Well I have custom shop barrels in .270win & .338win. Looking to add a small bore barrel. Looking for 22"-24" (depending on caliber), in a standard taper (.7 at muzzle)
Calibers in mind:
.243win
6mm Rem
.257 Roberts
.25-06 rem

Will be mostly used for Eastern whitetail at sub 200 yard range. (and Occational Ground hogs)
Will be shooting factory ammo, for a while.
Any recomendations??

I just got a 257 Robt's AI in a 15" encore barrel from VVCG's this year. I have found it to be excellent to shoot so far. It would be real cool in a full length carbine barrel. So far it hasn't been shot at any game but I an hopeful for this year. Good luck no matter what you choose.
Rich Jake

Mark,

I'm partial to the 6mm's myself. My choices for the Encore would be .243Win AI or 6mm BR.

Mark,

I gotta agree with Dalton on this one - use the 270 on deer (and don't look back). I have a hard time combining "Small bore" and "Big game"....

Out of the 4 you mentioned, take your pick - I don't see a significant difference between any of them. For a true "small bore", I say 223 Rem....

Just my opinion,

Bill

Under 200 yds. why go with a small bullet. I'm thinking 358 Win or something similar. 35 Rem???

How well does the .243 preform with a short barrel?? (20-22")