Not having either, and my first use will be eventually for Ohio deer hunting. I plan on the 44 mag which is available in either, but am not sure if I'll go to a higher pressure round later.
The Contender doesn't offer much (at least it looks that way) for flatter shooting deer rounds for out west where I live, but the Encore is center fire only. Not sure how much I'd use rimfire though.
Suggestions?
I am leaning towards the Encore.