Thanks for the help guys. I have been loading some Nosler 68 gr. in my .223 and I can shoot them sub MOA. I guess I will try them and see what happens.

Driftrider,
I am not specifically going to use this for deer hunting. I carry it on my side while I bow hunt. If a good shot appears out of bow range you can bet that I will take itwith the Encore. I have seen small deer lost by people shooting 30-06s and have seen a good sized deer drop with a .223, which is not illegal here in Maine. Shot placement is what matters on deer not the size of the bullet. I have faith that my 22-250 that will shoot MOA w/ 50 gr. bullets will cleanly take down any deer.

Thanks for the insight!