TC Encore

[hjay1968]

Im looking to purchase an Encore handgun for hunting deer, bear and possibly hogs. I was wondering what caliber would be best. I'm thinking about .308 or 7mm-08. Does anybody have any ideas?

[normanvin]

I am not a hunter, but I wouls think maybe a 45-70.

[bigrdenu]

I have a contender with a 44 magnum barrel that I would feel confident taking any of those animals with though I do not big game hunt much. I put a 2x scope on it and can take reasonable shots with it. The question has to be how far you wish to shoot. The 44 magnum can take deer and hogs out to 100 yards with proper marksmanship. 308 or 7mm-08 are both quality calibers, but out of a pistol the loss in velocity is a factor, and in my opinion a pistol caliber is designed to be shot out of a pistol and to perform at the velocity acheaved from a pistol barrel. You are really not going to be able to shoot really long distances out of a pistol so I would stick with a pistol caliber and practice more. (50 to a box as opposed to 20) That is just my opinion when it really comes down to it shot placement is the key and 308 and 7mm-08 would be good for deer and boar.

[1adam12]

Do yourself a favor and stay away from buying a 45-70 barrel, it's a waste of money! I bought a 14'' for $280.00 on ebay that came with a Leupold SS fixed 4x scope. The recoil was so bad I sold it after only shooting 8 rounds. I did enjoy the reaction my friends gave after shooting it still brings a smile to my face when I think about it.

[gander215]

I have .308, .270, .30-06, .25-06 and I would not hesitate to take a deer with any of them. I would not have a second thought about dropping a deer with them inside 400 yrd. I personally would say your best bet would be .30-06. You can use that for deer, bear even moose. If you are set on the 7mm-08 then go for it. It is a great round and you will be happy with it for most any North American game animal. -BB

[Pete D.]

I have a barrel in .308 Win. It is a tack driver. It'd make a great deer gun.I prefer my T/C Contender 10" .30-30 just 'cause it's smaller and adequate and very accurate but the .308 would certainly have much greater reach for the same terminal energy. I may take the .308 out next year.
Pete

[hjay1968]

Thanks everyone I appreciate the info.

[Steve in PA]

I had a T/C Contender in small calibers and I really miss it.

I would love to get an Encore, and since I already have a handgun in .44mag.....I would opt for the .308 in a good barrel length.

[gemihur]

They can be very addictive in the variety of chamberings available
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