Another vote for the 08. Both are very accurate and the recoil difference is very little, but if you decide to go after bigger critters, the 08 offers more options.

.243 gets my vote. Plenty a power out to 300 yds , no recoil, lot quieter, extremely accurate out of the box, flatter shooter, more bulet selection in case you want to take yotes or chucks.
The .260 is a good choice too.

More concerned with recoil in a Pistol Encore. Fine line between recoil in a hunting pistol vs pure knockdown power. I want to still be gun hunting and not have to track and drag one like I'm bo hunitng, but I don't want a gun that I need ratchet straps to hold onto when shooting from 20' up in a tree.

I have both and the 7mm-08 is my choice...

i didn't realize from your first post this was a pistol, i have a encore 15" barrel 4X leupold in 7mm-08, the recoil is not that bad, it is a very fun gun to shoot, i have killed several deer with this combo. i have considered a different scope though, somehting in a fixed 2X....

best of luck

What does anyone think about the .280 I see it more in the TC Encore but it seems like a caliber that is being pushed a little on the market.

I have seen a few hunting shows where it was used and for the most part it looks as though it has plenty of knock down power and can really reach out there.

I haven't shot one yet and was wondering if anyone has had the opportunity to shoot one or maybe owns one - how is it for range and what is the grouping at 100 yrds.

I have both the 7mm-08 and the .243.

I would disagree with most here, I find the .243 most useful, it can be used as a varmint gun and a deer cartridge. Although might be a little small for the large deer up in Canada, but fine for any deer in the US.

The 7mm-08 to me is the best DEER cartridge. Mild kick with enough power to drop them. I can't imagine what else you would really use the 7mm-08 for though... Pretty big for varmints and too mild for very large/dangerous game. Having said all that it is my favorite and go-to deer gun (Browning A-bolt and Remington model 7).

I prefer the 260 also.

I hunted some with a Contender in 7mm TCU. It was my impression that recoil in a pistol requires you to keep your head out of the way, but doesn't cause the pain heavy recoil can put on a shoulder. Maybe I'd felt differently if'n I was shootin' a .308.

I didn't realize it was going to be in pistol form either. As for recoil, nobody can tell you that its too much or not. You have to decide that on your own. Some would say that an Encore in .308 is way too much, but thats what I shoot and have no problems with it at all. As for you not wanting to trail and drag a deer a long way, thats also up to you. The 7MM-08 and 243 have both proven themselves as fine deer rounds and as long as you do your part with shot-placement, there'll be very little tracking with either. I wish you the best with whichever you go with.

Carter