All purpose caliber for TC Encore

[Hoop0007]

I have a TC Encore that I'd like to purchase a rifle barrel for. I hunt whitetails in the midwest with a Rem 7mm mag. I'm happy with the Rem mag but would like a lighter caliber for targets that still packs enough punch for whitetails <200yds for my son. I don't hand load so cost/availability of rounds is important to me. I've been thinking about the .223 in a 26" heavy barrel, .243 in a 24", and a 25-06" also in a 24" barrel. I'm willing to field any other caliber suggestions.
Thanks

 

[grizz]

IMHO .243 is probably the lightest caliber you'd want to use for deer sized game. I don't think a .223 will pack enough punch for ethical hunting of whitetails (and I believe it would be illegal to use in some states) A .243, or 25-06 will do the job with fairly cheap ammo. Also might want to consider a .270 win barrel as it is a great choice for deer up to elk.

My vote would be for the .270 win. Very versatile and popular with ammo available everywhere.


Good luck!

 

[rbernie]

I find that the 26" barrel balances better for me than the 24" ones. Since the action is so short, you can use a 26" barrel and still be just a hair over 40" in overall rifle length. In other words - I can see no compelling reason to buy a 24" barrel for the Encore unless you are trying to build a lightweight (at which point you'll really have to hollow the buttstock out to get it to balance nicely).

I'm on a 25-06 kick right now, but 243 may be more available in your area. Either would do the trick.

I started my Encore experience with a 7mm08 24" barrel and like the chambering well enough. But I don't know if you'll find a lot of factory ammo choices for it where you live, and frankly I don't perceive much recoil difference between a 308 150gr and a 7mm-08 140gr....

 

[Dionysusigma]

Number 3944.

.405 Win. It will kill whatever you need dead.

In all honesty, .270 Win or 6.8 SPC should do about the same... but since .270 is a lot easier to find, go with that in as light a grain weight it will shoot well with.

 

[ocabj]

I'd choose 6.5x55 over .243. The 6.5mm bullets offer incredible accuracy and the sectional density is excellent.

 

[Vic303]

Ocabj, just TRY finding a 6.5x55 T C Encore barrel though! You'll have to pay EABCO or TC's custom shop an arm & a leg to buy one. I know...I spend 6 yrs looking for one on the secondary market, and it NEVER appeared until the week after I sold the Encore...

I would suggest a .308 barrel., in 24" if possible. The length/weight increase should help with felt recoil, and also help with the verticality of recoil that Encores seem to have to me. Another possible barrel is 7mm-08. That was what I had. It's plenty of gun for MIdwestern whitetails...

 

[hoghunting]

I will also suggest the 308. Not only is it a good hunting and target caliber, but since you don't reload, you can buy inexpensive surplus ammo so you and your son can shoot more often.

 

[Hoop0007]

followup on the .223 cal vs .243 cal

Thanks for your input. I'd rather stay away from a .308 as I'm very likely to have a Browning .308 handed down. Also, I have a Rem 7mm mag so anything close to that is a bit redundant for someone with my needs. .22 cal centerfire and higher are legal in the states I hunt deer in. I'm expecting this to be a target and varmint(midwest varmints) gun. THe likelihood that it would be called upon for whitetails would not happen for a couple years. DO you think its likely that there will be a load available for a .223 that would be available then that isn't now for whitetail? I understand it's a bit light, but is it close?

.223 or .243 I guess.

 

[rbernie]

The factory Encore barrels in 223 have a 1:12 twist, relegating them to the status of varmint barrels only. They will not stabilize the heavier/longer bullets suitable for hunting medium game. You can get a custom EABCO barrel in 223 with a faster twist (1:9" or 1:7"), but you'll probably not like the pricetag associated with that.

Between 223 and 243 in the Encore in a factory barrel and using factory ammo and with whitetails possibly on the menu - your only real choice is the 243.

 

[AH-1]

I went with the 24 inch 25-06.from coyotes to deer excellent round and shoots flat.for critters bigger than than my 45/70 will get the job done
pete

 

[Legionnaire]

First choice: .243
Second choce: 7mm-08

 

[Hoop0007]

ok, .243 vs 25-06

Thanks again folks.
Now the .243 is avail in a 24'' barrel only whereas the 25-06 is available in a 24'' and 26'' barrel from TC. For my use(range and whitetail), do you see a significant benefit in one over the other? I'd lean toward the .243 for it's cartridge availability/flexability, light recoil, and my hope that it will be my sons first deer rifle(albeit he's not yet 2).
Actually, I guess I'm curious what the benefit of the extra 2" actually is? Even within the same caliber.