About a month ago i picked up an encore frame from Sportman Warehouse.They were closing out on them, and i picked up the Pro Hunter frame for $259.00 (couldn't pass up on the price).
My question is of the three barrels (7mm-08,308,and 270)which one would you take and why? Besides deer i'll be hunting elk with it as well.
Thanks Norm
PS. if you have a better idea on a cal. i'm all ears.

The 308 is the most versitle of the 3 listed in a 15" barrel.

I agree with Tigger. I love mine!!!!

i agree with the others i have both 7mm08 and 308 i use the
7mm08 here in ny for deer but if i was to hunt elk i think
the 308 would make me feel better about shooting one.
larry

IMO, at slower velocities (handgun) bigger boolits are the way to go. So, of the three you list I'd also go 308. If bigger than whitetail game are going to be the rule, rather than the exception, I'd even consider the .338 Fed or .358 Win. If you load you could even go tweener in 8mm-08.

Gotta be the .308. Accuate, reasonable recoil, get it anywhere, load it down or load it up, unbeatable bullet selection.


The 7mm08 is a close 2nd.

It comes down to being your choice...ya can't loose.

Bill in OR

I would also select the versatile .308. As a bonus, if one doesn't reload, .308 Win. ammo is available everywhere in the world.

tigger....bite yer tongue!

i have the 15" 7-08, and i would pick IT as "most versatile" imo.

from varmints to elk....i wouldn't do anything with one, that i wouldn't do with the other.

the 7-08 is light on recoil if needed, is flatter shooting with bullets of higher balistic coefficients, better sectional density with like bullet weights......PLUS.....i have one, n that right there makes it "more cool"

......and other stuff i can't think of right now

I'm not an Encore shooter but I've handled my step dad's 30-06 and I know it's hard to beat for versatitility in a rifle so I'd think it would be the same for handguns and it would be a little more re assuring going up against elk. I've also thought seriously of getting an encore frame and going with the 375-06 which might be a little hard on deer but should be a great elk and bear cartridge. As far as recoil the recoil from his 06 encore was lighter than my contender 375JDJ before I added the brake. Just another thought for what it's worth.

308 and them 7mm08, and I own a 7mm08.

For my vote: .308. Can load bullets from 100 gr. to 200 grain. That's 100% change in bullet weight... I've killed coyotes to elk with it.

You would be best served by the 308 of the three barrels you listed. On the other hand if I could pick another caliber I would pick my 15" 35 Whelen, or 358 Win as mentioned before. You cant beat the 35's

Thanks guys,
Whats the recoil like on the 308,would i need a brake? I'm not very recoil sensitive, but would like to get an idea of what you guys think.

Need is a relative term. I have a brake on my Competitor .308 and am glad it's there, but I shoot heavy for caliber bullets. If you stay with 125's to 150's it is a lot more pleasant. You could go with an aftermarket brake which would be removeable or a Brockman which you can turn off and on with a twist. Best of both worlds.

i shoot 180s in my 308 and manage the recoil well you know its
there but nothing to bad.
larry

The recoil is pretty mild in a .308 Encore. I would shoot one before deciding to have a brake added.

I agree with pab1 and the others. Get your new encore and burn some powder. If the recoil is too bad, then worry about a break. I don't think it'll be a problem though. I just got through shooting a box of shells in my new 20ga pistol barrel, shooting 3" turkey loads and it wasn't bad and it's about twice the recoil of the 308 win.

I have an encore 308 with a ssk arrestor brake and would do it the same way all over again. 308 is a personal favorite

Wheelguns, I have a 15" .308 SS Encore barrel for sale. Send me a PM if you are interested.