Author Topic: Need help choosing TC caliber (Read 1564 times)

fishtracker · « **on:** February 09, 2011, 12:33:18 PM »

I have been a lurker for quite some time, and I really appreciate all the knowledge that I have gleaned so far. I am in the market for a single shot (probably an encore), and need some help selecting the caliber that would work the best for me.
So, here is my info. I have plenty experience with pistols and rifles, just not single shots. I don't consider myself recoil sensitive, but I also don't want to punish myself. I do reload, and will for this gun, so finding rounds or components will not be an issue. Wildcats are really not my thing.

My plans for this gun. I will primarily take this gun with me while bow hunting. Black bear, cougar, and coyote will be the primary targets. Really, my terrain and my abilities/comfort will limit shots to 200 yards. I will probably work up 2 loads. First, a 90ish grain bullet for smaller game, and a max of 140 grain bullets for bears.

I have two calibers in mind, but would really like input as to which one may be better for my situation. My 2 picks are .260 Rem and 7mm-08. And no, I don't want to buy both barrels. The .260 has a bit better BC. Will be milder in recoil. Maybe better suited for the lighter bullets? 7mm-08 is more common for a better selection of bullets. It may offer a tad more speed, but at the cost of a bit more recoil. At the moment I am leaning toward the .260, but my biggest concern is that I won't be able to achieve enough speed with the short barrel. May just be in my head though. I would love some input from those of you that may use yours for similar purposes. Thanks in advance.

Hopalong7 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 10, 2011, 02:11:48 AM »

Not sure what you're looking for in velocity, but a lot of .264 bullets were designed for old 6.5mm rifles and perform very well at .260Rem pistol velocities. I shoot both 6.5JDJ(Contender, 14") and .260Rem(Encore, 15") and have no problem with velocity in either one. I've shot way more deer with the slower 6.5JDJ and 120gr bullets, but the 140's work well for me in the 260. 264 bullets have an excellent reputation for killing power and as you said the BC is good. Nothing wrong with a 7-08 either, but I'd much prefer my 260 for the versatile usage you seek. JMHO
Walt

Silvertp · « **Reply #2 on:** February 10, 2011, 06:07:46 AM »

Fishtracker

You are looking at two great rounds either of which would fill your need so you could just flip a coin. It really boils down to what you want.

My personal favorite at this time is the 7mm-08 and I have been a 7mm nut since 1970 when I got my first 7mm Remington. Now I love all things 7 and they all kill nicely and have continued to do so over the 40 years Ive hunted with them.

If you are looking at 140 grain bullets at the top end there is a slight ballistic advantage to the 6.5 calibers.

That said my current itch is for a 6.5 caliber. If you are looking for a light wt. carbine or handgun consider the contender / g2 in one of the 6.5's made for that firearm. Would provide plenty of power in an easy to carry package which I think would be important if you are also packing archery equipment. Walt is now shooting the 6.5JDJ which is what I will probably end up buying in a carbine configuration.

Good hunting to ya...

Silvertp

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #3 on:** February 10, 2011, 06:51:28 AM »

Hard to beat the T/C classics.
30-30, 35 Rem or 44 Mag.
the 30-30 can be loaded from 110 grain Carbine bullets to 220 grain monolith solids. I guess you can even load 32 ACP bullets if you really wanted to so 60 grains and up.
I think a 125 soft point would work for you and you would have just one load.
The G2 is a smaller frame and in 30-30, 35 Rem or 44 mag is more than capible of doing what you are asking for. Pluse give you room to draw your bow. With a 10 to14 Inch barrel.
Components, brass, projectiles, and dies are availible as well as loaded ammo in multiple bullet choices for each.
Guess the same can be said for 308 Win that can be said for the 30-30 if you want to go with an Encore.
460 S&W is aslo an option with 3 levels of power from 45 colt, 454 Cas and 460 S&W.
Loading round balls in the colt would give you small game and the 460 would give you the reach for larger game.

