Which Caliber?

SCDieselDawg

Senior Member
I'm looking to add another barrel to my Encore collection. It'll be used for deer and hogs. I'm stuck between .243 and 7mm-08. .308 would also be considered. Any opinions or experiences?
 

killitgrillit

Senior Member
What are your current chamberings and do u reload?
 

SCDieselDawg

Senior Member
All i have at the moment is .454 casull. But seeing that I also have a Ruger chambered for it I want to step out and try something new. Reloading is a option, especially for the 7mm-08 and .308
 

Bam Bam

Senior Member
Out of the ones you mentioned, 308 win would be my Pick!
 

GunnSmokeer

Senior Member
.308, considering this will be a handgun barrel and the .30 bore will let more gunpowder burn, compared to a 6mm or 7mm bore would.
 
.308 would be my pick. Bigger diameter=more impact, larger wound channel, and deeper penetration. Also, there are more varieties of ammo out there to play with, it's easier to find, and cheaper. Just my 2 cents.
 

rosewood

Senior Member
If you reload, 7mm-08, if not, then .308. I have an affinity for the .284 bullet. :)
 

jmoser

Senior Member
I vote for the .308; bigger / heavier bullets at handgun velocities give it the edge. .308 does very well in shorter length bbls; a 15" Encore should be ideal.
 

Barebowyer

Senior Member
35 Remington is my choice! See MeatrunX3 thread!
 

RNC

Senior Member
308 with the 180gr roundnose :)
 

rosewood

Senior Member
35 Remington is my choice! See MeatrunX3 thread!

I haven't seen a 35 remington barrel for the Encore. It is quite common in the contender though. Bet you would have to get a custom shop one (when it was still open) or an after market barrel to go that route.

Rosewood
 

SCDieselDawg

Senior Member
Currently looking at a 7mm-08 that a member on here is parting ways with. But the .308 will eventually work its way into my collection.

Next question.

Light weight bullets for expansion or heavy for penetration? Either caliber.
 

rosewood

Senior Member
120's will work on deer or hog and will give less recoil in the 7-08. I use 120 sierra Pro Hunters in my 7-08 encore and 7-30 waters contender as well as 132 gr cast boolits.
 
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