Thinking about getting an encore pistol for next season. My current deer rifles are 7mm08, and I tend to go that route when purchasing a new rifle. But, moving towards the short barrel, would I be better off going with 30-06 instead? Plan to practice all summer to be ready. I do reload. I will be hunting PA deer and Black Bear mostly, but might go for a hog hunt in the future. Looking for advice/suggestions on what caliber, and maybe a scope recommendation....

I would stay with the 7mm08

100% agreed. The 7mm-08 is a deer/hog slaying beast. Same ammo, 2 different weapons. Just have to find a load that makes the Encore tick and away you go!!!!!! Already have brass and all the loading goodies to go. Just make sure to keep your brass for each seperate. I would suggest factory ammo to start with or brand new brass and keep it just for the pistol. If you really wanted to, a set of dies just for it and you won't have to readjust the set to back the shoulder up for each weapon.

There's no reason why you can't stick with the (IMO) best allround deer cartridge of all time! I have an Encore w/15" 7mm08 barrel and it's DEADLY!

I have one in 308 win. Its a nice and accurate gun, but, when you shoot it, make sure you have a good strong grip on it because, it'll wanna fly out of your hand. Its controlable if your aware of it.

I hunt with a guy that uses a custom barrelled Encore in 7mm-08 Rem. He also had a custom grip & forearm made that is really neat. I have shot with him at the range and his groups are incredible.

I have never shot one of these hand cannons, but would think that a typicaly loaded up 30.06 Spr. would be tough on the wrist !!

I have a 30 06 Encore pistol with a 15'' barrel and I really like it. I shoot 165 grain Remington core locs out of it and it shoots really good. I killed a deer at 178 yards with it 2 seasons ago (range finders come in handy).

I have a Magnum Research Ind. Lone Eagle in both 308 and 7mm08 and neither are any more of a handful than the other. I think the 44 Mag. is more of a wrist strainer than the 308. It is in 14" barrel. Muzzle brake on the 308.

On my T/C Contender Super14 30/30win Barrel, I had it "Magnaported". It helps with those bigger cartridges.
The 7mm08 would be a great choice.