Hello,

I want to set up an Encore as a pistol for predators, coyote in particular. I hunt a variety of terrains and covers in Northern WI. I have a Burris pistol scope already, it's a 2X8 BDC and have been deciding on the caliber. I was looking at a 243 barrel, but was hoping to get some advice from the forum group. This will be dedicated to predator use and range time. And I do reload for my 7mm-08 and 44 pistols, so I'll be reloading for the new rig too.

Thanks for the help,
Jim (Ramcharge13)

243 would work. what bore diameter are you leaning towards? the 243/6mms are one of my favorites. there are also a lot of .224 cases out there. 223 and 22-250 come to mind and will also work well

For Encore .243 12" twist Heavy Taper-- shoot 85gr SMK's out of it over varget.

In a Contender .223 12" twist shoot 52gr SMK's

.223

Ditto on the .223

Cool, A 223, light recoil. I even didn't consider that round, I have two rifles chambered in it. I'll look for a Pro-Hunter barrel and the scope I have would work super on it.

Thanks group!

Jim

At what range do you expect to shoot & does the wind blow in WI?

223 is nice in mine out to a couple of hundred yards or so on a still day. But the wind blows here. The 6mm would be better here, IMHO.

My choice for my location would be the 6.5 JDJ.

Distance?
Will you keep the pelts?

I have used the .223 Contender on quite a few coyotes. I also tried the .204 Ruger.

Go with the .223.



PS: I have killed hundreds of 'yotes with a 22-250 rifle and you could go that route in an Encore pistol if you plan on longer ranges (IMO over 200 yards) but if you are shooting closer then you don't need the extra horsepower with an expanding type bullet and good chest hits.

I would go 223, and a high X rifle scope.

I'll keep the pelts. The wind probably averages 7 MPH. I expect to shoot out to 200 yards, most shots will be under a 100 yards.

Thanks,
Jim

In that case, .223.

223

223 all the way

I shoot the .204 myself, but for most people I recommend the .223.

I have a 223 in a Contender. For a Factory barrel 223 and 204 would be great. In a custom barrel 6BR would be my choice. A friend of mine has one, and shoot unreal. A 20 VT or a 20 TAC would be grest also.

Mark

7 mph wind is a still day here. Out to 200 yds 223 would be my choice.

My encore with 223 and 3-9x riflescope is my all time favorite setup, practically no recoil and very accurate. Got a woodchuck at like 70 yds off hand this yr

17 Rem would be a good one.

I had been serious considering re chambering my 223 to 220 Swift. I checked out the twist on the factory 223 barrel and it was the same as their 220 swift rifle barrel but I ended up trading the barrel off before I could try it. The swift is a step up from the 22-250 in power so I was hoping for 22-250 rifle velocities out of a short barrel.

I have a 14" .223 Rem and you can't beat it on varmits. The .204 is sweet to, but under 200yds the .223 is the way to go! I also have used my 14" 6.8 SPC on Yotes and Red Foxes but under 200 yds. It's a nice shooter.