Finally decided that I am going to get rid of my SBHH in .44 to purchase a encore. Figured since I already have a SBHH in .41 and SRH in .480 that I need something to reach out a little farther. Here is where you guys come in. You are going to help me decide what caliber. I need something that will take deer size game out to atleast 300 to 400 yards and will not be hard to find reloading components for.

6.5/284, every shooting supply company has bullets & brass. Nosler makes factory loads also.

always have liked the 6.5 platform. What others have you guys got for me.

I can't help ya on this one. I have absolutely no experience in this arena. Sure is going to be an interesting thread to follow though!

7mm-08

7mm-08 is also one that I was giving alot of thought too.


Before it gets brought up I am not that recoil sensetive. Shooting an Encore in .308 and a contender in .45-70 is not all that bad.

Ditto! Lots of bullet choices and factory ammo is common.

I just purchased a 6.5-284 MGM barrel the other day and am now experiencing the "giddies" while awaiting it's arrival. Agree with the others on the 7mm-08. These guys have forgot more on ballistics than I will ever know, but I really like the .358 caliber I have with an XP. Better pay more attention to the other guys on this one, tho!

6.5/.284. I've done groundhogs and deer out to 550 and a 800# kudu at 200. Can't beat the versitility, minimal recoil, and accuracy.

The 6.5-284 is hard to beat......except ammo availability. I have three 7mm-08's in the safe right now and got rid of two others. I LOVE the 7mm-08.

I just experienced an increase in giddiness.....

so far we have two at the top of the heap. Keep them coming.

The good ole' 30.06 would be my choice I really enjoyed mine when I had it.

Randy, The Birddog.

284 win.

Since you've indicated you like the 6.5 platform, why not the .260? It may not be as classie as the newer 6.5's, but it'll get the job done. Brass should never be a problem as you can use any of the .308 family (.243, 7-08, .308, etc)With the advent of the newer 6.5's lots of newer bullets to choose from 85grs to 160 grs.

I'll add another to the equation that I really like--the 25.06 Rem. Took a doe out of the herd a few weeks ago with my Encore SS 15" in that caliber...neck shot @ 85 yds. and she went straight to ground. Milk jugs are toast at 200 yds. with Hornady 117 gr. SSTs. (and my reliable bull bag rest).

I love the .25-06, as for the .260 I already have a remington mountain rifle so I already have everything to reload it, but there are so many different calibers I don't have.

Here's a twist...

How about ditchin the idea of 300-400 yards, and get ya a 1/2" thumper like the 500JRH, or a 500 S&W, or a....

The big bores are a riot, and so far, I have only scratched the surface with my 460 S&W. Got a 500JRH that I'm gonna have built, but hey, if ya got the pop guns covered, why not go with a hammer??!!

Just planting a seed for the big bores. I know ya got the close range stuff covered, just thought I'd bring up an option.

I have thought about the .460 also. I guess if some of you can already tell I have thought about many different rounds, money just don't allow me to get all of them. That's why I am getting everyones opinion

I have a Striker .260R. It's a shooter also!! Really likes 120gr SMK's. Just got a box of 123gr A-Max's to try...have high hopes for them. I've had REALLY good luck with AM's in other cal's on game.

I love the 460. It was my first hunting handgun, I sold it, regretted it, and then got an encore. Had MGM build the 460 barrel for my encore, got a custom forend, and I'll never get rid of it! It shoots minute of angle all day long, and will smoke milk jugs at 200 yards without trying. I took a buck with my original 460 S&W XVR revolver, and it was DRT. That buck was my first critter taken with a handgun.

The 460 might not make 300 - 400 yard shots, but I have no doubt that it is capable of 200+. Might not be in the long range category you're speaking of, but I sure have enjoyed mine.

How about the 308.

Another good one.

Got one of those on the way, too. My wife is really gonna be pissed.....

Have that in a Competitor.....been my go-to gun during this last year. Knocks'em dead with 125gr NBT's.

Another vote for the .308 .Mine is in a Savage Striker with a closable brake and is a sweet shooter with 165 gr Sierra's .I also have a soft spot for the 6.5x55 Sweede ,with 140 gr Hornadys [bang, flop]!!

One of the best chamberings in an Encore:

280 Ackley Improved

Nosler has brass and ammo. It's a great round out if the Encore. I've had one barrel in 15" length and now have one from MGM in 16.5" length. Excellent accuracy, velocity and kills deer and antelope dead.

I have one of those....awesome cartridge......hhmmm.....you see a theme here??

Can you still find .308 brass lol. I liked the .308 that I shot, it was not bad at all.

7 08!!!

308... LOL

7x57 Ackley Improved? I have one setup on a custom SSK 16” Encore. It is a sweetheart to shoot and like lighting on Hoosier Whitetails. The 120 Sierra’s do +2900fs & 140’s @ 2800fs. I have chosen the 120’s as my primary bullet choice for accuracy and terminal performance. Brass is “normally” available or can be made from 30-06.

Good luck
B.