Encore .308

[teamnelson]

Would anyone like to share any experiences they've had with .308 in an Encore pistol? I'm thinking of getting a new barrel for deer season. Any recommendations as to factory vs. custom? Length? Brake/Ported/Neither? Good loads?

Thanks!

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Esse Quam Videri

[PJ]

Factory barrel 15" length If you go custom you will spend more money.Save your money and get a good scope and mount.  
NO MUZZLE BRAKE you don't need it all it will do is make it LOUD!!!!
Not sure on any loads I have a 15" 30-06 and a 16.5 300 Win. Mag.
You can use any loads out off the reloading book for rifle just work up a load.

[bsekf]

The 308 is a dandy 30 cal cartridge for the 15 inch Encore.  If you get lucky, you may get a factory that shoots MOA.  If you go the custom barrel route you might want to look at a 309 JDJ on an untrimmed 444 or a 308X444.  Stay with 150 grain bullets or less.  Porting will reduce the recoil if you are sensitive, but will drive your shooting companions away or deaf.

[teamnelson]

Thanks for the great feedback; sounds like the factory 15 is the popular choice. What sort of accurate range should I expect?

[KN]

Mine will hold an inch pretty easy. Have shot several groups you could cover with a quarter at 100 meters.  KN

[DesertRam]

I can shoot an inch or a little better at 100 yards with my factory 15 incher shooting 150 grain BSTs or SSTs over IMR 4064.  Your accurate range depends on your proficiency with a handgun, but the .308 is a 250-300 yard cartridge out of a 15" barrel.  I wouldn't try a 300 yard shot with mine, but that's my personal choice, not a failing of the cartridge.  

I heartily recommend a .308 handgun, but like the others, advise against the muzzle break.  With a little practice, you should be able to tame the modest recoil of the .308.  Have fun!

[TopGun]

I use the Nosler 165 Balistic tip over 42-43gr of IMR 4064. It is a one-holer and plenty to slam a white-tail to the ground . Full penetration with exit on quarting shots. LOts of damage and good size exit wound. It's a life zapper! :-D  Mine is non-ported 15" factory. Sierra 168 match over same load is a sub 1" load with a Bushnell 2x7 from a bench :shock: .  You can go with a little more powder but there really is no reason. If I was going for Elk, I use a Partition or a 165 Boat tail or flat base. AND, mine shoots most of the MilSurp 308 to the same point of aim give or take a little elevation :shock:  :-D . THAT is a big plus for practice. I've found teh same to be true with my '06 loads and M2 Ball. Ya gotta love the good ol US Army!!!

[LAREDOBOB]

I love my 15" took 3 deer last year 50 to 125 yards. I also cut out some groundhog s out of 1/2" steel and CONSISTANTLY knock em down at the 300 yd range. Aint nothin I would take for it. Its a out of the box Hunter Special.

[Elwood]

Sounds interesting.
What kind of velocities are you getting ?