looking for a old man's rifle

[jmkasza]

I think picking the right type of rifle would be a crucial decision. Too lightweight and it will erase the gains of going to a lighter recoiling cartridge. My experience with the Tikka T3 lite in 308 is the recoil being real similar to my Ruger Mk II 30-06 (much more enjoyable to carry though).

Like others have said the 243 or 6 ARC in a sporter series would be real nice. My 6 ARC is a little on the heavier side for a hunting rifle and the recoil is very very low.

 

[rjtfroggy]

All the rifle and cartridge suggestions are great, but has everyone forgotten the stress involved in hunting. The walk in, the set up, the adrenaline rush when game approaches. Then the drag out and everything involved that comes after the shot.
My concern would be the stress on the body after the shot has been made.
I don't know about you guys, but my health would be my main concern, and I don't think I would risk it.

 

[choprzrul]

90gr bullet from a 257 Roberts in a 10lb rifle with a muzzle brake will have next to zero recoil IMHO

M700 + Trijicon Credo 2.5-15x42 + Caldwell bipod + muzzle brake should come in right about 10lbs.

Using JBM's recoil calculator for the 90gr AH going 3500 fps from a 257 Roberts, I get 8.8lbs of recoil. Subtract let's say 35% for muzzle brake reduction and you get 5.72lbs of recoil. Pretty darn mild considering bullet performance.

 

[Leo_B]

Interesting. That one gives 8.8lbs recoil. I put the same data 90gr/3500fps/45gr/10# and get 11.1lbs in this one. https://bisonballistics.com/calculators/recoil

 

[Lefty2506]

What kind of deer are we talking about? Mule deer in Canada, or white tail in Florida? Big difference. I live and deer hunt in Indiana. Our mature bucks will field dress over 200 lbs, with the true monsters being in the +220lb range. I have a 167" on the wall that dressed out just a little over 225. I use a 6.5 Grendel in a 24" upper and push a 105Gr MKZ at around 2800 fps. I've shot bucks out to 300 yards with it that were quartering away pretty heavy, and still gotten an exit wound (over 30" on one at that range). I never thought such a light bullet would do that, but they are super accurate, high BC, and expand well. I took it out west and shot prairie dogs out to 700 yds with it. If you put a hole through both lungs, a white tail won't last long. If it exits, you'll have a pretty good blood trail so long as you didn't to something to the heart that prevents it from building any pressure (blew the front half off with my muzzle loader one year, no blood trail, buck ran 75yds across a picked cornfield before going into a death spiral). If something like a Grendel, or a 6.8 SPC just isn't enough, I can also speak for a 25-06, but make sure you use a tough bullet. I shot that 167" with a 115gr NBT because it was the most accurate rifle/load combo I've ever shot (bug holes at 200 yds). The bullet did the job, but didn't penetrate as much as I really would have wanted so I switched to a 100gr TSX that was "accurate enough". Haven't seen much about it yet, but the 25 Creedmoor should be another deer laser. I'd give it another year though. I imagine that it's really hard to find ammo and brass for right now.

 

[std7mag]

@Lefty2506,

The OP is from the Thousand Lake area. So not far from the Canadian border.

Even here in PA, the drag out can be a real son of a, well you know.

As I said, I would take the year off. I know the OP doesn't necessarily want to hear that, but reality being what it is.

 

[wywindsor]

Caliber is one thing recoil another. Both have been suggested with recoil posted. there are other ways to reduce recoil. Look up hodgens light recoil or reduced loads. Another is a lead sled if your in a box blind. I'm not sure on a break do to the external recoil that might shock something unwanted. A suppressor would be best IMO if you have one or can go with someone who does. They have to be present. My 2 cents

 

[Jrjones]

270 w 110gr bullets.

 

[slm9s]

GET A SUPPRESSOR and put it on a 243, 243AI, or 6Creed. They make a huge difference. Guys on rokslide are killing moose and elk with 22 cal bullets, 24 cal will be plenty for deer.

 

[pertnear]

Here is my "ol-man" rifle I built 7 years back in 6.8mm SPC. In Texas we have the "Hill Country" & then there is "South Texas" brush country. The HC is prolific with smaller deer (wt <120lb). The ST are much bigger (wt <200lb). I hunt with the 6.8 for HC & .270 for ST. Did I mention I'm a big fan of the .277 cal?

