Personally, I think a 56mm scope ruins the lines on the encore. A high quality scope with a 40mm obj will let you hunt way past legal shooting light. That being said, I've mounted a few for customers that had to have it.
If you're going to stick with factory barrel, guys have been having good luck with the 300gr X-series and a Harvester Red Crush Rib.
Other combos may work, but I recommend finding something with a tight fit. As others have said, changing out the BP is a good idea. Although, I recommend...
Hey Guys... George pretty much covered the highlights of the the BP Upgrade. For the installation, it's definitely possible to DIY if you have access to a lathe. If not, having ASG do it is very simple. I send out a head space gauge kit with the plug. User identifies largest gauge that...