SP Encore Build

I am wanting to build an Encore Specialty Pistol. Give me suggestions.

First Things First... I do not reload and want to use off the shelf ammo so no wildcat cartridges...

I want a 10-1/2 to 14 inch length barrel

Primary use for targets and coyote 50 to 200 yards

I plan on using a MGM Barrel

I currently have a 444 Marlin SP so recoil is not an issue

Lets see what y'all come up with

Based on the criteria listed my two cents would be either the 22-250 Rem or 243 Win with the 14 inch bbl.

D..

25/06 Remington with a T/C Pro Hunter 15" Barrel. Topped with a Burris 3 x 12 Ballistic Plex scope clamped to a Warne 6 screw base by four Warne Maxima rings. Suitable for varmints and deer sized game. Even larger game with the right ammo. Federal makes reasonably priced and very accurate ammunition. I have had mine for six years, and have never found it wanting.

I second the 25-06. Mine is also 15", but a factory barrel. Bought on a whim because price was great. Still own it 4 years later. I do handload and use Sierra 100 Pro Hunter; those go about 2800 fps. Devastating on smaller stuff like ground hogs and coyotes. Lethal on deer, too. Recoil is surprisingly light; just a shudder, really.

Fast twist .223

I'll third the .25-06. Good for the animals you listed, but also for deer. Lots of loaded ammo choices. I have a factory T/C .25-06. Very accurate and much cheaper than the customs. 3-12X Burris BPlex is the #1 way to go.

7mm-08, or a 223, get the best glass you can afford.

You said coyotes, and factory ammo, so if the pelts are a priority, go with .223. If not, then .243. (again due to price and availability with factory ammo.)

Fourteen inch barrel.

I agree with this recommendation. Let us know what you decide on.

I have no concerns about pelts. They are just putting a hurt on our deer population.

Also may want to get into some extended ranges just for fun with it. I have been kicking around the idea of getting the new 224 Valkyrie.

25-06 is one I haven?t thought about. I have looked into the 7mm-08.

Since you don't reload I would choose a fast twist 223 over the Valkrie. Lots of available ammo including some heavy grain options. The 243 would be a good choice also.

I'm on the .243 Winny wagon as well. Being you do not reload and the type of shooting you're after, this is an easy one. Very common cartridge with many different bullet weights. . .you can find them from mild to wild! Get it in a 8 or 9 twist and it will stabilize the 100 gr. and up bullets to double as a very good deer pistol too. I'm a big fan of MGM, you won't go wrong with them in whatever caliber you choose. Good luck!

If you're going to go .223, I'd look into the Wylde chamber. That way, you could shoot surplus 5.56 in it, too. Every Wylde chamber I've used has been accurate with either .223 Rem or 5.56, if the barrel is good - as we know MGM's are.

In the Encore 6.5 Sweede,6.5 Creed, 308,maybe even the 6.5 Grendel and a brake will make them all softer shooting..

With Factory Ammo a requirement, I would go with a 22-250, 243, or a 260.
I would also go a hair longer on the barrel to 15.75 on the MGM to keep the speed up for the extended Range you mentioned. (13 thru 15.75 is the same price on an MGM barrel)
You may also want to consider a Brake, especially if you are considering a Rifle Scope on your build.
Just my 2 cents.

Bob R

if no concern about pelts then really doesn't matter does it? unless its going to be a multi purpose barrel. competition coyote hunters like the .243 makes for DRT coyote also a good deer gun. If you were saving pelts I would say .223, .204 ruger, .17 Remington, 22.250.

Not an Encore, but the CVA Scout V2 in .243 can be had for $265 right now at Classic and they are supposed to be really accurate. That's about the price of a Contender barrel alone!

15.75in MGM Bull Barrel with Brake

1-8in Twist .243 winchester

Or

1-8in Twist 6.5 Creedmoor

Good factory offerings in either with high BC bullets to cover target and hunting.