 

[Webster]

Had open heart a few weeks ago. With deer season coming up in a couple of weeks I know I can't shoot my ol 7mm mag. [It reached out to 400 yds nicely] So I guess i'm looking for a rifle with less recoil. One that won't kill on both ends. Ideas?

I had open heart surgery too. It takes 2-3 months for the breast bone to heal. They saw it in half. Talk to your surgeon or cardiologist.

 

[Short Round]

Covering many of the suggestions already made and several not yet presented. Hopefully it pastes politely. And 7mm Rem Mag adds numbers 23.15 13.32 163 2937
I had a .25-06 back in the day and didn't like the recoil. I've arbitrarily set my upper limit at the .243 possibly and the .22-250 and below as definite suspects. But I don't hunt, only enjoy myself at the range. In the lesser recoilers are a few of the new hot properties, .350 Legend, .204 Ruger, 6.5 Grendel and .300 Blackout. Those should all receive medical approval I'd think. Again, good luck.

Cartridge	Free Recoil Energy (Ft-lbs)	Recoil Velocity (FPS)	Avg Bullet Weight (Grains)	Avg Muzzle Velocity (FPS)
7mm-08 Remington	14.88	10.68	160	2,672
6.5-284 Norma Match	14.48	10.56	143	2,782
7mm Mauser	13.24	10.07	160	2,565
.25-06 Remington	12.69	9.92	111	2,988
.260 Remington	12.56	9.83	143	2,673
.240 Weatherby Magnum	12.06	9.7	101	3,063
6.5 Creedmoor	11.87	9.56	138	2,695
6.5 x 55 Swedish Mauser	10.9	9.16	139	2,532
6mm Creedmoor	10.89	9.22	105	3,022
6mm Remington	10.36	8.99	103	2,919
.30-30 Winchester	9.97	8.58	163	2,320
.243 Winchester	9.22	8.48	103	2,922
.22 Creedmoor	9.15	8.6	65	3,500
.220 Swift	8.54	8.3	55	3,794
.22-250	7.73	7.9	60	3,515
7.62 x 39mm	7.11	7.24	137	2,303
.350 Legend	7.08	6.61	173	2,231
6mm BR	6.92	7.35	85	3,011
6.8 Remington SPC	6.79	7.22	110	2,579
.22 Nosler	6.52	7.25	65	3,342
.204 Ruger	6.18	7.37	38	3,963
6.5 Grendel	6.18	6.89	125	2,283
.224 Valkyrie	5.51	6.67	71	3,095
.223 / 5.56	5.48	6.65	69	3,122
.300 Blackout	4.02	5.45	192	1,530

Nice chart but for deer with a 7-08 I don’t think I have ever seen anyone shooting 160’s. 120-140 grain bullets seem like the sweet spot most settle in to. A 120 would work fine and be pretty flat I would think.

If it were me I’d probably use my dad’s Marlin 336 .30-30. It’s a bit heavy and the recoil with 150’s is quite mild. I’d simply adjust my hunting location to spots on trails deeper in the woods instead of sitting the few long fields and being disappointed at being out of range of the quarry.

 

[Short Round]

My 7-08 is a model 7, the old fly weight 18.5” barrel one. I went from max loads to very mellow loads. I have too many different 140 grain 7mm bullets to switch to 120s any time soon but it’s definitely in consideration.

 

[Short Round]

@Link,

If I were you, I would take this deer season off to recouperate.

Yes, you may find a rifle that you can handle.
But the real work starts when the deer hits the ground.

I'd see if a friend or family member is willing for you to pay for the extra tag and let them shoot the deer.
You can always help with the butchering.

Or go squirrel hunting. They drag nice!

Mmmmm squirrel in gravy with biscuits.

 

[JFrank]

I re barreled my Tikka 308 with a Lilja 4 groove 1/8 twist barrel, used a Dasher reamer and Alpha brass coupled with 105 VLD and Varget powder.
I am super happy with the recoil and accuracy is a real treat at 2950 fps.