Got my Encore...

[Double 30]

Slightly used 26 inch .223 blue/synthetic , traded a Marlin M 9 for it( asking price $ 400). Mounted  a 2x7 Leupy in their QR low mounts and grabbed a box of 55gr Remington factory loads and headed for the range...My first 100 yard 3 rounder was 1/2 inch and 5 rounds were 11/16".Ah .. em... er...WOW! No group at 100 was over 1 inch.Wasn't sure what to expect but am very plesantly surprised.Nice rifle so far. I'm looking to get a 250 Savage , 7.62x39, and a .30-30 barrel.A recent car accident has left me with a greatly reduced tolerance for recoil so I'm looking for good calibers for hunting that won't pop me too much.I mostly hunt deer , but would love a crack at a black bear or elk someday.Although the .30-30 will do for those critters out to 150 yards or so, I'm wondering what caliber would be good in the Encore for the recoil sensative.I've heard these rifles kick when the bore gets large or the round much above the .308.Any ideas appreciated. Also, been told hammer extensions cause problems.I'm guessing increase in lock time or misfires.My Encore has a much stiffer mains spring than my Marlin 336 so I'm wondering if I have anything to worry about...

[Grumulkin]

I've never had a hammer extension on an Encore and see no need for one but I don't think one would increase lock time.

For a real sweet shooting Encore, consider a trigger job.  The stock trigger on the Encore is certainly usable; a trigger job can make it delightful.

If you want cartridge potency without much recoil, consider a muzzel brake.  I have an Encore 7mm Rem. Mag. barrel with a brake that I doubt has any more recoil than a 270 Win. or even a 7mm/08 in the unbraked versions.

[rebAL]

I understand the new pro-hunter recoil reducing stock is interchangeable with Encore and reduces felt recoil by +40%.

[alsaqr]

"I've never had a hammer extension on an Encore and see no need for one but I don't think one would increase lock time."

Hammer extensions on Encores with stock hammer springs often cause misfires. 

[poncaguy]

My hammer extensions have caused me no problems. 7-08 would be a good round..................

[Double 30]

I tried 26 gr BL-C2 under a 50gr Hornady in neck sized cases, velocity averages 3000 fps with a 8fps deviation shot to shot.I am officially spooked as the average group size is hovering around the 7/16 inch class for 3 rounders at 100.5 rounders average 3/4 inch and the smallest group to date is 5/16".I've done no tweaking or tuning to her at all and even better yet, the position of the sandbag under the forearm has no effect on point of impact or accuracy! I had no idea what to expect from this rifle , but all I can say is I hope the other barrels I'll be getting are as accurate , or close to , this .223! Might upgrade the optics.If I can shoot groups like these at 7x, how good would she be at higher mag? Never expected this....

[jtharpe]

I understand the new pro-hunter recoil reducing stock is interchangeable with Encore and reduces felt recoil by +40%.

dont know if it is 40% but it does help. and yes it will fit an older encore

[Tn Jim]

Another vote for the 7mm-08. I have one and truley love it.

[Davemuzz]

If you want a less expensive route on the recoil side, just install a Limbsaver pad on your existing stock. I installed a Limbsaver on my Stevens 308 and my Remington 11-87 that I shoot trap with. You can shoot 'em all day with no black 'n blue when your done. Of course, I have "regular" shoulders though. But, you may want to go this route. $28 is less than $98.

On the caliber side, if your real sensitive, 243 will kill the deer. Not my favorite, but it will do it. Another choice to consider is the 25-06. Good deer and varmit round.

Just some options to consider.

7mm-08 is an excellent choice though!

Dave.