’s

Natural Lube 1000 Plus Bore Butter.

13

UNDERSTANDING

BLACK POWDER®

Shooting muzzleloading firearms requires the shooter to be both a reloader and a rifleman at the same time. It requires strict adherence to the instructions set forth in this booklet. Failure to follow these instructions may cause damage to the firearm and injury and/or death to the shooter or bystanders and damage to property.

NOTE: Black Powder is manufactured in four specific types or granulations for use in firearms. Generally speaking, it is the granule size which determines the appropriate use of Black Powder. The largest granulations are naturally the slowest burning and, therefore, work best in large caliber rifles and shotguns. Pistols or smaller caliber rifles require a finer or faster burning powder. The priming powder used in the pan of a flint lock is extremely fine and fast burning for positive ignition of the main charge.

FG (commonly called Single “F”)

The muzzleloading enthusiast finds little use for this very coarse black powder. It’s use is restricted to the large bore (10, 8, 4 gauge) shotguns of yesteryear.

FFG (commonly called Double “F”)

This is a very popular powder for .45 caliber to .58 caliber rifles.

It is also used for 12, 16, and 20 gauge muzzleloading shotguns.

While it is not considered a pistol powder, it is sometimes used in very large caliber single shot pistols. It is recommended for use in most T/C muzzleloaders.

FFFG (commonly called Triple “F”)

Due to its wide range of uses, Triple “F” is the black powder that is most commonly found on a dealer’s shelf. It is used in all percussion revolvers, most single shot pistols, and most of the smaller (under .45 caliber) rifles. In a pinch, it can also be used to prime a flint lock.

FFFFG (commonly called Four “F”)

The finest of all currently available black powders, Four “F” is best used for priming flint locks. Due to its limited use, it is sometimes difficult to obtain.

When purchasing Black Powder be certain that it is in the original manufacturer’s container and that its granulation or type is clearly marked on the label. Follow the storage and handling precautions which are on the label. If you have any questions concerning the safe handling or storage of Black Powder, write to the manufacturer of the powder. Additional information on powder storage is available from the National Fire Protection Association,

P.O. Box 9146, Quincy, Mass. 02269. Or call 1-800-344-3555.

Ask for pamphlet #495.

14

UNDERSTANDING

PYRODEX

®

Pyrodex ® is a propellant powder designed for use in muzzleloading cap lock rifles, pistols and shotguns. Pyrodex is not Black Powder. In accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, Pyrodex relates closely to Black Powder on a volume to volume basis (not weight of charge). In other words, a black powder measure that is set to dispense 70 grains of black powder will, in fact, dispense approximately 52 grains of Pyrodex (by weight). This lighter charge of Pyrodex will provide a charge which is ballistically similar to 70 grains of Black Powder. For all practical purposes, knowing the actual weight of a charge of Pyrodex may be informative, but not necessary. Your black powder measure will dictate the proper amount by its graduations according to volume. If you want to know the actual comparative weight of a Pyrodex charge, contact the manufacturer,

Hodgdon Powder Co. Inc., Shawnee Mission, KS. 66201.

Pyrodex does not ignite as easily as Black Powder and, consequently, it is not recommended for use in flint lock firearms. Flint locks require strong, positive ignition and should be charged and primed with Black Powder of the appropriate granulation only.

PYRODEX ® CTG - FOR BLACK POWDER CARTRIDGES.

This powder was designed to be used in early model breech loading cartridge firearms (rifles, pistols & shotguns) which were intended for use with Black Powder only. It has no application in

Thompson/Center muzzleloading firearms. It is listed here simply for identification purposes.

PYRODEX

®

RS (or PYRODEX SELECT “RS”) RIFLE & SHOT-

GUN POWDER. Designed for use in all calibers of percussion muzzleloading rifles and shotguns, this powder has a wide application.

It may be used with all Thompson/Center muzzleloading rifles and shotguns. Pyrodex Select (RS) may also be used in these applications.

PYRODEX ®

P - PISTOL POWDER. Designed for use in most percussion muzzleloading pistols and cap and ball revolvers, this powder has application in the Thompson/Center Patriot™ Pistol.

PYRODEX

®

PELLETS - These pre-formed charges are designed for use in most Thompson/Center muzzleloaders. Use the appropriate caliber and charge weight pellet for your muzzleloading rifle.

The reader should bear in mind that Thompson/Center does not manufacture or sell powder of any type. If there is ever a question as to the proper application of a particular powder or the safety of a given charge, write to the manufacturer of the powder. Adhere to the safe handling and storage precautions printed on the manufacturer’s container and never purchase or use powders which have been removed from their original container. USE OF THE WRONG PROPELLANT may cause injury and/or death to the shooter or bystanders and damage to property. For information on Pyrodex write to Hodgdon Powder

Co., Inc., Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66202.

15

ENCORE

™

TRIGGER

POSITIONS

Encore Rifle or Pistol in the “Cocked” Position

As Hammer Is Cocked

It Engages The Sear

Trigger Moves Slightly

Hammer

Engages The Sear

Encore Rifle or Pistol in the “Fired” Position

Hammer Makes Contact

With Firing Pin

Discharging

The Firearm

Automatic Hammer Block

Is Held Out Of The Way,

Allowing The Hammer To Bypass It.

Trigger is Held

Fully Rearward By

The Shooter's Finger

Encore Rifle or Pistol Trigger Mechanism

Returns To The “At Rest” Position

Hammer Does Not

Contact Firing Pin

16

Hammer Block

Prevents Forward

Movement of the Hammer

Trigger is

Fully Forward

PREPARATION

FOR FIRING

WARNING:THE FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE FIREARM

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS WILL CAUSE SERIOUS PER-

SONAL INJURY OR DEATH TO YOU OR OTHERS.

• ALWAYS TREAT ALL FIREARMS AS IF THEY WERE

LOADED.

• ALWAYS WEAR ADEQUATE AND PROPER EAR PROTEC-

TORS SPECIFIED FOR FIREARM USE

to prevent permanent damage to your hearing. Make sure others who are nearby are wearing ear protection as well.

• ALWAYS WEAR PROPER CLOTHING WHEN FIRING A

MUZZLELOADER

wearing long sleeves is recommended to protect arms from debris that may be ejected during firing.

• ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES SPECIFIED FOR

FIREARM USE,

whether indoors or out. Safety glasses should protect your eyes from the firing flash and particles associated with the discharge of a muzzleloader. Failure to do so creates a risk of personal injury from particle or debris spitting or ricochets. Make sure others who are nearby are wearing eye protection as well.

• ALWAYS BE ALERT AND ALWAYS FOLLOW THE SAFETY

INSTRUCTIONS OF THE RANGE OFFICER.

Never shoot if you are tired, cold or impaired in any way.

•

ALWAYS BE AWARE OF OTHER PEOPLE

so that persons cannot accidentally walk into the line of fire.

• THE SHOOTER (AND ALL OTHERS IN THE SHOOTING

AREA) MUST ALWAYS BE IN A POSITION THAT IS OUT

OF THE LINE OF FIRE

and are not within an area where they may be struck by ricochets, particles spitting from a firearm.

• NEVER SHOOT AT HARD SURFACES,WATER OR RAN-

DOMLY INTO THE SKY.

Always select a place to shoot that has a safe backstop and is free from obstructions and water surfaces which cause ricochets.

• NEVER USE ALCOHOL OR DRUGS BEFORE OR WHILE

SHOOTING OR HANDLING ANY FIREARM.

• NEVER SMOKE WHILE SHOOTING OR HANDLING A MUZ-

ZLELOADING FIREARM.

• ALWAYS KEEP LOADING COMPONENTS AND LOADING

RESERVES WELL AWAY FROM THE MUZZLELOADER

WHEN FIRING.

17

MODEL & FEATURES

IDENTIFICATION

GUN MODEL DESIGNATION

ON THE BARREL

CALIBER

DESIGNATION ON BARREL

Stock

Frame

Assembly

Breech Plug

TCA - “E” FOR ENCORE

MODEL MARKING

ON FRAME

Barrel Assembly with Ramrod

Hinge Pin

Forend

Screws

Forend

18

SERIAL NUMBER &

BARREL MARKING

SERIAL NUMBER

MARKING

PROPELLANT

MARKING ON BARREL

19

CHARGING THE

T/C ENCORE

™

MUZZLELOADER

WARNING: ALWAYS POINT THE MUZZLE IN A SAFE

DIRECTION.

NOTE: The loading data found in this manual was compiled using

Black Powder or Pyrodex as a propellant. With any other approved

Black Powder substitute, follow the instructions supplied by the manufacturer and heed all warnings and instructions as they apply to loading and usage of that product.

• Inspect the bore for obstructions and oil or grease (and clean if necessary). This is true with the rifle as it comes from the factory, as it has been treated with anti-rust compound that needs to cleared before use.

• Do not load the muzzleloading firearm until you have read and fully understand this manual.

• Do not load the muzzleloading firearm until you are ready to use it. Keep your finger off the trigger and outside the trigger guard until you are ready to fire.

Read this manual in its entirety before attempting to load your firearm. Improper loading and use of your firearm can cause injury and/or death to the shooter or bystanders and damage to property.

Study the photo on page 22 carefully and read all the captions before you charge your muzzleloading rifle.The photo shows a shooter in the process of loading a Encore muzzleloader.

To open the Encore - pull up and back on the trigger guard spur to unlock the action and allow the barrel to pivot downward. Look into the breech plug primer pocket and check to make sure there is no primer in the pocket. Hold the muzzle up to the light and look through the ignition channel to ensure that there is no charge present. To close the Encore, pull the barrel upward while securely holding the rifle grip of the Encore stationary with your right hand. Practice opening and closing the Encore before attempting to load and fire this firearm.

To make sure it is unloaded, keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and insert the ramrod provided with the rifle into the bore. Note the position of the ramrod in relation to the muzzle. It will be slightly below the end of the barrel if the rifle is not loaded. Commit this exercise to memory and practice it every time that you handle the Encore, or any other muzzleloader.

Before you attempt to load it - before you store it away - before you hand it to a friend or leave it unattended, always check to ensure that the firearm is unprimed and uncharged.

20

CHARGING THE T/C ENCORE CONT’D

Wipe the bore free of all oil before loading. Be meticulous with your cleaning - for the presence of any amount of oil in the barrel or chamber can dampen the powder charge and cause the rifle to misfire or hangfire (see section on “Cleaning”). Point the muzzle in a safe direction and snap several 209 primers in the breech plug before charging. This will help ensure positive ignition and clear away any oil that may have accumulated in the ignition channel.

Adjust the powder measure to dispense the desired charge and fill it with Black Powder or an approved Black Powder substitute, such as Pyrodex. To achieve accuracy, consistency in the powder charge is required. Fill the measure exactly the same each time. Set the rifle on its butt and hold the muzzle away from your face and body as pictured on page 22. Pour the measured charge down the barrel and strike the side of the barrel several sharp raps with the heel of your hand. This will settle the powder into the chamber area of the barrel. If you are using pellets - follow the instructions provided by the pellet manufacturer. Seat the projectile firmly on top of the powder or pellets. Do Not pound on the ramrod or beat the projectile with excessive force, so as to crush the powder or pellet(s) and distort the bullet.

