"suite" of barrels

[fortress49]

I do not yet own an Encore but want to get one as my next firearm purchase.  What I would like to do with the Encore is get several barrels that will fill all hunting needs that might arise.  What barrels would you recommend and why?

I have a Handi Rifle with a 45-70 and .270 barrels.  (Not sure I like the .270 though so may be looking for a replacement in the Encore such as a 30-06 or .308.  I also have a Ruger 10/22 so that cartridge is covered.

Here are a few sets that I have considered:

1)  a) .223 for small critters. 
     b) 6.5 x 55 Swede for medium critters and also for long range shooting.  I like the sectional densities of the 6.5 mm bullets.
     c) 30-06 for bigger critters. 
     d) .338 Win Mag for really big critters.  (Not sure how the recoil will be in an Encore though.)

2)  a) .223
     b) 6.5-06
     c) 30-06
     d) .338-06

     This set is based upon the 30-06 case family with the exception of the .223.  I though it might be cool to have a suite of barrels
     based on the same cartridge.  But, there is no cheap off the shelf purchases for ammo for 2 of the 4.  The .338-06 is not as powerful as the .338 Win Mag but should do for anything in the US.

3)  a) .223
     b) .260
     c) .308
     d) .338 Federal

     This set is based upon the .308 cartridge.  A 7mm-08 could replace the .260.  I think they are pretty much a wash as far as
     capabilities.  The 7mm-08 may be more popular and the .260 may be diminishing but I am unsure if this is true or not.  Just a
     feeling I get from reading.  Would the .338 Federal be OK for big bears in Alaska?  Not sure on this yet.  Any thoughts?

If I ever get to go to Africa, I will get another gun for that trip alone.  If I can afford the trip, I will be able to throw in a new gun as well.  I was thinking of a .458 Win Mag.  That is a fairly versatile round.  It could be downloaded to 45-70 levels for use on smaller game here in the states and there as well, and it could also be used full power for really big Africa critters.

Ok.  Those are a few sets I have thought about.  What about you?  Have fun with this exercise and let me know your reasons.  Try to keep the sets of barrels to 4 barrels and see what you come up with.

Thanks,

Matt

[poncaguy]

#3 would definately be my choice.. factory ammo available, love the 260 and want the new 338 Federal

[PaulS]

Matt,
I think I would drop the 223 in favor of a 25 caliber and maybe use the 25 to replace both the 223 and the 6.5.
Depending on your preference for bullet weights a 257 Roberts +P or the 25-06. They are great on varmints with the smaller bullets and produce the same velocity or more than either of the rounds it replaces. Either 25's give excellent long range results on everything from varmints to antelope. They can also be used for deer at moderate ranges.

I can find nothing wrong with the 308 or 3006 choice. There are the stanard by which all others are measured. Event the magnums compare themselves to the 3006 and say they are this much faster or shoot out to such and such yards compared to the 3006. For North American game in the lower 48 - nothing bigger is necessary.

For the next step up i would just go ahead and jump to a 375 H&H Magnum. This will give you a round that will work for the big and dangerous game in Alaska or across the ocean in Africa depending on bullet selection alone.


I would have only three barrels to play with but those three whould cover anything you could hunt, shoot, or plink at on any continent on the earth. Just the difference in personal preference.

[BeverlyHillbilly]

Since you already have the 45/70 (one of my favorites) and 22, I like:

Option 1:
a) 22-250 or 220 Swift- Just like it better than the 223 for varmints
b) 25-06 or 257 Roberts AI - Can really reach out there and take the larger varmints, antelope, and smaller deer easily.
c) 308 or 7mm08 - accurate and very good bullet choices in the deer and small bear sizes
d) 375 H&H - Can handle anything in North America, some of Africa, and can be loaded down well with SR4759 and 375 Win bullets for woods hunting.

Option 2 (3 barrel):
a) 243 - Can do everything the 22 caliber varmint guns do with small bullets, and hit the larger varmints like coyotes well.
b) 308 or 7mm08 - accurate and very good bullet choices in the deer and small bear sizes
c) 375 H&H - same as above

For dangerous African game, I would opt for something else and not the Encore platform. 

[rickyp]

What I would look into getting is
1) a 209x50 or the 209x45  muzzleloading barrel
2) 12 ga slug barrel and a smooth bore barrel
3) a 30 caliber barrel like the 308. 30-06, or 300 win mag.
with this set up you will beable to use the same frame for most of your hunting

[Grumulkin]

I have quite a "suite" of Encore barrels.  The "all hunting needs" requirement can get a bit complicated since some states allow muzzel loaders for a certain part of the season, handguns and shotguns only and no rifles, etc.  If I were only choosing rifle barrels and were to pick 4 Encore barrels this is what I would probably choose (at least today):

1.  A 22/250 which is very accurate in my Encore and which I've use on game up to the size of deer.  A .22/250 has mild recoil, great range and is widely presumed (perhaps incorrectly) to be easier on barrels than a 220 Swift.  It's also less finicky to reload for than a Swift (at least according to rumor).  I would not spend the money on a .223 barrel unless I wanted to use military surplus ammo.  I have a .223 barrel, but then I'm an experimenter and fiddler and could do quite well with only my .22/250 barrel.
2.  A .30/06 which is capable of taking any animal with proper shot placement but that some would consider to small for the really big bears and larger animals.
3.  A .375 H&H Magnum which is adequate for any game in the world.  A single shot rifle would not be my first choice for dangerous game though.  My Encore .375 H&H Magnum package is fairly light and I can't get too close to the scope if I don't want to be dinged, but I find it quite managable and effective.  This was the setup I used for South African plains game (everything dead with one shot).
4.  A stainless steel muzzel loader barrel to get me through Ohio deer seasons (no cartridge type rifles permitted in Ohio).  In fact, I prefer that all my barrels be stainless but especially a muzzel loader with the greater potential for corrosion from the components used.

[pastorp]

Fortress49, If you have a handy with 45/70 & 270 barrels you already have everything you need to hunt anywhere in the USA. Of course thats no fun is it. We always need something else. Regards, Byron