Muzzleloadernut Posted October 13, 2011 Report Share Posted October 13, 2011 Hi Guys, I am seriously considering buying a T/C Encore Pistol for deer hunting next year. I have killed deer with bow,shotgun and rifle. I want to try a new challenge. Here is Ohio we are limited to a .357 or larger round with a straight walled cartridge. No necked down rifle cartridges. I plan on buying a 15" barrel and fit it with a 2x7 scope. My question is which caliber would you recommend between these. .44Mag, 45-70 GVT, 460 S&W, 500 S&W. I will mostly be hunting open timber and field edges. I would like the capability to shoot 100+yds. I also plan on buying a .22 barrel so I can practice all sumer shooting the frame without burning up high$$ ammo. Thanks!! Anthony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muzzleloadernut Posted October 14, 2011 Author Report Share Posted October 14, 2011 I am now down to choosing between the .44mag and the .45-70 due to the availability of ammo. The .45-70 may be a better long range cartridge. I also have the ability to handload my own ammo. Is there not anyone else out here hunting with a T/C pistol? Anthony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m gardner Posted October 17, 2011 Report Share Posted October 17, 2011 The best straight wall cartridge I had in my TC was a 357 maximum. Google Mike Bellm. He is a gunsmith that specializes in TC's and has lots of free info as well as barrels. Here's his website. www.bellmtcs.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muzzleloadernut Posted October 23, 2011 Author Report Share Posted October 23, 2011 Thanks for the tips, I will check his site out. Anthony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LETMGROW Posted October 26, 2011 Report Share Posted October 26, 2011 Of the choices you listed as useable I think I would go with the .44 Mag. The bullet choices are nearly unlimited and probably less expensive than the others. This is something to consider even if you plan to reload. Seems as though Ohio likes slow fire power. I have a Contender in .35 Rem. which is a true tack driver out to 200 yds. Of your selections the .44 would likely have the least recoil. This usually results in more confident shots and or follow up shots. I had a Ruger .44 Mag. autoloader rifle which shot quite well but I didn't attempt to take game out over 125 Yds. Shots dropped off rather quickly. I'm not sure how a 15" barrel would compare with a 20" barrel. I'd guess 100 Yds. would be the max. effective range in the Encore. I'd like to see some other Ohio hunters offer their input. I bought my Contender to use in the shotgun and handgun only area in my state where I leased land through a club. Shortly afterward, laws were changed which allowed saboted bullets and rifled barrels in shotguns. While I took the Contender along on trips, I just could not let go of my 1100 with the Hastings barrel. Never did take a deer with the Contender. Maybe I'll get her out and take one with her this year. Kinda got the fires burning again. Good Luck, Lynn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toddyboman Posted October 26, 2011 Report Share Posted October 26, 2011 My dad has hunted with his Ruger 44 mag. Not exactly what you are taking about but we have shot oil jugs with it at 75 to 100 yards with little to no problems. However longest shot at a deer he has ever had or taken was 50-60 yards. Old doe didn't make it far after he shot her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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