21


FIGURE 1

WARNING:

IMPROPERLY CHARG-

ING YOUR T/C ENCORE

MUZZLELOADER CAN BE

DANGEROUS. STUDY THIS

PHOTO CAREFULLY BEFORE

PROCEEDING.

Stay mentally alert. This task requires your complete attention.

Eyes, ears & arms protected.

Barrel held securely with muzzle upwards directed away from your face and body.

Do Not Smoke while loading any muzzleloader.

Use Black Powder or an approved Black Powder substitute, such as

Pyrodex ® .

Use a T/C graduated powder measure and do not overcharge. NEVER charge directly from a powder flask, can or powder horn.

Gun is unprimed.

Keep components

& reserve powder well away from the firearm.

Rifle’s butt resting firmly on the ground & supported by the side of the shooter's foot to prevent slipping.

For the Encore Muzzleloading Pistol the same basic rules apply - with butt of the pistol grip resting firmly on the ground to load.

With barrel held securely with muzzle upwards

- directed away from your face and body.

22


Loading Conical Lead Bullets or Sabots When Using loose

Black Powder or Granular Pyrodex ®

The procedures for loading sabots or conical bullets when using loose Black Powder or loose Pyrodex ® are basically the same.

Care should be taken to seat the bullet or sabot firmly against the powder charge. Do not pound on it. Again, mark your ramrod at the muzzle, ensuring that each time you seat a bullet on the powder the projectile is seated to the same depth.

If you are loading an all-lead conical bullet like T/C’s Maxi-Ball ® or Maxi-Hunter ® , proceed as follows; do not use any kind of cloth patch with these projectiles. They should be lubricated prior to loading, and are designed to be shot as cast (not sized further).

T/C Maxi-Balls and Maxi-Hunters come from the factory prelubricated. However, if you find some unlubricated bullets, we recommend that you lubricate these bullets with an all-natural lubricant, free of petroleum, like T/C Natural Lube 1000 Plus Bore Butter.

When loading a Maxi-Ball or Maxi-Hunter bullet into the muzzle, you will note how only the forward most bearing band grooves to the rifling when loading. The base of the bullet upsets (increases in diameter) upon firing, causing it to fill the grooves, thus stabilizing the projectile and aiding accuracy.

When loading sabots, do not lubricate them. They are intended to be loaded into the muzzleloader just as they come from the package. In fact, for best results, it is recommended that all evidence of oil or lubricant be removed from the bore before loading a sabot - the drier the bore the better in terms of optimal accuracy.

Hold the rifle as pictured on page 22 and pour your measured powder charge into the barrel. Start the lubricated bullet or sabot into the bore with your fingers. The base of the projectile will enter the bore easily with finger pressure.

Drive the projectile down about four inches into the barrel with

FIGURE 2

the rod end of the bullet starter

(Figure 2). Using the ramrod, push the projectile the remainder of the way down the barrel until it contacts the powder charge. The sabot or conical bullet must be seated firmly against the powder charge. Seat the projectile with exactly the same pressure shot after shot to aid in accuracy.

Remove the ramrod from the bore and return it to the thimbles before you prime the firearm.

23


FIGURE 3

Figure 3

Push the projectile down the barrel and seat it firmly against the powder charge.

Figure 4

Once the projectile is seated firmly against the powder charge, mark your ramrod to indicate the correct loaded depth of the powder plus the projectile. This will allow you to ensure that each projectile is seated to the same depth before firing. Re-mark the ramrod each time you adjust the powder charge or change projectiles. When you arrive at the desired charge, mark the ramrod so you have a permanent reference mark (Figure 5). When the powder charge or projectile are then changed, the reference mark should also be changed to indicate the new correct load length.

Seat the projectile firmly against the powder charge

FIG. 4

WARNING: NEVER FIRE A MUZ-

ZLELOADER UNLESS YOU ARE

SURE THE PROJECTILE IS

PROPERLY SEATED ON THE POWDER

CHARGE AND THE RAMROD HAS

BEEN REMOVED FROM THE BORE.

SHOOTERS SHOULD BEAR IN MIND

FIGURE 5

THAT THE MUZZLELOADING PROJEC-

TILE IS NOT CRIMPED INTO POSITION AS IS THE FIXED

CARTRIDGE PROJECTILE. IF A PROJECTILE DOES NOT FIT

TIGHTLY THEN JARRING OR MOVEMENT OF THE FIREARM

CAN CAUSE IT TO MOVE FORWARD IN A MUZZLELOADER.

IF THE FIREARM IS FIRED WHEN A PROJECTILE IS FOR-

WARD OR OFF THE POWDER CHARGE,OR THE RAMROD IS

STILL IN THE BORE, THEN THE PROJECTILE OR RAMROD

MAY ACT AS A BORE OBSTRUCTION. THIS CAN CAUSE A

RUPTURED OR BURST BARREL. A RUPTURED OR BURST

BARREL MAY CAUSE INJURY AND/OR DEATH TO THE


IF, DUE TO FOULING, A BULLET OR BALL BECOMES

LODGED PART WAY DOWN THE BARREL, THE FIREARM

MUST BE DISASSEMBLED AND THE CHARGE REMOVED.

SEE SECTION ON “CLEANING”. ALSO SEE SECTION ON

“UNLOADING AND UNCHARGING”.

24


Loading Conical Bullets or Sabots

When Using Pyrodex

Start by loading the pellets into the bore, following the specific pellet manufacturer’s instructions.

® Pellets

Seat the projectile firmly against the pellet(s)

Next, start the projectile into the bore and then use your ramrod to push the projectile the remainder of the way down the bore,

FIG. 6

until it is seated firmly against the pellet(s)

(Figure 6). Do not pound on it, as this will likely crush the pellets and effect the reliability of ignition. It could also deform the bullet and will undoubtedly affect accuracy .

With successive shots, fouling may build up enough in the bore to make loading of subsequent shots more difficult, or even impossible. The more fouling that is present, the more difficult it will be to seat your projectile to the same depth. This will cause differences in pressure, which will in turn affect accuracy. While at the range, you should clean (swab) your bore (with a powder solvent like Thompson/Center’s No.13 and suitable jag/patch combination) after each shot, for maximum accuracy. In the field, you can expect to fire two to three shots before swabbing may be necessary. The more powder you use in each charge, the more fouling will build up. When you experience progressively more difficult bullet seating due to buildup of fouling, you must clean the bore or safe loading will become impossible. See the sections on "Cleaning" and on "Unloading/Uncharging".

Once the sabot has been loaded, it is necessary to carefully mark your ramrod to indicate the depth of the fully seated pellet and projectile combination that you are using (Figure 7).

If you are loading sabots, make sure that the bore has been cleaned and that all of the oil or lubricant has been removed.

The drier the bore, the better when shooting sabots, as this will improve accuracy.

FIG. 7

25

PRIMING THE

T/C ENCORE

™

MUZZLELOADER

WARNING: DO NOT PRIME THE FIREARM UNTIL YOU

ARE ACTUALLY READY TO FIRE AND YOU HAVE

DOUBLE CHECKED TO ENSURE THAT THE RAMROD

HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM THE BORE. THOMP-

SON/CENTER DOES NOT RECOMMEND PRIMING THE

FIREARM UNTIL THE INSTANT BEFORE FIRING. CARRYING

A CHARGED, PRIMED ENCORE CAN BE DANGEROUS. AC-

CIDENTAL DISCHARGE IS A CONSTANT HAZARD WHICH, IF

IT OCCURS, CAN CAUSE INJURY AND/OR DEATH TO THE


THE ONLY SAFE WAY TO GUARD AGAINST AN ACCIDEN-

TAL DISCHARGE IS TO CARRY YOUR T/C ENCORE

UNPRIMED, WITH THE HAMMER IN THE "AT REST" POSI-

TION AND THE MUZZLE POINTED DOWNRANGE AWAY

FROM YOURSELF, BYSTANDERS OR PROPERTY.

If you have followed the preceding instructions in this manual, your firearm will now be charged with Black Powder or an approved Black Powder substitute such as Pyrodex and a projectile will be firmly seated against the powder charge. The ramrod will be returned to the thimbles under the barrel and your ramrod will be marked to the exact seating depth of the powder/projectile combination that you are using - allowing you to ensure that each future projectile is also seated to the same depth in the bore.

The Thompson/Center Encore muzzleloading rifle uses a #209 primer for ignition.

With the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, open the action by pivoting the trigger guard down and forward - then tipping the barrel down and open.

WHEN YOU ARE READY TO FIRE YOUR ENCORE, OPEN

FIG. 8

THE BARREL AND PRIME IT AS SHOWN HERE (Figure 8).

Muzzle pointed down range, keep fingers away from trigger.

26

PRIMING THE T/C ENCORE CONT’D

Handling 209 primers can be made easier with the (Figure 9) primer/deprimer tool (T/C part #7760) that is sold as an accessory. Slide a 209 primer into the slot of the tool as shown in the diagram below. To prime the gun, place the protruding part of the primer into the hole in the breech plug. Once the primer has been inserted, pull the tool away from the gun while leaving the

209 primer in the breech plug’s primer pocket. To remove a 209 primer from the breech plug, push this forked end under the rim of the primer. As you push the tool forward, the primer will lift out of its hole allowing you to grasp the primer with your fingers and remove it from the gun.

FIG. 9

If you decide not to fire; make sure the gun is always pointed in a safe direction and remove the 209 primer from the breech plug primer pocket.

27

FIRING THE

T/C ENCORE

™

MUZZLELOADER

WARNING: ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN

A SAFE DIRECTION.

WARNING: WEAR EYE AND EAR PROTECTION SPECI-

FIED FOR FIREARM USE EVERY TIME YOU DISCHARGE

YOUR FIREARM. MAKE SURE OTHERS IN THE VICINITY

OF WHERE YOU WILL BE SHOOTING DO SO AS WELL.

WARNING: ALWAYS HAVE ADEQUATE VENTILATION.

CLEANING FIREARMS IN POORLY VENTILATED

AREAS, DISCHARGING FIREARMS, OR HANDLING

AMMUNITION AND LOADING COMPONENTS MAY RESULT IN

EXPOSURE TO LEAD AND OTHER SUBSTANCES KNOWN TO

CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS, REPRODUCTIVE HARM AND OTHER

SERIOUS PHYSICAL INJURY. WASH HANDS THOROUGHLY

AFTER EXPOSURE.

WARNING: NEVER RELY ON MECHANICAL FEATURES

ALONE. ONLY YOUR SAFE GUN HANDLING WILL

ENSURE THE SAFE USE OF YOUR FIREARM. THIS IS

YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.

