In a handgun, I'd go 7x30 in a Contender/G2, better expansion ratio, a 12-12.5" would be my taste, 14 was always too long for me, - the balance. The 6 or 6.5 would be better in a longer bbl like a carbine 18-20" or so IMHO. For an Encore, I'd look hard at 6BR and 6.5 Grendel, for a modest round for hunting to 250-300 yds in a handgun bbl, + 50-100 yds more in a rifle.
Custom handgun - 6.5BR would be a very good one, but the difference between it and the Grendel would be greater in a rifle length bbl.
