Thanks everyone for the input. Let me clarify something from the initial post. At the club I belong to, we have a range that goes out to 800 yds. The range is also a spot that the deer like to cross and feed along. The hillside shooting situations (whichis of more interest to me)is probably closer to 500 yds. max. Any shooting at the 700-800 range willmore than likely be target only. I DO NOT take shots at gameunless I feel confident/comfortable w/ making a clean kill.
I am leaning towards the 300 Win. mag., and to keep costs down, I may opt for that barrel for my Encore w/ a Leupold 4.5-14 w/ B/C reticle.