WARNING: WHEN FIRING THE T/C ENCORE, HOLD IT

FIRMLY, ALLOWING YOUR BODY WEIGHT TO ABSORB

AND BUFFER THE FORCE OF THE RECOIL. AN

IMPROPERLY HELD FIREARM CAN "KICK" - CAUSING POSSI-

BLE INJURY AND/OR BRUISING.

The instant before firing, you must prime the Encore muzzleloading rifle. With the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, open the action, then tip the barrel down - press a 209 primer into the breech plug primer pocket. Tip the barrel back up and lock it closed - at this point the firearm is ready to fire.

• Grasp firearm firmly with the trigger finger resting along and outside of the trigger guard.

• Draw the hammer back to the full rearward “COCKED” position.

• The gun will now fire when pressure is applied to the trigger.

• Place your finger on trigger and squeeze until the gun fires.

•

To reload, see the

Section on “CHARGING”.

28

FIRING THE T/C ENCORE CONT’D

WARNING: IF THE FIREARM IS NO LONGER GOING

TO BE USED, UNCHARGE IT BY FIRING IT INTO A

SUITABLE BACKSTOP OR PULL THE CHARGE

BEFORE RETURNING IT TO YOUR VEHICLE, CAMP OR

HOME (SEE SECTION ON “UNLOADING”). AN ACCIDENTAL

DISCHARGE CAN CAUSE INJURY AND/OR DEATH TO THE


If you decide not to fire; first, make sure the gun is always pointed in a safe direction - then you must carefully lower the hammer from the “Cocked” position to the “At Rest” position. To do this, hold your thumb securely on the hammer so it cannot drop freely - then pull the trigger back (only long enough to disengage the hammer from the hammer sear) and allow the hammer to move forward slowly with your trigger finger now fully away from the trigger - until the hammer resides in the “At Rest” position. Open the barrel and remove the 209 primer from the breech plug primer pocket.

WARNING: IF YOUR FIREARM GIVES ANY INDICA-

TION THAT IT IS NOT PERFORMING PROPERLY OR

THE OPERATION OF YOUR FIREARM HAS CHANGED

“THE WAY IT FEELS OR SOUNDS”, STOP FIRING. MAKE

SURE THE FIREARM IS POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION,

UNLOAD THE FIREARM AND HAVE IT INSPECTED AND

TEST FIRED BY A GUNSMITH QUALIFIED TO PERFORM

SERVICE ON THOMPSON/CENTER FIREARMS.

29

UNLOADING AND

UNCHARGING



WARNING: NEVER ATTEMPT TO PULL A CHARGE

FROM YOUR MUZZLELOADER UNTIL YOU ARE

ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THAT THE FIREARM IS

UNPRIMED. WHILE IN THE PROCESS OF PULLING THE

CHARGE, DO NOT SMOKE, OR BE NEAR ANYONE ELSE

WHO IS SMOKING; THE SPARK FROM A LIGHTED CIGA-

RETTE, CIGAR, OR PIPE CAN IGNITE BLACK POWDER,

PYRODEX, OR PRIMERS. ANY EXTERNAL HEAT SOURCE

CAN IGNITE YOUR CHARGE, CAUSING AN EXPLOSION,

WHICH COULD RESULT IN INJURY AND/OR DEATH TO THE


UNLOADING A CHARGE FROM THE ENCORE MUZZLELOADER

Under normal conditions the Encore muzzleloader is unloaded simply by firing it into a suitable and safe backstop. There are, however, some conditions under which the firearm cannot be fired and the charge must be removed manually.

SOME OF THE MOST COMMON CONDITIONS ARE

AS FOLLOWS:

1. If the projectile is not seated firmly against the powder charge, stop immediately! Do not attempt to fire the gun. You must remove the charge and then clean the barrel.

2. If the Encore muzzleloader is loaded in a proper manner yet fails to fire after repeated priming and clearing of the ignition channel.

3. If you are at a location that is unsuitable for discharging the firearm before transporting it.

To remove a charge from your T/C Encore muzzleloader it will be necessary to take the following steps:

1st Step – Tip the barrel open and make sure that the gun is unprimed.

2nd Step – Remove the breech plug (See

Section on Speed

Breech XT).

3rd Step – Once the breech plug has been removed, point the muzzle up. Gravity should then cause the pellets or the loose powder to drop out. The sabot or bullet can then be poked out of the bore with your ramrod. To push the bullet fully out of the barrel, it will be necessary to add the extended super jag (which came with your rifle) to your ramrod, or, you may use a longer

“range rod” if you have access to one.

30

UNLOADING & UNCHARGING CONT’D

4th Step – If your propellant (pellets or loose powder) does not come out as a result of gravity, push the entire charge out from the muzzle end with your ramrod and the installed ramrod extension. If that isn’t possible, you should then pour water into the breech area of the barrel to fully saturate (and liquify) the pellets or powder. After the powder is removed, push the bullet out with your ramrod inserted from the muzzle (with the ramrod extension installed if necessary).

If you can’t remove the breech plug at this point;

If you can’t remove the breech plug in order to unload the charge, it will be necessary to submerge the breech section of the barrel in a pail or bucket of water.

Disassembly of the Encore will be necessary.

1. Check to make sure the gun is unprimed by tipping the barrel open and removing any primer from the primer pocket.

2. Detach the barrel from the receiver assembly as detailed in the

Disassembly Section of this manual.

3. Once the barrel is detached - submerge the breech section of the barrel in a pail of water (hot water if possible). Make certain that at least 8" of the breech section is submerged for at least 1/2 hour.

4. Once the powder has been soaked for 1/2 hour and rendered inert, try pulling the projectile from the bore by using your ramrod

(or a range rod) with a bullet puller. Screw the bullet puller onto your rod, insert from the muzzle end, and when you make contact with the projectile, turn the rod clockwise, screwing the bullet puller into the projectile. Once screwed into the projectile, pull the projectile out. If you are using a sabot, make sure that both the projectile and the sabot are removed from the bore.

5. If, for any reason, you are unable to remove the charge in the manner recommended, soak the barrel again. Squirt oil into the primer pocket of the breech plug and into the ignition chamber in order to render the powder charge completely inert, (if you were to use water only - it will just dry out over a period of time), and return the barrel to the service department at the address shown below with a letter describing the problem.

Thompson/Center Arms Company, Inc.


Rochester, New Hampshire 03866

31

FIELD CLEANING



NEVER ATTEMPT TO CLEAN A CHARGED OR PRIMED

MUZZLELOADING FIREARM. AN ACCIDENTAL DIS-

CHARGE CAN CAUSE INJURY AND/OR DEATH TO THE





AMMUNITION AND LOADING COMPONENTS MAY RESULT

IN EXPOSURE TO LEAD AND OTHER SUBSTANCES KNOWN

TO CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS, REPRODUCTIVE HARM AND

OTHER SERIOUS PHYSICAL INJURY. WASH HANDS THOR-

OUGHLY AFTER EXPOSURE.

NOTE: Residue from burned black powder and black powder substitutes is very corrosive. The fouling or residue left over after firing your muzzleloading firearm can be destructive to gun’s parts.

Leaving your firearm unclean with this fouling present can lead to a ruined firearm, as parts will rust and oxidize in short order.

Also, the build up of fouling from shot to shot will produce shot to shot increases in pressure that will greatly affect accuracy. The lubricant used, the amount of powder in the charge, and the projectile used (sabot or all-lead conical bullet) will all affect the amount of fouling you will produce with each shot. Eventually, if not cleaned, the muzzleloading firearm will become impossible to load properly. Driven part way down the bore and blocked by fouling, a projectile may “hang up” and refuse to budge further.

WARNING: A PROJECTILE WHICH IS SEATED ONLY

PART WAY DOWN THE BARREL SETS UP A HIGHLY

DANGEROUS CONDITION WHICH MAY CAUSE A

BURST BARREL AND INJURY AND/OR DEATH TO THE

SHOOTER OR BYSTANDER AND DAMAGE TO PROPERTY.

THE PROJECTILE MUST BE SEATED FIRMLY AGAINST THE

POWDER CHARGE. IF THE PROJECTILE IS NOT SEATED

AGAINST THE POWDER CHARGE THE FIREARM MUST BE

DISASSEMBLED AND THE CHARGE REMOVED (SEE SECTION

ON “PULLING A CHARGE”). NEVER FIRE A MUZZLELOADING

FIREARM UNLESS THE PROJECTILE IS FIRMLY SEATED ON

THE POWDER CHARGE.

32

FIELD CLEANING CONT’D

The Thompson/Center Encore muzzleloader was supplied with a cleaning jag which is the proper size for cleaning the firearm. Use commercial cleaning patches

(round or square) or pieces of cotton clothing to clean the bore.

FIG. 10

Use the cleaning jag that was provided with the Encore, and a cleaning patch saturated with a bore cleaner like Thompson/Center’s

No.13 Solvent. Run the saturated patch up and down the bore a few times - to remove the fouling

(Figure 6).

No. 13 Solvent is specifically designed for cleaning Black

Powder or Pyrodex ® fouling.

Cleaning Jag

After removing all the fouling, follow up with a few dry patches to thoroughly dry the bore.

The Cleaning Jag threads onto the end of the ramrod.

Clean the frame assembly with a soft bristle brush dampened with some solvent. When the frame is dry, lightly oil it. Reassemble and check for proper function of the hammer and trigger assembly.

Position Patch over end of Jag.

Patch thickness requires judgement

(see text).

FIG. 11a o

B re

When using the cleaning jag to clean the bore, keep in mind that patch size and thickness are important. Start with a patch that is approximately square (or 2 1/2" round). Position it over the jag as pictured here (Figure 11a) and try it in the bore of the firearm (wet patches will enter more easily than dry ones). If it seems to be too tight - don’t force it. If your trial patch proves to be too tight, use a smaller size patch and/or thinner material.

33

THOROUGH

CLEANING



WARNING: NEVER ATTEMPT TO CLEAN A CHARGED OR

PRIMED MUZZLELOADING FIREARM. AN ACCIDENTAL DIS-

CHARGE CAN CAUSE INJURY AND/OR DEATH TO THE


WARNING: WEAR SAFETY GLASSES EVERY TIME

YOU ASSEMBLE OR DISASSEMBLE YOUR FIREARM.

WARNING: DO NOT ALTER, MODIFY OR REPLACE

ANY OF THE PARTS OF YOUR FIREARM UNLESS

THIS WORK IS PERFORMED BY A QUALIFIED GUN-

SMITH USING GENUINE THOMPSON/CENTER PARTS. IF

YOU DO OTHERWISE, IMPROPER FUNCTIONING MAY

OCCUR AND SERIOUS INJURY MAY RESULT.




AMMUNITION AND LOADING COMPONENTS MAY RESULT IN

EXPOSURE TO LEAD AND OTHER SUBSTANCES KNOWN




Proper cleaning is essential to ensure the proper functioning of your firearm.

