Effective range with .444 Encore, and 15" barrel?

[BigBrass]

Your advice would be appreciated on this.  I have been hunting with rifles to date; but I am interested in the T/C Encore with a 15" barrel.  With a scope, and assuming that I practice enough to learn how to shoot the thing accurately, at what practical maximum range would it be feasible to take shots on game with an Encore chambered in .444 Marlin?

[Captainkev]

I can't speak for the 444 Marlin, but my 15 inch plus brake 376 Styer is accurate and effective at 300 yards when I do my part.
As far as effective goes, it has alot to do with what bullet you are shooting.
The Barnes X and Nosler Accubonds are effective and efficient down to about 1650 fps from what I have found out.
So as long as you are shooting at a range you have practiced at, and are using a bullet that will open at the velocity you are putting it at, then it should be effective.

Kevin

[hubcap]

I got a deer a couple of years ago with my 444x15. With factory ammo max. point blank range is 197 yds with a 7" target

[Lone Star]

The cartridge will have sufficient power to kill deer cleanly even with a bullet which does not open up well - given good shot placement of course.  The real issue is trajectory and your ability to both estimate range and remember the bullet's path.  Sighted in at 150 yards the bullet drops 6" at 200 yards, but over the next 50 yards it drops another 10".  Estimating the drop will be the range limiting factor.  Assuming you can place all your shots in a 10" circle at 200 yards from a field position, that is a good maximum range IMO.  But in reality, few hunters will be able to do this, and 150 yards is a better limit.

[BigBrass]

Thanks, guys; your information was helpful