Ladobe · « **Reply #4 on:** February 10, 2011, 08:03:13 AM »

Just some random thoughts you might consider. The choices of cartridges to do what you want to do are almost endless with the TC's, even without getting into any of the true wildcats. With the huge inroads with bullet developement in past years, many that might not have been a "best" choice years ago would be today, especially in the 24 to 30 caliber offerings. So IMO its pick the platform first that best suites your needs in weight and carry, and the one that you feel you will have the most confidence in. Obviously the Encore will handle them all, but even without the wildcats the Contenders will handle plenty to choose from that are excellent choices. As a carry backup I'd opt for the lighter weight of a Contender myself, but since I'm more partial to the 24, 25, 26 and 27 calibers for "do all" use I'd most likely be shooting wildcats in one. Some of the wildcats are easy as apple pie, with some just load and hunt, some a pass through a die to load and hunt, and with very inexpensive dies. The 24-30's will all do your longest ranges with ease, and do all your intended game at those ranges, although the 26-30's would have an edge for bear. So will the 44, 45, etc calibers suggested, but bullet choice is not as large, they are not as flat shooting at extended ranges and would do a lot more damage to pelts if you want to save them. Take this FWIW, but no matter what you choose in the end good luck on your hunts. IMO it's hard to beat the satisfaction of taking game cleanly with a long bow or handgun.

David D. · « **Reply #5 on:** February 10, 2011, 12:26:53 PM »

Not a lot to compare between the .260 and the 7MM-08. Case dimensions and capacity are darn near the same. Both as you probably know were off springs of the 308Win. Using the same grain bullet in both I doubt there would be any real noticeable difference in recoil between the two. Bullet selection for the 7mm-08 is more. Having owned both my personal choice would be the .260. I do like 7MM's but like 6.5's better.

qwikrick · « **Reply #6 on:** February 10, 2011, 12:45:43 PM »

the real beauty about the contender is your not stuck with one caliber.

if your not happy just get another barrel .

kynardsj · « **Reply #7 on:** February 10, 2011, 01:01:30 PM »

Both of your choices are great. I gave a friend a 26" 260 barrel for his Encore for Christmas. His 100 yard groups can be covered with a dime. 7mm08 is hard to beat in any rifle and then there's my personal favorite the 308. Pick the one you like best to start with and then add to the collection later. It is an addiction and I can't stand to just get barrels, I want frame and all. Three and counting.

SD Handgunner · « **Reply #8 on:** February 10, 2011, 02:28:43 PM »

If you are set on the Encore either cartridge you mention would fill the bill for what you are describing. However I am inclined to agree with the others in that the Contender would indeed make a lighter more compact package. If the Contender is to be then i think the 7-30 Waters should also be considered.

Larry

Delkal · « **Reply #9 on:** February 10, 2011, 05:13:45 PM »

A 15 inch Encore with scope is not really a "handy" gun to strap to your side when bowhunting. You would be better off with a 10 inch contender with iron sights and keeping your shots under 75 yards (or a Blackhawk revolver in something big). Even with a scope a 10 inch barrel is much more packable.

The differences between the 260 Rem and 7-08 is academic and both or fine cartridges for deer. I am old school when it comes to bear and I would want something with a larger/ heavier bullet (and yes, A LOT more recoil). If you shoot a bear you will not feel the recoil anyway and you will be glad you hit it with something big.

fishtracker · « **Reply #10 on:** February 10, 2011, 07:05:18 PM »

Yea, a 15" barrel is not all that "handy", but neither is my .270 rifle. But with lots of bears and kitties around, I like to have my options open if a shot arises. It will still fit in or on my pack.

With practice, good bullets. and shot placement, either of these should be plenty of gun for black bears. They are not that tough. My .270 with 130 gr scirocco's are more than adequare.

Still leaning toward the .260, but bullet selection just isnt as good as with the 7mm. Too many options. Thanks for your input.