Your firearm is a precision instrument. To ensure reliable function it is necessary to follow a routine maintenance procedure. When you are finished shooting for the day or for the season and plan to store the Encore muzzleloader away, it is recommended that you clean the firearm thoroughly. Follow these instructions for thorough cleaning:

Tip the barrel open and be certain that there is no primer in the primer pocket. Then remove the breech plug.

The breech plug is removed from the barrel by turning it counterclockwise (as viewed from the breech end of the barrel) using the wrench that was supplied with the gun.

34

THOROUGH CLEANING CONT’D

Once removed, the breech plug should be scrubbed free of fouling and should then be lubricated with an anti-seize lubricant like

T/C's Super Lube, before reinstallation. The threads inside the breech end of the barrel must also be well cleaned with a stiff brush and solvent and then dried and lubricated with anti-seize lube.

Next in the cleaning process; fill a pan with hot soapy water.

Submerge the muzzle end of the barrel in the water and push a wet patch down the barrel (from the breech end) on the end of your ramrod that has a jag installed on it (a jag comes with T/C muzzleloaders from the factory). Pump the ramrod and patch up and down in the barrel. This will draw water into the barrel and flush out the fouling. When the barrel is clean, wipe off any excess water and allow it to dry.

Thoroughly wipe any powder residue from the frame assembly.

Dry the parts thoroughly and lubricate them lightly to prevent rust and corrosion.

FIG. 11b FIG. 11c

Use a pressurized moisture displacing oil to clean and lubricate the firing pin within the frame (from both the front and back) - as shown in Figures 11b & 11c).

After cleaning your Encore muzzleloader, it is recommended that you lightly lubricate the metal surfaces of the rifle. Do not use heavy grease or oil, as during cold weather, excessive lube may congeal and slow the hammer fall (or keep it from striking the firing pin altogether) when the trigger is pulled.

With the barrel completely dry, lightly lubricate the bore with a quality gun lubricant or, in keeping with the all-natural method,

T/C's Natural Lube 1000 Plus Bore Butter. Re-install the breech plug, making sure that you have lubricated all of the threads with an anti-seize lubricant like T/C's Super Lube. The breech plug should be threaded into place by turning it clockwise with the breech plug wrench - until it is seated. Screw breech plug in carefully. Be certain that the threads mesh properly (not crossthreaded) and ensure that the breech plug is snug.

IMPROPER TYPE OR INSTALLATION OF BREECH

PLUGS CAN CAUSE INJURY AND/OR DEATH TO THE

SHOOTER OR BYSTANDERS AND DAMAGE TO

PROPERTY.

35

THOROUGH CLEANING CONT’D

Also, lubricate the threads inside the breech area of the barrel with anti-seize lubricant.

After your Encore muzzleloader breech plug has been reinstalled, check for proper functioning of the barrel and the hammer/trigger mechanism prior to loading and firing.

If the Encore muzzleloader has become very dirty due to extensive firing, the shooter may want to disassemble the rifle further than just removing the breech plug. If this happens, follow the instructions in the

Disassembly Section that follows.

CAUTION:

Always follow the instructions provided with your gun cleaner and gun lubricant.

CAUTION:

Some cleaners can cause damage to your firearms. You should avoid prolonged solvent immersion and prolonged ultrasonic cleaning of your firearm. Choice of solvent should be restricted to those products specifically developed for firearms maintenance.

Damage to a firearm’s finish may occur if these cautions are ignored. Ammoniated solvents or other strong alkaline solvents, should not be used on any Thompson/Center firearm. As a rule of thumb, if you would be comfortable applying the solvent of your choice to the finish of your automobile, it will probably be safe for use on your firearm.

DISASSEMBLY OF

THE T/C ENCORE

™

MUZZLELOADER

WARNING: MAKE SURE THAT THE MUZZLELOADER IS

UNCHARGED AND UNPRIMED. TO ENSURE THAT THE

GUN IS UNCHARGED AND UNPRIMED, LOWER THE

TRIGGER GUARD AND TIP THE BARREL OPEN (DOWN). THIS

WILL EXPOSE THE PRIMER POCKET IN THE BREECH PLUG.

MAKE SURE THERE IS NO PRIMER SEATED IN THE BREECH

PLUG. NEXT, HOLDING THE MUZZLE UP TO THE LIGHT, LOOK

THROUGH THE IGNITION FIRE CHANNEL TO MAKE SURE YOU

CAN SEE THROUGH IT. IF YOU CANNOT SEE THROUGH IT,

EITHER THE GUN IS CHARGED OR THE IGNITION FIRE CHAN-

NEL IS OBSTRUCTED AND IT WILL BE NECESSARY FOR YOU

TO REMOVE THE BREECH PLUG (SEE SPEED BREECHSEC-

TION). IF YOU CAN SEE LIGHT, PROCEED AS FOLLOWS:

36

ENCORE DISASSEMBLY CONT’D

The T/C Encore Muzzleloader breaks down into three basic groups of parts as shown below:

1. The Frame Assembly - This assembly is held on the stock by a stock draw bolt. The fire control mechanism (hammer, sear, firing pin, etc.) is housed within the frame.

2. The Muzzleloading Barrel Assembly - This includes the barrel, breech plug, ramrod, thimbles and sights. It is held to the receiver by a hinge pin which anchors the barrel lug to the frame.

3. The Stock (or Grip) Assembly - Includes the stock (the rifle butt stock has sling swivel studs and a butt pad), grip, grip cap and applicable forend.

•

NEVER DISASSEMBLE YOUR FIREARM

beyond the procedures outlined in this manual. Improper disassembly or reassembly of your firearm may be dangerous and can lead to serious injury or death.

TAKEDOWN OF THE ENCORE MUZZLELOADER

1st Step - Make sure that the gun is unprimed and uncharged.

2nd Step - Remove the ramrod from the thimble(s).

3rd Step - Remove the forend screw(s). Turn these screws out counter-clockwise (as viewed from the bottom of the gun).

Remove the forend from the barrel.

4th Step - Tip the barrel open and remove the barrel hinge pin by tapping it out (in either direction). Remove the barrel from the frame.

5th Step - Remove the screw that retains the extractor in the barrel lug. Then, remove the extractor from its slot.

6th Step - Using a 7/16" socket wrench, or the breech plug wrench that was supplied with the Encore muzzleloader (barrel), remove the breech plug by turning it counter-clockwise (as viewed from the breech end of the barrel).

If you need to hold the barrel more firmly than you can with just your hand, a crescent wrench or vise on the barrel lug will supply the needed holding power. This procedure will give you the necessary leverage to “break” the gas seal which was formed when the breech plug was originally “snugged” to the barrel during installation. There will be initial resistance between these parts which must be overcome.

37

ENCORE DISASSEMBLY CONT’D

7th Step - To reassemble, reverse these steps, making sure that you check for proper functioning of the trigger, striker & safety mechanism prior to loading and firing. The breech plug of the

Encore muzzleloader should be seated in the barrel until it is

“snug”. “Snug” is defined as being as tight as you can turn it into the barrel by using the breech plug wrench and turning it clockwise, while holding the barrel in your hand. When you can no longer grip the barrel, and it turns in your hand, the breech plug is “snug”.

The breech plug should be threaded into place by turning it clockwise with the breech plug wrench - until it is seated. Screw the breech plug in carefully. Be certain that the threads mesh properly (not cross-threaded) and ensure that he breech plug is snug.

Frame

Assembly

Breech Plug

Barrel Assembly with Ramrod

Stock

Hinge Pin

Forend

Screws

Forend

FIG. 12

This diagram shows the extent to which the Encore should be disassembled.

If other service is required, contact the Thompson/Center

Customer Service Department.

38

MOUNTING A SCOPE

We recommend that you have a competent gunsmith install your scope and mount.

WARNING: ALWAYS ENSURE THAT THE FIREARM IS

UNCHARGED AND UNPRIMED BEFORE INSTALLING A

SCOPE OR ANY ACCESSORIES. FAILURE TO DO THIS

CAN CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH TO YOU OR OTHERS.

WARNING: DO NOT DRILL ADDITIONAL HOLES IN

THE BARREL AS THIS COULD WEAKEN ITS STRUC-

TURE AND CONTRIBUTE TO A RUPTURE CAUSING

INJURY AND/OR DEATH TO THE SHOOTER OR

BYSTANDERS AND DAMAGE TO PROPERTY.

The barrel is factory drilled and tapped for T/C mounts. Follow the instructions that come with your scope and the mounts for proper installation. Questions should be addressed to the

Thompson/Center Service Department.

SIGHT ADJUSTMENT

WARNING: ALWAYS ENSURE THAT THE FIREARM IS

UNCHARGED AND UNPRIMED BEFORE ATTEMPTING

ANY ADJUSTMENTS. FAILURE TO DO THIS CAN CAUSE

PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH TO YOU OR OTHERS.

Thompson/Center Encore muzzleloaders are equipped with a standard rifle rear sight (See Illustration Below) which is adjustable for elevation and windage.

To adjust elevation, move the elevation slide up or down its ramp to change the point of impact. To do this, turn the Elevation

Adjustment Lock Screw counter-clockwise (as viewed from the receiver end) to loosen it - then move the slide down the ramp

(using the graduation lines as a guide) to lower the point of impact.

To adjust the windage it is necessary to slide the rear sight blade assembly left or right after loosening the Windage Adjustment Lock

Screw. Move the rear sight blade in the direction you want your shots to hit-- (Example; moving the sight blade to the right moves your shots to the right and to the left move the shots to the left).

Windage

Adjustment Screw Elevation

Adjustment

Screw

FIG. 12

39

TRIGGER ADJUSTMENT

MAKE SURE THAT THE FIREARM YOU ARE WORK-

ING WITH IS UNCHARGED AND UNPRIMED PRIOR

TO MAKING ANY TRIGGER ADJUSTMENTS. FAILURE

TO HEED THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL

DISCHARGE WHICH MAY CAUSE INJURY AND/OR DEATH

TO THE SHOOTER OR BYSTANDERS AND DAMAGE TO

PROPERTY.

Encore Trigger Adjustment

Adjustments can only be made to the Trigger Stop Screw shown in this diagram.A .050" hex wrench is required to make adjustments.

The Trigger Stop Screw is used to adjust “over-travel”. Over-travel is the amount of rearward trigger movement after the trigger releases the hammer.

Trigger Stop Screw

ENCORE TRIGGERS ARE FACTORY SET TO AN OPTIMAL

PULL. PHYSICAL ALTERATION OF THE TRIGGER, OR AD-

JUSTMENTS OTHER THAN THOSE DESCRIBED ABOVE

WITH TRIGGER STOP SCREW MAY LEAD TO A SITUATION

WHERE A DANGEROUSLY LIGHT TRIGGER PULL RESULTS. A

TRIGGER PULL THAT IS TOO LIGHT CAN CAUSE PREMATURE

FIRING WHICH MAY LEAD TO INJURY AND/OR DEATH TO THE


40

LIMITED WARRANTY

Thompson/Center Arms provides a warranty for all factory finished firearms for the lifetime of the original consumer purchaser. Any such firearms or part thereof returned, postage paid, to the factory at Thompson/Center, 400 North Main Street, Rochester, New

Hampshire 03867, will be repaired or replaced to our commercial standards free of charge and returned to the consumer purchaser postage prepaid.

