Encore Caliber for Deer & Recoil 7mm.08 vs 243
 

I have seen a lot of love for the 7-08 caliber vs the .25, 44mag, & the .308. I was wondering what everyone thought of 7mm.08 vs .243? I know the .08 has a bigger bullet and the 243 might be a better varmit round. I would use it for mainly a deer gun, but could just take it for fun.

Thoughts?

RE: Encore Caliber for Deer & Recoil 7mm.08 vs 243
 

Both would be good calibers for deer. I am partial to the 243, but that's just me.:)

RE: Encore Caliber for Deer & Recoil 7mm.08 vs 243
 

i personally like the 243 more but either are great guns

RE: Encore Caliber for Deer & Recoil 7mm.08 vs 243
 

My 243 Win collects dust during deer season because of my 7mm-08 Rem.

RE: Encore Caliber for Deer & Recoil 7mm.08 vs 243
 

The 7mm-08 is a lot more rifle. Much more versitile. The recoil difference is not much unless you are comparing the heaviest bullets in the 7mm-08 against the lightest 243 bullets. When it comes to critters bigger than coyotes the 7mm-08 is far supurior to the little 243.

RE: Encore Caliber for Deer & Recoil 7mm.08 vs 243
 

another vote for the -08

RE: Encore Caliber for Deer & Recoil 7mm.08 vs 243
 

vote for the 243!

RE: Encore Caliber for Deer & Recoil 7mm.08 vs 243
 

I'm a .25-06 fan. It will handle bullets from 75 to 120 grains. Its got a little more whammy than a .243, but still shoots very flat for plinking and distant coyotes. For deer, any caliber you mentioned will take a whitetail.

RE: Encore Caliber for Deer & Recoil 7mm.08 vs 243
 

Split the difference get a .260.

RE: Encore Caliber for Deer & Recoil 7mm.08 vs 243
 

now your talking, my favorite caliber now, easy shootin and accurate, and a decent bullet selection

RE: Encore Caliber for Deer & Recoil 7mm.08 vs 243
 

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.

RE: Encore Caliber for Deer & Recoil 7mm.08 vs 243
 

.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.

RE: Encore Caliber for Deer & Recoil 7mm.08 vs 243
 

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.

RE: Encore Caliber for Deer & Recoil 7mm.08 vs 243
 

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

RE: Encore Caliber for Deer & Recoil 7mm.08 vs 243
 

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

RE: Encore Caliber for Deer & Recoil 7mm.08 vs 243
 

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.

RE: Encore Caliber for Deer & Recoil 7mm.08 vs 243
 

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).

RE: Encore Caliber for Deer & Recoil 7mm.08 vs 243
 

I prefer the 260 also.

RE: Encore Caliber for Deer & Recoil 7mm.08 vs 243
 

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.

RE: Encore Caliber for Deer & Recoil 7mm.08 vs 243
 

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

RE: Encore Caliber for Deer & Recoil 7mm.08 vs 243
 

I own both and prefer the 243 Win myself , but have used both at different times . They are both good to 300 yds and with a competent shooter either one will work in my opinion .

RE: Encore Caliber for Deer & Recoil 7mm.08 vs 243
 

7mm-08 all the way.

RE: Encore Caliber for Deer & Recoil 7mm.08 vs 243
 

handloading the 7M/08 ,you can take a deer at 250-300 yards I don't know if that's possible w/a 243. With that being said I think the 08 would be a better choice

RE: Encore Caliber for Deer & Recoil 7mm.08 vs 243
 

Hi 95Harley,

I would stick with 7-08, unless you can place a 100gr .243 on ear or neck shots. I use .243,but they have to be still standing.
Will not hesitate with 7-08. Have fun!!!


KEEP ON ROOTING!!!

RE: Encore Caliber for Deer & Recoil 7mm.08 vs 243
 

the only thing a 7-08 in an Encore is good for is a starting point to be rechambered to a 280AI... :D

RE: Encore Caliber for Deer & Recoil 7mm.08 vs 243
 

Yea, that is funny.:D:D I can see why you put a smiley after it. I think even Ackley himself kinda admited the extra work wasn't worth it.

RE: Encore Caliber for Deer & Recoil 7mm.08 vs 243
 

Rockfish, Is that what you did? I'll bet that was a costly job. I don't remember seeing those rounds at the little store in Maine where I get my 7m/08 rounds.