Warning: Random

This site got me into handgun hunting. I had a MGM 308 barrel that was 15 3/4" long. The gun was topped with a Burris 3-12 scope on the gun, but I had to sell it all do to a divorce.

My load with that gun was a 130 grain Barnes tipped tsx bullet traveling around 2700 fps. The round left the best blood trail I have ever seen.

I normally reload, but now I live in an apartment and my reloading stuff is in storage. I may need to use more factory ammo now for a year or so.

I also have a Ruger SBH 44 mag with a 4 5/8" barrel that I've killed a deer with.

I have a new still in the package blued TC Endeavor 209x50 barrel, Pachmayr pistol grip set, and black Pro-Hunter stock and forarms. But I don't have a frame.

From my first Encore pistol experience, I learned I didn't like the super powerful scopes. I'm plan on using open sights and maybe a low power scope in the future. I also have small hands, so the the trigger reach is a little long. That's why I purchased the Pachmayrs, hoping that would be better.

So, now I'm looking at a 243, 7mm-08, 308, 338 federal, or something bigger like a 45-70 in an Encore.

What do you think about a 243 with the main purpose of deer? How is the velocity out of a 15" barrel with factory ammo?

If you were buying a new Encore frame, would you buy one blued, stainless, or with the weathershield finish?

Do you all find there is any difference in between Encore and Pro-Hunter triggers? On the few I've messed with the Encore trigger is always nicer.

Part of me likes small and easy to carry. That part of me is interested in a S&W 60 with a 5" barrel or a 686.

I'm interested in any input from what you all like.

Thanks, Kyle

243 Win will work great.
What would your likely max distance be?

Mostly wooded and hilly, so within 50 yards for most shots.

Your 44 is good to 100...

How big of a critter?

Southern Indiana whitetail.

A 44 and a .243 would be a nice combo....stainless or blue would be personal preference

Don't overlook a 30-06 barrel. Ammo availible anywhere and all of them I know of are tack drivers. My 15" barrel shoots Win factory 150s into less than an inch and gets 2700+-fps. I have a handload with 150gr Speers that will shoot 5 shot 1/2" groups.

That being said I have a fever for a 7-08 barrel but decided to hold off till I get more frames. I have got to the point that I hate changing barrels. 7-08 with 140gr partitions will handle nearly anything with very mild recoil. reflex264

Most definitely.....

I would pick the 7 08. Gives you a little more room for error, or shot angles. Plus you could use for bigger game if you ever wanted. Recoil isn't bad at all, and performs great at extended distances.

Just my $.02.

MN

50 yards or under, and you already have a 44 Mag-Easy call.
Dot sight or reflex sight would work great or a 2x LER scope.
Like the 308 family for 15 inches when wanting factory ammo: 243 Win, 260 Rem, 7-08, and 308.

You have so many options that work good with the type of hunting you will be doing, it is simply a matter of getting what you want-That is the right decision for you.

I love my 308. It's very accurate.

Another great option would be the 6.5 Creedmore