This warranty is effective from the date of purchase and applies to the original owner of the firearm. This warranty is established by return of our authorized warranty card within 30 days of purchase. With respect to such firearms, this warranty supersedes any and all other warranties.

Thompson/Center firearms are warrantied to be free from defects in material and workmanship. Any such defects of which

Thompson/Center receives written notice within one year from the date of purchase by the original owner, will be remedied by

Thompson/Center without charge within a reasonable time after such notification and delivery of the firearm as provided below.

Warranty claims (in writing) and the firearm concerned should be delivered to Thompson/Center’s Customer Service Department.

In addition, a copy of the bill of sale in the owner’s name, or a copy of ATF Form 4473 indicating date of purchase must be included.

Warranty claims should state the model and serial number of the firearm concerned and the description of the difficulty experienced. It is recommended that shipments be insured by the owner, since Thompson/Center will accept no responsibility for loss or damage in transit. Transportation and insurance charges for return to owner will be paid by Thompson/Center if the claim is covered by the warranty.

THIS WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE AND IS GIVEN IN LIEU OF

ANY AND ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED.

NO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FIT-

NESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE GIVEN AND ANY

AND ALL LIABILITY FOR BREACH OF ANY IMPLIED WARRAN-

TY OR WARRANTY CREATED BY LAW IS DISCLAIMED.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL THOMPSON/CENTER BE

RESPONSIBLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAM-

AGES WITH RESPECT TO ECONOMIC LOSS, INJURY, DEATH

OR PROPERTY DAMAGE, WHETHER AS A RESULT OF

BREACH OF THIS WARRANTY, NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE.

41

LIMITED WARRANTY CONT’D

Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you in whole or in part. Thompson/Center will not be responsible for:

• Defects or malfunctions resulting from careless handling, unauthorized adjustments or modifications made or attempted by anyone other than a qualified gunsmith following Thompson/Center authorized procedures, or beyond the disassembly instructions in this manual.

• Use of defective or improper ammunition, corrosion, neglect, abuse, ordinary wear and tear, or unreasonable use.

• Criminal misuse, negligence, resale, use under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Thompson/Center reserves the right to determine what constitutes ordinary wear and tear.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may also have other rights that vary from state to state.

Note: All liability is excluded in the event that the instructions in this manual are not observed.

This warranty does not cover any damage caused by custom alteration of the firearm! Services performed by the

Thompson/Center Custom Shop do not void the warranty.

Thompson/Center Arms reserves the right to refuse to repair or replace firearms, or parts thereof, damaged by abuse or misuse.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. Address all correspondence and inquiries to the address shown on the cover of this booklet.

This warranty does not cover the finish of the stock or steel components from scratches, dings or rust which may occur through normal usage or improper care, or any damage caused by custom alteration of the firearm other than those performed by the

T/C Custom Shop! Thompson/Center Arms reserves the right to refuse to repair or replace firearms, or parts thereof, damaged by abuse or misuse

42

CONTACT & SHIPPING

FOR SERVICE

Shipping Address: Thompson/Center

400 North Main St.

Rochester, New Hampshire 03867

Should your Thompson/Center firearm require service, it should be returned to the Thompson/Center factory.

• Call or e-mail the Customer Service Dept. for authorization and shipping instructions.

• Ensure that the both magazine and chamber are unloaded.

•

Do not attempt to ship a firearm via US Postal Service; only federally licensed dealers may ship a firearm by US

Postal Service.

•

DO NOT SHIP ANY AMMUNITION.

• Enclose a letter which includes your full name and address

(no P.O. Boxes, please), daytime telephone number, e-mail address, the serial number of the firearm, and details of the problem experienced (stating the brand and type of ammunition used when the problem occurred) or work desired.

• Record the serial number before shipping, in case you wish to check on the repair status of your firearm.

• Please remove all custom parts and accessories, such as stocks, special sights and scopes, or slings from your firearm before returning.

• Place the firearm in its original case or in a similarly secure container and pack it securely.

• The package must NOT bear any markings which indicate the identity of the contents.

• It is most important that you comply with federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The following guidelines are meant to help, but you must seek assistance from the appropriate authorities if necessary.

• If your firearm must be replaced, it may be necessary to ship the replacement to a dealer rather than directly to you. You

may be requested to furnish a signed FFL (Federal Firearms

License) from your dealer in such an instance.

• Warranty repair work will begin upon receipt and examination of the firearm. In the case of repairs or work not covered by the warranty, a quotation covering the cost of the work plus round trip transportation charges will be sent to you. Repairs or modification will begin upon receipt of payment.

43

CONTACT & SHIPPING FOR SERVICE CONT’D

WARNING: YOU MAY PURCHASE ACCESSORIES FOR

YOUR THOMPSON/CENTER FIREARM. YOU MUST

HAVE SOME OF THESE PARTS INSTALLED BY A GUN-

SMITH QUALIFIED TO PERFORM SERVICE ON

THOMPSON/CENTER FIREARMS. NEVER ATTEMPT TO MODI-

FY YOUR FIREARM OR INSTALL REPLACEMENT PARTS IN

YOUR FIREARM. ALWAYS USE A QUALIFIED THOMPSON/CEN-

TER GUNSMITH EVEN IF THE REPAIR SEEMS SIMPLE.

LOAD COMPONENTS

WARNING: NEVER USE LOADING COMPONENTS NOT

SPECIFICALLY REFERENCED IN THIS MANUAL. FAIL-

URE TO FOLLOW THIS RULE MAY CAUSE EXCESSIVE

PRESSURE WHICH CAN DAMAGE OR EVEN RUPTURE YOUR

FIREARM, CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY, DEATH OR PROPER-

TY DAMAGE.

• USE ONLY BLACK POWDER OR AN APPROVED BLACK

POWDER SUBSTITUTE SUCH AS PYRODEX

®

TO LOAD

YOUR MUZZLELOADING FIREARM

. Never use even small amounts of smokeless powder, even if it is black in color. The use of any other propellant may cause injury or death to the shooter or bystanders and damage to property.

• YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR USING THE CORRECT

COMBINATION OF LOAD COMPONENTS IN YOUR

ENCORE MUZZLELOADER

as detailed in this manual.

NOTE: Different combinations of bullet weight and powder charge can have a major effect on felt recoil. Heavier bullets and heavier powder charges will result in more recoil.

WARNING: DEATH, SERIOUS INJURY AND DAMAGE

CAN RESULT FROM THE USE OF INCORRECT LOAD

COMPONENTS.

SUGGESTED LOADS FOR

THE T/C ENCORE

™

MUZZLELOADER

The following charts show recommended charges using Black

Powder or a Pyrodex equivalent as the propellant for

Thompson/Center Encore muzzleloading rifles and pistols.

Charges are listed by caliber, powder charge and type of projectile.

44

SUGGESTED LOADS CONT’D

Note that in each instance a series of charges are listed. More than one charge is shown in each category to clearly illustrate the appropriate powder charge range for that particular caliber, gun model and projectile.

WARNING: MAXIMUM LOADS ARE NOT TO BE

EXCEEDED NOR IS A SUBSTITUTION OF POWDER

OR GRANULATIONS TO BE ATTEMPTED! ONLY USE

LOADS THAT ARE LISTED FOR YOUR PARTICULAR CAL-

IBER, MODEL AND BULLET STYLE. FAILURE TO FOLLOW

THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN INJURY AND/OR

DEATH TO THE SHOOTER OR BYSTANDERS AND DAMAGE

TO PROPERTY.

The shooter is instructed to start with the lightest charge listed.

As you become familiar with the firearm, increase your charges gradually until you reach your best performing load (most accurate). Thompson/Center Arms is not responsible for loading information printed in sources other than this booklet.

NOTE: All loading data contained in this book is the result of testing by Thompson/Center Arms. Testing was done under carefully controlled conditions with the components specified in the text. 28 inch barrels were used to produce the data (unless otherwise specified).

Since Thompson/Center has no control over the components or equipment which may be used with this information, no responsibility is implied or assumed for the results obtained.

WARNING: THE LOADING DATA FOUND IN THIS MANU-

AL WAS COMPILED USING BLACK POWDER OR

PYRODEX AS A PROPELLANT. WITH ANY OTHER

APPROVED BLACK POWDER SUBSTITUTE FOLLOW THE

INSTRUCTIONS SUPPLIED BY THE MANUFACTURER AND

HEED ALL WARNINGS AS THEY APPLY TO LOADING AND

USAGE OF THAT PRODUCT.

Assembly & Loading

T/C Mag Express

™

&

Shock Wave

™

Sabots

T/C Sabots come in several variations for .50 caliber muzzleloading applications; some accept 44 caliber (.429˝ - .430˝ diameter) bullets and others accept 45 caliber (.451˝ - .452˝ diameter) bullets. In either case, insert the correct diameter projectile into the sabot and press firmly, making sure the bullet is fully seated.

45

MAG EXPRESS & SHOCKWAVE SABOTS CONT’D

FIG. 13

Bullet of the

Correct

Diameter

Mag Express

Sabot

Seat Fully

Assembled Sabot

The Assembled

Sabot Must Be

Seated Firmly

On The Powder

Charge.

WARNING: WHEN LOADING T/C’S MAG EXPRESS

SABOTS, MAKE SURE THAT YOUR GUN IS UNPRIMED,

AND THAT YOUR SABOT HAS BEEN PROPERLY AS-

SEMBLED. FAILURE TO ASSEMBLE AND LOAD YOUR SABOT

CORRECTLY COULD RESULT IN THE BULLET DISENGAGING

FROM THE SABOT. THIS COULD RESULT IN AN AIR SPACE

BETWEEN THE COMPONENTS. UNDER SUCH A CONDITION,

ONE OR MORE OF THE COMPONENTS MAY ACT AS A BAR-

REL OBSTRUCTION AND FIRING COULD RESULT IN INJURY

AND/OR DEATH TO THE SHOOTER OR BYSTANDERS AND

DAMAGE TO PROPERTY.

To properly assemble your T/C Mag Express Sabot, insert the projectile into the sabot and press firmly, making sure the bullet is fully seated (Figure 13). Use only bullets of the correct diameter.

WARNING: USE ONLY PROJECTILES OF THE COR-

RECT DIAMETER THAT WERE DESIGNED FOR THE

SABOTS YOU ARE USING. USING BULLETS OF

LESSER DIAMETER MAY CAUSE THE BULLET TO SEPA-

RATE FROM THE SABOT RESULTING IN A BARREL

OBSTRUCTION. USING BULLETS OF LARGER DIAMETER

COULD RESULT IN DIFFICULT LOADING, OR A CONDITION

WHERE THE SABOT IS NOT SEATED ALL THE WAY DOWN

ON THE POWDER CHARGE, RESULTING IN A BARREL

OBSTRUCTION. EITHER CASE CAN RESULT IN A DAM-

AGED FIREARM AND POSSIBLE INJURY AND/OR DEATH

TO THE SHOOTER OR BYSTANDERS AND DAMAGE TO

PROPERTY.

