I'm looking to get me a barrel for my Encore. Here in Iowa it has to be a straight walled case, and the DNR lists the legal calibers. The 450 Marlin and 480 Ruger are not listed. My question is this, since this will be a Handgun, say with a 15" barrel, which cartridge would you choose and why? Recoil will be a factor. I'm considering a 454 Casull, a 444 Marlin, and a 45-70. As far as recoil, I figure the 45-70 would be the worst, then the 444, followed by the 454. This gun will be used for Whitetail deer out to 100 - 150 yards.

I know for sheer power the 45-70 rules, but am thinking of the 444 for flatter shooting and a little less recoil. I'm probably wrong, but the 454 looks like a hot 44 magnum.

Anyone have any of these? Your thoughts? What would you do?

I personally don't enjoy any more than the .454 in a handgun. If I need more power I'll go to a rifle. Out to the 150 yards you mentioned it's plenty for what you have in mind.

I've shot all three of those calibers in either the Encore or the Contender and all will do just fine out to 150yds. But, without the "muzzle-tamer", all have stiff recoil. I don't have a 454 barrel, so I'll leave it out. But this comparison will give you some idea how much a "brake" makes a difference. My 45-70 has the muzzle-tamer and my 444 don't. Obvioulsy with hand-loads it can be different, but with factory ammo, the 45-70 with 300gr bullets is much easier on the hands than the 444 with 240gr bullets. Seeing that you're recoil sensitive and if you're set on the above calibers, go with the "brake". Another thing to keep in mind, the Encore is also available in some other fine deer calibers like 260, 270, 7mm-08, 308 and 30-06. If you're not stuck on the 454, 444 or 45-70, go with the 308. The 06 is stout, but the 308 with 150gr factory loads is not bad at all and its shoots great. I've taken a deer at 264yds with the 308, but keep in mind, I've also spent plenty of time at the range practicing with it. Sorry for the long post, but this will give some ideas to ponder before making a decision.

Thanks for the responses! T/C fan, glad you brought up the muzzle brake thing, because I was wondering how much this would help. Unfortunately no bottle necked cartridges are allowed in Iowa and the only rifle allowed is a muzzle loader. For that I've got the 209x50 rifle set up on the Encore. Of the straight walled choices, it boils down to the the three listed calibers for me, as far as a handgun cartridge. After reading these posts I've decided on a muzzle brake and guess I'll have to keep my eyes open for the best deal I can find on any of these calibers.

Thanks again.

Be aware that the noise level is going to go up considerably with a muzzle break. No big deal for range work, but if you hunt without earing protection it may be.

Any of the above should do the job, but have you thought about the 375 Winchester? If legal it might be my choice. Of course I hate to hear that bottlenecks aren't allowed, as that leaves off my favorite Encore deer caliber the 7mm-08. Other than that I'd probably go with the 454 Casull.

Gordon

Sorry about the "bottle-neck" law rcd567, I didn't know that. diyj98 is right, the brake will make the report much louder. On the range, make sure that you've got ear protection. If you're worried about ear-damage in the field, go with a Walker's Game Ear in one ear and a plug in the other. As for the choice between the three calilbers mentioned, I'd go with the 45-70. Plenty of factory loads and even more handloads.[8D]

I've been thinking of a BFR in 45-70. I reload and can tame the beast that way. I like the fact that ammo is easy to find and it has a good selection of bullets. Besides it looks cool to drop those big babies in and watch flame light up the night sky.