Hopalong7 · « **Reply #11 on:** February 11, 2011, 12:42:34 AM »

Either choice is entirely adequite on the upper end, The advantange I see in the 260 for your stated purpose is the lower (varmit)end. Granted bullet selection may not be as large in the 6.5 as the 7mm, but it IS a good selection. I've not tried them in the 260, but in my 6.5 I've shot a lot of 85gr Sierras. They shoot like a lazer and really smack an ol' pasture poodle. The dissadvantge of the 260 is they are hard to come by. I got the pistol barrel as soon as they were intoduced in the 90's, and just now, finally acquired a 24" rifle barrel. Expect to pay at least 1.5X normal price

. I fully expect the rifle barrel to become one of my favorites.
I do agree with the others, that in pistol format, the Contender is more compatable, but then,...that wasn't the question...was it?

Walt

shot1 · « **Reply #12 on:** February 11, 2011, 03:20:22 AM »

Why the big deal about bullet selection? Get the 260 Rem and load it with either the 130 or 140 Nosler Accubond or Partition and you are ready to take on anything you mentioned. If you want to vaporize some varmints get you some 100 gr Sierra HP.

Frank V · « **Reply #13 on:** February 11, 2011, 09:04:48 AM »

Sense you mentioned Black Bear, I'd go with the 7-08 because of the heavier bullets available. Both are really good cartridges, but with Bear on the menu, I'd opt for the 7 & heavier bullets.
Frank

rdmallory · « **Reply #14 on:** February 11, 2011, 01:48:08 PM »

Quote

460 S&W is aslo an option with 3 levels of power from 45 colt, 454 Cas and 460 S&W.

+1

azmike · « **Reply #15 on:** February 13, 2011, 01:45:36 PM »

Of the choices you mentioned, I would go with the 7mm-08, for the option to use heavier bullets. The Ballistic coefficient advantage held by the .260 won't amount to much inside the 200 yard limit you set.

Having stated that, I would choose a Contender in .35 Remington instead. It will be nicer for carry, and is about ideal for the game you mentioned.

SD Handgunner · « **Reply #16 on:** February 14, 2011, 11:55:12 AM »

I realize the desire to have one cartridge / barrel to do it all, but to be honest I am not sure if such a cartridge exists.

I have choosen to go with the Contender myself, I guess old habits die hard. I have a Super 14 .223 for Coyotes and small varmints and a Super 14 7-30 Waters for up to Deer size critters (and I would imagine it would also do the deed on Coyotes). But then I also have two frames also.

Larry

gr8ful · « **Reply #17 on:** February 14, 2011, 12:01:01 PM »

buy either one, it won't matter in 3 months you WILL have to have another barrel anyways! TC's are addictive!

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #18 on:** February 14, 2011, 01:09:50 PM »

The Question of help me pick a T/c Caliber for Deer and Bear is like asking someone to describe something that equals 24.
22+2, 3X8, 2X12, 10+14, 4X6, you get the picture there are many ways to get the right answer. All are correct.
There are many different ways to stick a TC barrel on a frame to shoot Deer out to 200 Yards.
I think wider bullets for bear. Anything 7mm can do 30 calier can do better.
But both have a huge selection of bullets to choose from.
308 Win has the most loaded ammo available with a wide variety of bullets from 125 grain reduced recoil loads and the 125 grain bullet is made for hunting big game to well to and everything from all copper bullets to high tech designs and the old stand bys of Soft point jackets bullets that have been putting venison on the table for over 100 years.

fishtracker · « **Reply #19 on:** February 14, 2011, 06:14:44 PM »

Thanks for all of the replies. Yea, there are a lot of calibers out there that will do what I want. I just have to sit down and determine what bullets/loads make the most sense, and go for it.

Gr8ful - You are wrong. Probably 1 month. Already looking at 410 barrels.

Now, I have to determine what frame material to get. Encore Pro Hunter with Syn grips, and a MGM barrel. I have started another thread to see if anyone has experience with the matte finish with either a blue or ss frame. Chime in if you wish.

gr8ful · « **Reply #20 on:** February 15, 2011, 04:57:29 AM »

Too funny..I have a Blued Gen 1 contender and a SS encore, I like my contender better, just because it fits my hand just a little better. The reach to the trigger is just a bit too long on the encore. In my opinion, though stainless has its obvious benefits, blue steel and walnut just look better to me.