WARNING: THE LOAD DATA PROVIDED HERE IS FOR

USE IN RIFLES OF THOMPSON/CENTER MANUFAC-

TURE ONLY. FOR LOAD DATA FOR OTHER BRANDS

REFER TO THERE LOADING DATA.

46

RIIF LE S EC TIIO

T/C Mag Express

™

Sabot Loads

For Use With .50 Caliber

T/C Encore Muzzleloader Only

Using Bullet Weights Listed

Use #209 Primer

.50 Caliber Rifle

Using Pyrodex Pellets &

Mag Express

™

Sabot Loads

For Use With Bullets

Weighing (Grains)

Black Powder

Charge (Grains)

180 Gr. Bullet

240 Gr. Bullet

250 Gr. Bullet

300 Gr. Bullet

325 Gr. Bullet

400 Gr. Bullet

Muzzle Velocity

(Feet Per Second)

2 Pellets

3 Pellets

2 Pellets

3 Pellets

2 Pellets

3 Pellets

2 Pellets

3 Pellets

2 Pellets

3 Pellets

2 Pellets

3 Pellets

1512 F.P.S.

1806 F.P.S.

Load Shown in Red is Maximum

1937 F.P.S.

2303 F.P.S.

1889 F.P.S.

2249 F.P.S.

1863 F.P.S.

2197 F.P.S.

1729 F.P.S.

2036 F.P.S.

1624 F.P.S.

1938 F.P.S.

Muzzle Energy

(Foot Pounds)

1500 Ft. Lbs.

2120 Ft. Lbs.

1902 Ft. Lbs.

2696 Ft. Lbs.

1927 Ft. Lbs.

2680 Ft. Lbs.

1992 Ft. Lbs.

2762 Ft. Lbs.

1903 Ft. Lbs.

2711 Ft. Lbs.

2031 Ft. Lbs.

2897 Ft. Lbs.

47



Using Bullet Weights Listed

Use #209 Primer



Black Powder

Charge (Grains)

80 grs. FFG

180 Grain

Bullet

Like The

Thompson/Center

XTP™

240 Grain

Bullet

Like The

Thompson/Center

XTP™

250 Grain

Bullet

Like The

Thompson/Center

PTX™

90 grs. FFG

100 grs. FFG

110 grs. FFG

120 grs. FFG

130 grs. FFG

140 grs. FFG

150 grs. FFG

80 grs. FFG

90 grs. FFG

100 grs. FFG

110 grs. FFG

120 grs. FFG

130 grs. FFG

140 grs. FFG

150 grs. FFG

80 grs. FFG

90 grs. FFG

100 grs. FFG

110 grs. FFG

120 grs. FFG

130 grs. FFG

140 grs. FFG


Using Black Powder &

Mag Express

™

Sabot Loads

Muzzle Velocity


1609 F.P.S.

1685 F.P.S.

1737 F.P.S.

1766 F.P.S.

1852 F.P.S.

1907 F.P.S.

2004 F.P.S.

2043 F.P.S.

1511 F.P.S.

1629 F.P.S.

1672 F.P.S.

1710 F.P.S.

1761 F.P.S.

1794 F.P.S.

1846 F.P.S.

1879 F.P.S.

1472 F.P.S.

1601 F.P.S.

1642 F.P.S.

1696 F.P.S.

1724 F.P.S.

1775 F.P.S.

1828 F.P.S.

Muzzle Energy

(Foot Pounds)

1035 Ft. Lbs.

1135 Ft. Lbs.

1206 Ft. Lbs.

1247 Ft. Lbs.

1371 Ft. Lbs.

1454 Ft. Lbs.

1606 Ft. Lbs.

1669 Ft. Lbs.

1217 Ft. Lbs.

1414 Ft. Lbs.

1490 Ft. Lbs.

1559 Ft. Lbs.

1653 Ft. Lbs.

1716 Ft. Lbs.

1816 Ft. Lbs.

1882 Ft. Lbs.

1203 Ft. Lbs.

1423 Ft. Lbs.

1497 Ft. Lbs.

1597 Ft. Lbs.

1650 Ft. Lbs.

1749 Ft. Lbs.

1855 Ft. Lbs.

150 grs. FFG

80 grs. FFG

90 grs. FFG

100 grs. FFG

110 grs. FFG

1853 F.P.S.

1452 F.P.S.

1535 F.P.S.

1601 F.P.S.

1646 F.P.S.

1907 Ft. Lbs.

1405 Ft. Lbs.

1570 Ft. Lbs.

1708 Ft. Lbs.

1805 Ft. Lbs.

300 Grain

Bullet

Like The

Thompson/Center

XTP™

120 grs. FFG

130 grs. FFG

140 grs. FFG

150 grs. FFG

1667 F.P.S.

1693 F.P.S.

1714 F.P.S.

1758 F.P.S.

1852 Ft. Lbs.

1910 Ft. Lbs.

1957 Ft. Lbs.

2015 Ft. Lbs.


- Heavier Bullets continued next page...

48

T/C Mag Express™ Sabot Loads Cont’d.

... continued from previous page.



Using Bullet & Sabot Listed Below

Use #209 Primer

For Use

With Bullets


Powder Charge

50 Gr. Pellets



Mag Express

™

Sabot Loads

Muzzle Velocity


Muzzle Energy

(Foot Pounds)

100 grs. FFG 1451 F.P.S.

1520 Ft. Lbs.

325 Grain

Bullet

120 grs. FFG 1555 F.P.S.

1745 Ft. Lbs.

150 grs. FFG 1710 F.P.S.

2110 Ft. Lbs.

400 Grain

Bullet

100 grs. FFG

120 grs. FFG

1390 F.P.S.

1469 F.P.S.

150 grs. FFG 1587 F.P.S.


1679 Ft. Lbs.

1917 Ft. Lbs.

2238 Ft. Lbs.

49

T/C Shockwave

™

Sabot Loads




Use #209 Primer

For Use

With Bullets


Powder Charge

50 Gr. Pellets


Using 50 Gr. Equivalent Pyrodex Pellets &

Shock Wave Bullets with

T/C Super Glide Sabots

Muzzle Velocity


Muzzle Energy

(Foot Pounds)

250 Gr. Bullet

T/C Shock Wave™ in the

T/C Super Glide™

Sabot

300 Gr. Bullet

T/C Shock Wave™ in the

T/C Super Glide™

Sabot

2 Pellets

3 Pellets

2 Pellets

3 Pellets

1863 F.P.S.

1927 Ft. Lbs.

2197 F.P.S.

2680 Ft. Lbs.

1729 F.P.S.

1992 Ft. Lbs.

2036 F.P.S.

2762 Ft. Lbs.





Use #209 Primer



Shock Wave ™ Bullets with

T/C Super Glide ™ Sabots

For Use

With Bullets


Powder Charge

50 Gr. Pellets

80 grs. FFG

90 grs. FFG

100 grs. FFG

250 Gr. Bullet

T/C Shock

Wave™ in the

T/C Super

Glide™

Sabot

110 grs. FFG

120 grs. FFG

130 grs. FFG

140 grs. FFG

150 grs. FFG

300 Gr. Bullet

T/C Shock

Wave™ in the

T/C Super

Glide™

Sabot

Muzzle Velocity


1472 F.P.S.

1601 F.P.S.

1642 F.P.S.

1696 F.P.S.

1724 F.P.S.

1775 F.P.S.

1828 F.P.S.

1853 F.P.S.

80 grs. FFG

90 grs. FFG

100 grs. FFG

110 grs. FFG

120 grs. FFG

1452 F.P.S.

1535 F.P.S.

1601 F.P.S.

1646 F.P.S.

1667 F.P.S.

130 grs. FFG

140 grs. FFG

150 grs. FFG

1693 F.P.S.

1714 F.P.S.

1758 F.P.S.


50

Muzzle Energy

(Foot Pounds)

1203 Ft. Lbs.

1423 Ft. Lbs.

1497 Ft. Lbs.

1597 Ft. Lbs.

1650 Ft. Lbs.

1749 Ft. Lbs.

1855 Ft. Lbs.

1907 Ft. Lbs.

1405 Ft. Lbs.

1570 Ft. Lbs.

1708 Ft. Lbs.

1805 Ft. Lbs.

1852 Ft. Lbs.

1910 Ft. Lbs.

1957 Ft. Lbs.

2015 Ft. Lbs.

Assembly And Loading

Of T/C Break-O-Way

™

Sabots

WARNING: WHEN LOADING T/C’S BREAK-O-WAY

SABOTS, MAKE SURE THAT YOUR GUN IS

UNPRIMED, AND THAT YOUR BREAK-O-WAY SABOT

HAS BEEN PROPERLY ASSEMBLED. FAILURE TO ASSEM-

BLE AND LOAD YOUR SABOT CORRECTLY COULD RESULT

IN THE BULLET, SABOT HALVES, OR WOVEN WOOL DOUGH-

NUT SEPARATING AND DISENGAGING FROM THEMSELVES.

THIS COULD RESULT IN AN AIR SPACE BETWEEN THE

LOAD COMPONENTS. UNDER SUCH A CONDITION, ONE OR

MORE OF THE COMPONENTS MAY ACT AS A BARREL OB-

STRUCTION AND FIRING CAN RESULT IN A DAMAGED FIRE-

ARM AND POSSIBLE INJURY OR DEATH TO THE SHOOTER

OR BYSTANDERS AND DAMAGE TO PROPERTY.

To assemble your T/C Break-O-Way Sabot, position two sabot halves together forming a complete sabot cup. Press the woven wool “doughnut” firmly on the base, allowing the flange to protrude through the hole (Fig 14). The sabot is now ready to accept a .429"-

.430" diameter .44 cal bullet. Use only bullets of these dimensions.

FIG. 14

.429" to .430"

Bullet

Sabot

Halves

Woven Wool

"Doughnut"

Assembled

Sabot

The

Assembled

Sabot Must

Be Seated

Firmly On

The Powder

Charge.

WARNING: USE ONLY BULLETS MEASURING .429" -

.430" DESIGNED FOR USE IN .44 CALIBER PISTOLS

OR RIFLES. USING BULLETS OF LESSER DIAMETER

MAY CAUSE THE BULLET TO SEPARATE FROM THE

SABOT RESULTING IN A BARREL OBSTRUCTION. USING

BULLETS OF LARGER DIAMETER COULD RESULT IN DIF-

FICULT LOADING, OR A CONDITION WHERE THE SABOT IS

NOT SEATED ALL THE WAY DOWN IN THE POWDER

CHARGE, RESULTING IN A BARREL OBSTRUCTION.

