What is the best caliber for long range bench rest Encore pistol?

[lastchanc54]

I am considering setting up an Encore pistol for some 500 plus yard plinkin. I see some of the folks are shooting to 1000 yards!!
What are you shooting for calibers? I plan on using a heavy bench rest stock and I already have one in mind. The choice of calibers is wide open, there is almost too many to choose from. Tell me, what do you love? Got a favorite load for it ?
Thanks for sharing, Lastchanc54

[xphunter]

LC,
Many cartridges will get you to 1K.
I primarily use 1-8 twist barrel for 6mm and 6.5, and 1-9 twist for 7mm.
I use more 6.5's and 7's than anything for LR shooting and hunting.
A number of cartridges I use are not ideal for Encores, but I have used the 243 Win, 260 Rem, 6mm-284, and the 6.5-284 for shooting out to 1K and beyond.
I use the 6.5-284 more than of the others, with the 6-284 being second.
The 6mm-6.5x47 Lapua, 6.5x47 Lapua, and the 6.5x47 Lapua Improved (6.5 Long Dasher) will all do the trick also.
They will shine well in 15"barrels-They seem to out perform themselves.
These chambering are in MOA's and XP's so I will not give specific loads.

[lastchanc54]

xphunter, thank you for your input. FYI, I have a custom built xp-100 in 221 Remington Fireball. Too much fun but won't make it to 1k. Used to have an xp in 7mm IMPSA International (300 savage case) but never shot it beyoned 300 meters. Miss that one, a lot.
 I do have some 15 inch Encore barrels, a 308 and a 270, plus a 22-250. Not sure if any of these is going to do much at 500 yds. These are factory barrels with factory twist and I am not sure what those are right now.
I would like to know what bullet weights you prefer in the 6.5 and 7mm. I also need to know what optics you use to on your pistols to see that far.
Thanks for the info, Lastchanc54

[xphunter]

This will best answer your question about optics:  http://www.handgunhunt.com/promo/membership/features/readNewArticle.php?oid=12&title=Rifle%20Scopes%20On%20Specialty%20Handguns

Give me a call 307-257-7431 (Mtn Time-In other words please don't call real early).
I can respond quicker on the phone than I can type.
Ernie Bishop

[lastchanc54]

Wow, what a great link you sent me! Almost all of my questions were answered by just reading that page. I can see now that this LR shooting is going to require a strong financal commitment and I still need to do a little more research. Another thing that comes to mind is that I have to drive 4 to 5 hours just to find a place where I can shoot at the distances I have in mind. I am rethinking my options now. I do thank  you for all your help and if I do decide to work on this project, I will call you and pick your brain a bit. Thanks xphunter for your time and expertise.
Lastchanc54

[xphunter]

You are welcome