Encore 20 gauge barrel replacement for whitetail

[KTP]

In Ohio we can only hunt whitetail with a shotgun or straight wall cartridge like a 350 Legend etc. Anyway, I have a rifled 20 gauge barrel on my Encore that I would like to replace with a barrel in a straight wall rifle caliber. Any suggestions? Shots will be 200 yards at the furthest.

 

[Berrnard]

350L is all the rage for us now and shoots well. I want the 400L, it is superior to the 350 in every way but there is little support compared to the 350(guns-there are many makes and models for the 350, 400 there are only a couple and i think we are 3 years out since the cartridge came out) and factory ammo-currently and for the last year winchester makes 2 loads for the 400...thats it, not to mention reloading supplies non existent for the 400). But my dad just bought a 400 in a savage and there is a ruger im eyeing.
so getting that off my chest, to your question. i assume theres a 350 barrel out there but prolly not a 400. the 350 has a big following so far for us straight wall folks and you will have no issue getting supplies.

 

[pgothro]

I know EABCO has both because I have been looking at and reviewing what I want. Certainly available for Encore at MGM and BellemTC's. I have narrowed it to .375 Winchester, 360 Buckhammer, 350 Legend, or 400 Legend. I will be reloading so that will be the main factor I consider.

 

[Berrnard]

I know EABCO has both because I have been looking at and reviewing what I want. Certainly available for Encore at MGM and BellemTC's. I have narrowed it to .375 Winchester, 360 Buckhammer, 350 Legend, or 400 Legend. I will be reloading so that will be the main factor I consider.

if reloading is put in there, 350 for sure. ample supplies already and im sure it'll grow more. even hammer has a couple pills for the 350. the 360 and 400 look so good on paper but it has just not taken off.
imo, winchester put all its marketing behind the 350. then the enigineers made the 400 and winchester was like, ehh we need to market other stuff, sorry. with the 360 it seemed to come out during the bankruptcy/buyout thing so that may be a big factor.

 

[Buttermilk]

Me, personally, I might take a long hard look at the 450 Bushmaster. Appears to be a good 250 yard sledgehammer.

 

[Rosebud]

45-70 is always a good option. Hits like Thor"s hammer in modern rifles. 444 Marlin will still work. These are not the cartridge that is new kid on the block, but look at the power of both compared to the latest on the market.