EITHER CASE CAN RESULT IN A DAMAGED FIREARM AND

POSSIBLE INJURY AND/OR DEATH TO THE SHOOTER OR


WARNING: THE LOAD DATA PROVIDED HERE IS

FOR USE IN RIFLES OF THOMPSON/CENTER MANU-

FACTURE ONLY. FOR LOAD DATA FOR OTHER

BRANDS REFER TO THERE LOADING DATA.

51

T/C Break-O-Way

™

Sabot Loads Cont’d.

For Use Only With .50 Caliber

Thompson/Center Encore Rifle

Using a Bullet as Listed Below

Use a #209 Primer.



Break-O-Way™ Sabot Loads

For Use With

Bullets


240 Gr. XTP™

Bullet

Powder Charge

.50 cal/50 gr.

Pellets

2 Pellets

Muzzle Velocity


1762 F.P.S.


Muzzle Energy

(Foot Pounds)

1655 Ft. Lbs.



Using a Bullet as Listed Below





For Use With

Bullets


Black Powder

Charge (Grains)

80 grs. FFG

240 Grain

XTP™ Bullet

90 grs. FFG

100 grs. FFG

Muzzle Velocity


1474 F.P.S.

1623 F.P.S.

1652 F.P.S.


Muzzle Energy

(Foot Pounds)

1158 Ft. Lbs.

1404 Ft. Lbs.

1455 Ft. Lbs.

52

Loading T/C Maxi-

Ball

™

& Maxi-Hunter

™

Conical Lead Bullets



Bullets Lubricated with Natural Lube

1000 Plus Bore Butter.



Using Pyrodex ® Pellets &

Maxi-Balls or Maxi-Hunters

For Use With

.50 cal Bullets


Black Powder

Charge (Grains)

Muzzle Velocity


275 Gr.

Maxi-Hunter &

320 Gr. Maxi-Ball

350 Gr.

Maxi-Hunter &

370 Gr. Maxi-Ball

2 Pellets

3 Pellets

2 Pellets

3 Pellets

1718 F.P.S.

2026 F.P.S.

1656 F.P.S.

1891 F.P.S.


Muzzle Energy

(Foot Pounds)

2098 Ft. Lbs.

2917 Ft. Lbs.

2253 Ft. Lbs.

2939 Ft. Lbs.



Bullets Lubricated with

Natural Lube 1000 Plus Bore Butter.




Maxi-Ball or Maxi-Hunter Loads

For Use With

.50 cal Bullets


Black Powder

Charge (Grains)

Muzzle Velocity


80 grs. FFG

90 grs. FFG

1408 F.P.S.

1462 F.P.S.

275 Grain

Maxi-Hunter and

320 Grain

Maxi-Ball

Lead

Bullet

100 grs. FFG

110 grs. FFG

120 grs. FFG

130 grs. FFG

140 grs. FFG

1511 F.P.S.

1588 F.P.S.

1632 F.P.S.

1675 F.P.S.

1697 F.P.S.

350 Grain

Maxi-Hunter and

370 Grain

Maxi-Ball

Lead

Bullet

150 grs. FFG

80 grs. FFG

90 grs. FFG

100 grs. FFG

110 grs. FFG

120 grs. FFG

130 grs. FFG

140 grs. FFG

1742 F.P.S.

1344 F.P.S.

1426 F.P.S.

1478 F.P.S.

1535 F.P.S.

1556 F.P.S.

1592 F.P.S.

1623 F.P.S.

150 grs. FFG 1661 F.P.S.


Muzzle Energy

(Foot Pounds)

1409 Ft. Lbs.

1519 Ft. Lbs.

1623 Ft. Lbs.

1792 Ft. Lbs.

1893 Ft. Lbs.

1994 Ft. Lbs.

2020 Ft. Lbs.

2157 Ft. Lbs.

1484 Ft. Lbs.

1671 Ft. Lbs.

1795 Ft. Lbs.

1936 Ft. Lbs.

1990 Ft. Lbs.

2083 Ft. Lbs.

2165 Ft. Lbs.

2267 Ft. Lbs.

53

.45 Caliber Rifle Loads






T/C MAXI-BULLET Loads

For Use With

Bullets Weighing

(Grains)

Black Powder

Charge (Grains)

240 Gr.

Maxi-Ball and

255 Gr.

Maxi-Hunter

Bullets

Muzzle Velocity


80 grs. FFG

90 grs. FFG

100 grs. FFG

110 grs. FFG

120 grs. FFG

130 grs. FFG

1541 F.P.S.

1608 F.P.S.

1680 F.P.S.

1745 F.P.S.

1789 F.P.S.

1826 F.P.S.

140 grs. FFG

150 grs. FFG

1868 F.P.S.

1914 F.P.S.


Muzzle Energy

(Foot Pounds)

1345 Ft. Lbs.

1464 Ft. Lbs.

1599 Ft. Lbs.

1725 Ft. Lbs.

1813 Ft. Lbs.

1888 Ft. Lbs.

1976 Ft. Lbs.

2075 Ft. Lbs.






T/C MAXI-BULLET Loads

50 Grain Equivalent Pyrodex

®

Pellet Loading Data



Powder Charge

.45 cal/50 gr.

Pyrodex

®

Pellets

Muzzle Velocity


Muzzle Energy

(Foot Pounds)

2 Pellets 1878 F.P.S.

1998 Ft. Lbs.

240 Gr. Maxi-Ball and

255 Gr. Maxi-Hunter 3 Pellets 2267 F.P.S.

2911 Ft. Lbs.







Shockwave™ Sabot Loads


®


For Use With


(Grains)

Powder Charge

.45 cal/50 gr.

Pyrodex

®

Pellets

Muzzle Velocity


Muzzle Energy

(Foot Pounds)


1840 Ft. Lbs.

200 Gr. Bullet


2554 Ft. Lbs.


54

.45 Caliber Rifle Loads






Mag Express™ Sabot Loads

For Use With


(Grains)

Black Powder

Charge (Grains)

155 Grain

Bullet

180 Grain

Bullet

Muzzle Velocity


80 grs. FFG

90 grs. FFG

100 grs. FFG

110 grs. FFG

120 grs. FFG

130 grs. FFG

140 grs. FFG

150 grs. FFG

80 grs. FFG

90 grs. FFG

100 grs. FFG

110 grs. FFG

120 grs. FFG

130 grs. FFG

1902 F.P.S.

1948 F.P.S.

1999 F.P.S.

140 grs. FFG

150 grs. FFG

2084 F.P.S.

2131 F.P.S.


1883 F.P.S.

1945 F.P.S.

2053 F.P.S.

2125 F.P.S.

2176 F.P.S.

2223 F.P.S.

2281 F.P.S.

2326 F.P.S.

1711 F.P.S.

1786 F.P.S.

1843 F.P.S.

Muzzle Energy

(Foot Pounds)

1220 Ft. Lbs.

1302 Ft. Lbs.

1451 Ft. Lbs.

1554 Ft. Lbs.

1630 Ft. Lbs.

1701 Ft. Lbs.

1791 Ft. Lbs.

1862 Ft. Lbs.

1170 Ft. Lbs.

1275 Ft. Lbs.

1358 Ft. Lbs.

1446 Ft. Lbs.

1541 Ft. Lbs.

1598 Ft. Lbs.

1736 Ft. Lbs.

1815 Ft. Lbs.








®


For Use With


(Grains)

Powder Charge

.45 cal/50 gr.

Pyrodex

®

Pellets

Muzzle Velocity


Muzzle Energy

(Foot Pounds)


1362 Ft. Lbs.

155 Gr. Bullet


2430 Ft. Lbs.


1437 Ft. Lbs.

180 Gr. Bullet



2485 Ft. Lbs.

55

PIIS TO S CT N

Conical Lead Bullets


Thompson/Center Encore Pistol




.50 Caliber PISTOL


Maxi-Ball or Maxi-Hunter Loads

For Use With

.50 cal Bullets


Black Powder

Charge (Grains)

Muzzle Velocity


275 Gr.

Maxi-Hunter and

320 Gr.

Maxi-Ball

Lead Bullet

350 Gr.

Maxi-Hunter and

370 Gr.

Maxi-Ball

Lead Bullet

470 Gr.

Maxi-Hunter and

460 Gr.

Maxi-Ball

Lead Bullet

80 grs. FFG

90 grs. FFG

100 grs. FFG

110 grs. FFG

80 grs. FFG

90 grs. FFG

100 grs. FFG

110 grs. FFG

80 grs. FFG

90 grs. FFG

100 grs. FFG

110 grs. FFG

1235 F.P.S.

1269 F.P.S.

1336 F.P.S.

1387 F.P.S.

1187 F.P.S.

1240 F.P.S.

1275 F.P.S.

1303 F.P.S.

1080 F.P.S.

1130 F.P.S.

1160 F.P.S.

1186 F.P.S.


Muzzle Energy

(Foot Pounds)

1084 Ft. Lbs.

1145 Ft. Lbs.

1269 Ft. Lbs.

1367 Ft. Lbs.

1484 Ft. Lbs.

1671 Ft. Lbs.

1795 Ft. Lbs.

1936 Ft. Lbs.

1192 Ft. Lbs.

1305 Ft. Lbs.

1375 Ft. Lbs.

1437 Ft. Lbs.







Using Pyrodex ® Pellets &

Maxi-Balls or Maxi-Hunters


®


For Use With

.50 cal Bullets


Powder Charge

.50 cal/50 gr.

Pyrodex

®

Pellets

Muzzle Velocity


Muzzle Energy

(Foot Pounds)

275 Gr. Maxi-Hunter

& 320 Gr. Maxi-Ball





2 Pellets

2 Pellets

2 Pellets

1505 F.P.S.

1473 F.P.S.

1297 F.P.S.

1609 Ft. Lbs.

1783 Ft. Lbs.

1719 Ft. Lbs.


56

Break-O-Way Sabots



Using a .429˝-.430˝ Bullet





For Use With

Bullets


Black Powder

Charge (Grains)

Muzzle Velocity


80 grs. FFG 1272 F.P.S.

200 Grain

XTP™ Bullet

90 grs. FFG 1327 F.P.S.

100 grs. FFG 1369 F.P.S.

Muzzle Energy

(Foot Pounds)

719 Ft. Lbs.

782 Ft. Lbs.

833 Ft. Lbs.

805 Ft. Lbs.

240 Grain

XTP™ Bullet

80 grs. FFG

90 grs. FFG

1229 F.P.S.

1296 F.P.S.

895 Ft. Lbs.

971 Ft. Lbs.

100 grs. FFG

80 grs. FFG

1350 F.P.S.

1188 F.P.S.

275 Grain

XTP™ Bullet

90 grs. FFG

100 grs. FFG

1245 F.P.S.

1302 F.P.S.

862 Ft. Lbs.

947 Ft. Lbs.

1035 Ft. Lbs.

893 Ft. Lbs.

300 Grain

XTP™ Bullet

80 grs. FFG

90 grs. FFG

100 grs. FFG

1158 F.P.S.

1211 F.P.S.

1266 F.P.S.

977 Ft. Lbs.

1068 Ft. Lbs.


Break-O-Way Sabots









®


For Use With

Bullets


Powder Charge

.50 cal/50 gr.

