I was looking over my Encore barrel collection...

Rob's barrels are a real steal of a deal! The .280 is tempting for sure, but I've many irons in the fire.

For my Encore I have the big thumpers on the .50AK or .348 Case. The .50 AK is easier to make from but end up a little shorter, no trimming. I lucked into a big bag of .348's myself.

I have in order; (.327 Federal, but that's another tale) .416 GNR, .440 GNR, .476 GNR. The latter two are the most fun as you can use .44 Magnum or .480/.475 handgun bullets quite effectively. The .416 is a replica of the gun Dr. Firman used to take Elephant, I just wanted it. Bullets are all top end quality and expensive, usually 350 or 400 gr. The .440 GNR is fantastic if you have a cashe of too heavy .44 Magnum bullets you need to get rid of. It is a little hampered by no true big game "rifle" type bullets readily available. I always wanted to order some Woodleigh lead core bullets for the .425 Westley Richards (.0.435") and size the jacketed slugs down slightly to 0.430". Alas my Grizzly Bear plans are a ways off and I have little other use for a 410 gr. projectiles that cost about $2 each. The .476 I actually have some 500 gr. Nitro projectiles but have not yet felt lead to abuse myself with recoil. For now Trail Boss and .475 Linebaugh cast bullets are a useful delight. I do desire ONE MORE thumper in the future, a .50 AK. Not an exercise in masochism, but practicality. It will also shoot .50 Special, .510 GNR, .500 Linebaugh, .500 Maximum. I really need one pretty soon.

This leaves room for a long range Encore handgun rig. Rob's .280 is fantastic here, zero recoil with a braked barrel. However I like a long range rig with 200 gr. bullets. I'm still in love with the.338 GNR but might be temped to try the 8mm GNR Sean likes so well. You ca go to even 125 gr. factory bullets up to 225 gr. A nice spread and they are smaller enough from my .378 GNR FA rounds not to mistake at a glance. Roman has a 7mm-08 tube himself so he's set for a nice long range handgun or carbine rig there. If HE goes to Africa with me that might be in the larder for sure.

That's where I am with the Encore. Revisiting an Africa trip one day and seeing Doug's choices. I'd take my .416 rifle, the FA 2008 in .378 GNR and maybe a suitable Encore rig. My 9-1/2" barrel .429 GNR revolver would be in the hunt but it has some naked ladies on it. Visions of a customs debacle in a Muslim country would keep me from trying. I'm certain it could be a prized seizure.

My G2/Contender collection is a bit the opposite. I can use a "thumper" in the line. I do have a Lovely Wildcat .35 a friend sent my way, but you know. The little .41 GNR will do about anything as Gary has proved to anyone that will actually listen. I've been really Jones'in for a .400 GNR with a brake. If I were not as practical/scared I'd have Gary re-barrel my .375 M94, but I got it from Puffy long ago. I'll get to it all.....

The .338 GNR and test mule scope destined for use until destruction (to save my "good" scope). The bullets are Hornady 200 gr. testing prior for a past Blackbuck hunt.