Does anyone have experience with a 7-08 Encore barrel in the 10inch length? Is it to short? If so how about 12inch.

Dirttracker, I'm shooting a 7-08 in a 10 inch, I'm shooting 120BT about 2150 fps and is quiet pleasant to shoot. You get a fair amount of muzzle flash, but is not enough tube to completely burn the power. Last year I harvest a doe at 189 yds and this year I harvest a doe 215 yds both animal went less than 50 yds before expiring. The only reason that I'm using 10' barrel is because that the only thing I'm allow to use were I'm hunt. If I could ce I will go for the 12� tube, I hope this help.

Luis

It's really inefficient in a 10" barrel and is better served by 14-15" versions. If it is a 10" length you prefer or must have due to regulations, I'd suggest the 7mmBR (if it's a standard TC chambering you are searching for), which is available as a factory offering in the Encore. It will burn less powder and recoil less to give you the same -- perhaps even better -- performance.

The 2150 fps with a 120 grain BT you are shooting is obviously effective. In fact, it's basically what the little 7mm TCU does (app. 2050 fps w/ H335) in a 10" Contender barrel -- and we all know how effective it is on deer out to 175 yards or so.

Bobby, I know that the 7 TCU is a good accurate cartridge I happen to own one. :-) I just like the 7-08 too. You are right, they are very similar on ballistic. The TCU however is a lot more pleasant to shoot and not much muzzle flash to blind you. I think that the 08 in 15" is the way to go. I might get one soon.

Take care Luis