Pyrodex

®

Pellets

Muzzle Velocity


Muzzle Energy

(Foot Pounds)

200 Gr. Bullet 2 Pellets 1627 F.P.S.

1176 Ft. Lbs.

240 Gr. Bullet

275 Gr. Bullet

300 Gr. Bullet

2 Pellets

2 Pellets

1570 F.P.S.

1502 F.P.S.



1313 Ft. Lbs.

1377 Ft. Lbs.

1338 Ft. Lbs.

57

Mag Express Sabots





For Use With


(Grains)

200 Grain

Bullet

240 Grain

Bullet

275 Grain

Bullet

300 Grain

Bullet

Black Powder

Charge (Grains)




80 grs. FFG

90 grs. FFG

100 grs. FFG

110 grs. FFG

80 grs. FFG

90 grs. FFG

100 grs. FFG

110 grs. FFG

80 grs. FFG

90 grs. FFG

100 grs. FFG

110 grs. FFG

80 grs. FFG

90 grs. FFG

1447 F.P.S.

1268 F.P.S.

1313 F.P.S.

100 grs. FFG

110 grs. FFG

1372 F.P.S.

1417 F.P.S.


Muzzle Velocity

(Feet Per

Second)

1360 F.P.S.

1420 F.P.S.

1479 F.P.S.

1530 F.P.S.

1306 F.P.S.

1379 F.P.S.

1416 F.P.S.

1454 F.P.S.

1272 F.P.S.

1335 F.P.S.

1391 F.P.S.

Muzzle Energy

(Foot Pounds)

829 Ft. Lbs.

896 Ft. Lbs.

972 Ft. Lbs.

1039 Ft. Lbs.

909 Ft. Lbs.

1014 Ft. Lbs.

1069 Ft. Lbs.

1124 Ft. Lbs.

988 Ft. Lbs.

1089 Ft. Lbs.

1182 Ft. Lbs.

1270 Ft. Lbs.

1071 Ft. Lbs.

1149 Ft. Lbs.

1254 Ft. Lbs.

1328 Ft. Lbs.

Mag Express Sabots









®


For Use With

Bullets


Powder Charge

.50 cal/50 gr.

Pyrodex

®

Pellets

Muzzle Velocity


Muzzle Energy

(Foot Pounds)

200 Gr. Bullet 2 Pellets 1760 F.P.S.

1376 Ft. Lbs.

240 Gr. Bullet

275 Gr. Bullet

300 Gr. Bullet

2 Pellets

2 Pellets

1659 F.P.S.

1583 F.P.S.



1467 Ft. Lbs.

1530 Ft. Lbs.

1601 Ft. Lbs.

58

ENCORE PRO-HUNTER

APPENDIX

This appendix is a supplement to the information provided in the preceeding Thompson/Center Encore Magnum Muzzleloader

Safety and Instruction Manual. The appendix applies to the specific differences in operation for the Speed Breech™ and the

Swing Hammer™.

Use & Care of the Thompson/Center Encore

Pro-Hunter “Speed Breech” System

The Encore Pro-Hunter Muzzleloader barrel is equipped with a

“Speed Breech” breech plug system and a rotating extractor for convenience in unloading and cleaning. It differs from the standard T/C Encore muzzleloading barrel in several important aspects as detailed here.

The Encore Pro-Hunter “Speed Breech” breech plug uses an interrupted “Buttress” thread design that requires only 1/4 turn to remove it or to install it.

NEVER ATTEMPT TO REMOVE A CHARGE FROM

YOUR ENCORE PRO HUNTER MUZZLELOADER

UNTIL YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THAT THE

FIREARM IS DE-CAPPED (PRIMER IS REMOVED FROM THE

BREECH PLUG). AN ACCIDENTAL DISCHARGE CAN CAUSE

INJURY AND/OR DEATH TO THE SHOOTER OR


REMOVING THE “SPEED BREECH” - BREECH PLUG

To remove the breech plug from the Encore Pro Hunter muzzleloader barrel - the extractor must first be tipped out of the way

(see FIG.4) - to allow the breech plug wrench access. First, tip the barrel open and remove the primer. Then draw the extractor slightly rearward and rotate it 90 dgrees (in either direction) to allow clearance for the breech plug wrench (FIG.5).

The breech plug is removed from the barrel by turning it 1/4 turn counter-clockwise (as viewed from the breech end of the barrel) with the wrench supplied (FIG.6). The supplied breech plug wrench has a clip which automatically engages a groove in the breech plug when it is pushed onto it - allowing you to easily withdraw the unscrewed breech plug from the barrel (see FIG.7).

REMOVING A CHARGE FROM THE ENCORE PRO HUNTER

MUZZLELOADER

Under normal conditions, an Encore muzzleloader is unloaded simply by firing it into a suitable and safe backstop. There are, however, some conditions under which the firearm cannot be fired and the charge must be removed. This will require the removal of the breech plug.

59

Pro-Hunter Speed Breech Cont’d

FIG.1

Speed Breech Plug

Once the breech plug has been removed, point the muzzle up. Gravity should then cause the

Pyrodex pellets to drop out, or the loose powder to pour out. The sabot or bullet can then be pushed out with your ramrod - inserting the ramrod from the muzzle.

It will be necessary to add the extended super jag (which came with your rifle) to your ramrod, or you may use the longer “range rod” to push the projectile out if you have access to such a rod.

Barrel

Extractor

Retainer

Sl id in g

Re ta in er

R el ea se

Extractor

Cut-a-Way View of T/C Pro Hunter

“Speed Breech”

FIG.2

Use T/C

Breech Plug

Wrench #7521

(provided)

To release the breech plug from the wrench for cleaning, push forward on the sliding button to raise the clip out of the groove in the breech plug (see FIG.8).

Tip Barrel Open

Extractor

FIG.3

Proceed to clean the breech plug, the barrel itself and the internal threads in the barrel’s breech area as needed.

Rotate Extractor 90 0

After pulling it

FIG.4

rearward slightly

You can now re-install the breech plug into the barrel with the supplied wrench - with the extractor slot oriented to the right and the alignment pin is oriented to the left (as viewed from the breech end of the barrel) (see FIG.6).

Tighten the breech plug into place by turning it

To Gain Access to Breech Plug

clockwise just 1/4 turn - at which point the extractor is aligned with the extractor slot in the breech plug when the extractor is tipped back into the upright position (see FIG.3).

60


NOTE: If the breech plug is not installed correctly, the extractor will not engage the extractor slot in the breech plug and the barrel will not close on the gun’s frame.

Use 1/2" Breech Plug Wrench &

Turn it 1/4 turn counter-clockwise to remove

FIG.5

Again, push forward on the sliding button on the wrench to raise the clip out of the groove in the breech plug - allowing you to remove the wrench from the breech plug (see FIG.8).

Alignment

Pin To

Left

This breech plug has a replaceable heat-resistant

O-Ring that seals the breech area further against fouling residue (see FIG.10).

This O-Ring can be easily replaced if it should become damaged. Use T/C Part

No.7531 replacement O-Rings

- available from your dealer or by contacting the factory.

Extractor

Slot

To Right

FIG.6

FIG.7

Withdraw Breech Plug using Wrench

The gas rings (shown in

FIG.10) are designed to be a permanent assembly with the breech plug. They should be cleaned in place with a brush and solvent (like T/C’s Number

13 Black Powder Solvent).

Sliding Reta iner

Pushing Re tainer Forw

Breech Plu ard Release s g From Wre nch

FIG.8

Alignment Pin Indicates if breech plug is locked

Lock

FIG.9

Unlock

Alignment

Pin

61


IMPORTANT: When reinstalling the breech plug after cleaning your muzzleloader, you should lubricate the entire surface area of the threads on the breech plug with a good anti-seize lubricant (like

Thompson/Center’s Super

Lube) as well as the threads inside the breech area of the barrel itself. Failure to lubricate the threads in both places may lead to difficulty in removing the breech plug after firing the gun

(FIG.11).

Alignment Pin

Gas Rings

FIG.10

Heat-Resistant

Replaceable O-Ring

T/C Part #7531

FIG.11

T/C Part #7362




AMMUNITION AND LOADING COMPONENTS MAY RESULT

IN EXPOSURE TO LEAD AND OTHER SUBSTANCES KNOWN




62

ENCORE PRO-HUNTER

APPENDIX CONT’D

Use & Care of the Thompson/Center Encore

Pro-Hunter “Swing Hammer” System

• To make it easier to cock your Encore Pro-Hunter when a scope is mounted, it comes with a pivoting spur hammer. The “Swing

Hammer” can be locked into a left, center or right position depending on your preference.

BEFORE MAKING ANY CHANGES TO THE ENCORE,

MAKE SURE THAT THE FIREARM YOU ARE WORK-

ING WITH IS UNLOADED. AN ACCIDENTAL DIS-

CHARGE MAY RESULT IN INJURY AND/OR DEATH TO THE


Locking Screw

Use Provided Wrench

• The Encore “Swing Hammer” uses one self-locking screw to hold the spur in the position that you choose. A wrench is provided from the factory.

• If you want to change the position of the hammer spur - and the scope bell interferes - it may be necessary to tip the barrel open to gain access to the locking screw.

• Loosen the locking screw by turning it counter-clockwise (as viewed from above) until the screw either comes out completely or it is loose enough to allow easy movement of the hammer spur.

After repositioning the hammer spur, tighten the locking screw securely.

The Three Positions That The “Swing Hammer” Can Be Locked Into

Spur Left Spur Center Spur Right

63

Pro-Hunter Swing Hammer Cont’d

NOTE: The “Swing Hammer” will not tighten down correctly in any position other than those shown.

• For those T/C Encores not equipped with this option, it is available as a factory-installed accessory. Contact us for details. Once installed - the shooter can alter the position of the hammer as directed here.

64

NOTES

___________________________________________________

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65

NOTES

___________________________________________________

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___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

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66

FOR YOUR RECORDS

Important Note: For fire, theft and insurance purposes, retain this record with your important papers in a safe place.

My Thompson/Center:__________________________________

Was Purchased From: __________________________________

On (date): ____________________ 20____________________

Serial Number: ______________________ Caliber: _________

Accessories: _________________________________________

___________________________________________________

Owner Registration Card Mailed on: ______________________

Notes: _____________________________________________

___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

This area is provided for your convenience. We suggest that you make a list of important information that pertains to your specific firearm (best performing load, etc.). Keep this booklet with your firearm and review your notes before each hunting season or whenever the firearm has not been used for extended periods of time.

67

00052113

68

T/C Shipping Address:

Thompson/Center Arms Company, Inc.


Rochester, New Hampshire 03867

Web Address: www.tcarms.com

REV:ENCOREML_090107