which caliber for first deer rifle?

[dan45]

You guys' thoughts on caliber for my 10 yr old sons first deer rifle? I thinkin either .308 or 7mm.08, but I have not shot the 7mm.08. How is it for recoil?
My two older boys both started out with the good old .243, but I've always felt a little more bullet diameter couldn't hurt. I know that the .243 has taken about as many deer as the next cartridge, But I'm thinking I'd like to try ,I mean he might like to try, something a little different. ( I may have to break it in for him, as momma says he can't carry a rifle 'till he's 13, But he can handle my AR almost as well as me). thanks for your opinions, and please give reasons for your choice. thanks, dan

 

[Stillhunter]

I'll give you my .02. I'd go .308 if you're about to buy a new rifle and you already have a .243. It sounds like he might not use it much until he's 13 anyway and if he's handling an ar now and doing well with it, he should be able to handle a .308 at 13 no problem at all. Buy it, and if you think he needs another year or so to grow into it, send him out with a .243 and you hunt with the .308.

I don't think 7-08 is enough of a step up in power if you already have the 243 to justify the cost of another rifle. Cheaper FMJ ammo is available for the .308 for practice and ammo in general is easier to find too.

Thats just what I'd do. Good luck to you and your son.

 

[Kingmarine]

I grew up shooting a 30-30 but didn't understand ballistics at that age and those bullets drop pretty fast. I think a .308 would be a good choice.

 

[dieseltech09]

if hes already good with the AR buy one in 30 remmington. He wont have to learn a new rifle and you'll have a new toy

 

[GlockCop]

With the right loads ( handloads or a good soft point) why not just use the AR. Its all about shot placement.

 

[T.R.]

6.5x55. Modest recoil, accurate, plenty of punch.

 

[Grumulkin]

If you're concerned about recoil, don't go with the 308 Win. since its recoil is about as bad as a 30/06. The 7mm/08 has significantly less recoil.

If I were you, I would go with what worked before; i.e., the 243 Win. It's enough for deer and easier on a kids shoulder than the other two. You could also consider the 25/06 or 270 Win. if you believe a few hundredths of an inch bore diameter makes a big difference.

 

[doctruptwn]

I started with 30/30 but I would say it would depend size of your kid. If they can handle a .270 then that's as good as any. If they are on the smaller size then 30/30 or something simular. The 30/30 is a little more compact than most full size rifles but bigger than typical youth size.

 

[dennishoddy]

I would go with the 30-06.
You can buy the reduced recoil loads for younger shooters, and it will something the kid can grow into. It will easily take any animal in this country.
If you reload, you can build your own low recoil loads.
Will shoot anything from 110 grain varmint loads to 200 grain bone crushers.

I did kind of like the idea of the .30 Rem on the AR platform though..

 

[338Shooter]

For deer in OK I'll take a .243 every day of the week and twice on Sunday.