I just purchased my first Encore Handgun Frame. I would like to go out West someday for an Antelope/Mule Deer Hunt. For a non-reloader what would be a good caiber to use?

308 #1
260 #2
708 #3

308 with 125 ballistic tips for goats
308 with 165 partition for muleys
2.5-8 weaver classic scope
This is my Competitor rig and it does it all.
Of course you can't just change loadings without re-dialing your scope settings but you can cover all bases, except varmints, with one tube. Use 180's for elk and blackies. JMO, Rod.

You've got my vote for the 308.

I'd go with a 308 Win.

I don't know what is offered in the 260 or 7-08 factory wise but I would go with them before the 308-FWIW.

Don't know for sure but I would imagine that for the non reloader the 308 would be a good choice.

I'm curious, why not a .30-06 instead of .308? I'm not suggesting either, just curious.

cyberhick

I would opt for the 260 over either the 7mm-08 or the 308. But that's just my lopsided opinion of the 260. I had a 30-06 barrel and I enjoy shooting the 308 much better.

1) 7-08
2) 308
3) 416 Rem Mag - no thats not right!!

Bill in OR

I like what Dan B has to say. I got a 7mm-08 and compared to my Buddys 308 it is a lot nicer to shoot. And until bullet weights get to the upper end of the scale in both calibers I don't think any animal will notice a difference.

My first XP was a 7-08 (14" barrel) and it did a great job on PD's to muley's. Used it on both muleys and antelope beyond 400 yards. The 14" 260 Rem MOA Maximum has taken several whitetails out to the 250 yard range and has killed both a cow and a bull elk (approx 75 yds).
Although I have owned a 30 cal for elk (which has now been replaced by a 7mm) I have killed the majority of my big game with either a 7mm or 6.5 bore.
Personally, I don't see a need to jump to a 30 cal for deer sized game or for elk for that matter.
The factory ammo issue would be the only possible reason (for me) that the 308 would be a better choice. Since I roll my own I don't keep up with what is out there, but I am reasonably sure there is good factory offerings for the 260 or 7-08.
Don't get me wrong I know the 308 will do a fine job, but I believe you can accomplish your task with less recoil and a flatter shooting cartridge.

For a non-reloader what would be a good caiber to use?

I believe that from the criteria set up in the original post and subsequent posts the choices are .260, 7mm-08, and .308. I would think that an investigation into current factory ammo choice, availability, and to some extent the price would aid in making the final decision.

I agree with most everybody. I have all three and it truly is just a flip of the coin between them. I would not hesitate to take 308 with 150's to 300yd on an animal that size and the same with my 7-08 and 140's. For that matter, my 6.5JDJ and 120's will work just fine. And yes, Dan B has shot a 16" Encore in 416 Rigby shooting a 350 Barnes TSX over 105gr of IMR4831sc- It zips at 2350pfs and will drop even a big antelope real fast! Anyway, choose one of the 3 and be happy. None of them are a bad choice. 308 provides you the oportunity to shoot MilSrup ammo cheaply. Mine shoots if very well. It'll shoot MOA if I do my part. I can't that about some rifles.

7mm08 would be my choice.
Ammo is fairly inexpensive and very available with lots to choose from, recoil is less, and its shoots flatter then the .308.
Its a caliber that can take out prairy dogs to elk.

Definately 7mm-08!

John