Question for Encore pistol hunters...

[Flatlander.54]

I just recently added my first Encore to my inventory. Just wanted to get some insight from some of you on a good cartridge to go with for hunting deer with the Encore in pistol form. The area I hunt each year offers shots out to 200 yards max. Been kinda kickin around the idea of getting a .308 or .30/06 barrel (leaning towards .308) but would like to hear some opinions for other chamberings as well. Thanks for any opinions guys.

[Keith L]

I am not an Encore shooter, so take this for what it's worth.  Were I to have an Encore I would get a 7MM-08.  I have had great luck with this in rifles, and several of the Encore pistol users recommend it as well.

[David D.]

Thats a wide open area. About anything that will work in a rifle will work in the Encore pistol. A lot depends on how much recoil you can take, or if more recoil than you want, do you want to brake it.

I like my 6.5X55Sweede, 15" and braked, but really dosent need the brake. Fantastic perfromer with the Hornady 129gr. SST.



This one will see action some day, MGM 16" 6.5X284Win. Recoil with 140gr. pills not bad at all.



Then I have the 16" OTT in 257X225IMP (257JDJ), some would consider a Tender round but works just as well from my Encore. Built mainly for a bench toy but would have no problem killing deer.



My biggest problem is making up my mind on which one to hunt with.

[lastchanc54]

I chose the 308 for hunting deer and elk size game. I use the factory rubber grips and so far, 150 grain Nosler BT bullets. The accuracy and ballistics are great. Sighted at 100 yards, I can hold dead on at 200 yards! Our range is not long enough too shot further so I don't know when the bullets will start to drop. Now for the recoil, I saw a listing on here that said the 308 was not considered a heavy recoil handgun. I am not so sure I agree with that. Shooting off the bench, I seem to get all the recoil I care for. When I am hunting or just blasting away at the gravel pit, I shoot off a set of shooting sticks and the recoil is not bad at all, in part because I am not sitting and braced solid.
The 308 offers a lot of choices in bullet weights and design. There are some big game bullets available in the 110, 125 and 130 grain weights. I like to go to Midway, look up the bullets and then read the reviews. Often I can glean some information based on someones experience with a bullet I may want to try. Even if you don't handload, there is a lot of ammo available to you for this caliber.
I consider the 308 a fine choice for 200 yard deer hunting. Best of luck, Ken

[Flatlander.54]

Ken, thats exactly why my first thought was for the .308 because of the choice of ammo available for it. Im no stranger to reloading, and fully intend to reload for what ever chambering I do decide on, but tend to stay away from wildcats that have to be sized, fireformed, etc. etc.
 Thanks for the input so far guys.

[Darrell H]

Another vote for the .308 Win.  Factory ammo is available at any sporting goods store if you don't handload and it is very efficient in short barrels.  I consider it a 300 yard cartridge for deer-sized game. 

Good luck and have fun deciding! 

[KYODE]

my 15" ss factory 7mm-08 is a keeper. add a nice long forend....n it's hard to beat imo. a 120gr nbt at 2800fps with h4895.

[Keith L]

I don't know what it is with this forum, but almost daily I have to remove for sale ads and comments.  It is not important whether you are selling an item, or selling it for someone else.  For sale and want to buy need to be on a classified forum, or done with PMs. People who keep up with the classified posts will be referred to the Boss who will decide if you can stay here or not.

[doc-and]

I have both, 7-08 and 308 and find either one capable with practice. I lean more towards the 308 for easier ammo availability IF I have to purchase some.

Here's a photo of my 308 with a 2x Swift scope and Georgia Jim furniture.


docand

[Redhawk1]

The 308 will do it's part, as long as you do yours.

[Dezynco]

Another vote for 308!  If you handload, you'll have lot's of fun with a 308 pistol barrel.  In my opinion, you're not gaining much by going with a larger caliber than the 308 anyway.

[Hopalong7]

Even though I'm still predominately a Contender hunter, I have .308, 7-08, and .260.  All three are fully capable on deer size game and all three are capable at ranges further than most of us can shoot.  The .260 is my favorite I guess, but it's close.  I would favor the .260 for deer/varmits and the .308 for deer/larger game, so I guess that would make the 7-08 the best all around, and as already stated, there are many other excellent choices too.  GOOD SHOOTIN', Walt 

[Flatlander.54]

Thanks for the input guys, as I stated in my original post I was leaning towards the .308 for the same reasons backed up by your opinions. Availability, versatility, as well as being an inherently accurate cartridge. Good shootin to all and be safe.

[xphunter]

Nothing wrong with the 308.  But for deer and the distance you mention, you can go with a smaller caliber and do just as good.
Options are many-  Whatever caliber you choose, if you stay with a 308 win capacity (and even less capacity) you can't go wrong.

[kiddekop]

I purchased the 30-06 15" Encore barrel then sent it in to www.probed2000.com for a muzzle brake .I don't have a 308 but I do have 2 06 rifles so loading ammo for the encore is much easier with dies,etc.It is equipped with a Leupold 2.5 power pistol scope and the discontinued TC sling swivel kit with the 1" sling.I called Bushnell in Kansas 1-800-423-3537 parent company of Uncle Mikes this morning learning they still have some of the slings & swivel kits for contender/encore in stock so I bought 2 the man I spoke to was Mr Poston.If anyone wants the sling swivel kit get it now.