low recoil hunting rifle build for the wife. (SOLVED*)
- Thread starter bjones97
- Start date
HaHaHa - 243 Win.?!
50 years ago this was touted as the cartridge for Women and Children. That's when men only shot Long Action Cartridges at rabbits, whitetail, and everything else. Aside from a heavier bullet, a .243 and .308 effectively use the same case with same amount of powder resulting in pretty much the same recoil range. I am a huge .243 Win fan, but this is not what I would consider a meaningful reduction in recoil. My opinion also carries over to all things Creedmoor (6.5mm, 6mm, 22CM), which are all effectively in same class as .308 in size and recoil.
I own and routinely shoot most of the cartridges that have been mentioned. The advances in bullet technology and cartridge design have significantly leveled the field, especially under 400 yards. There are some great suggestions in the "micro-calibers" that definitely meet your needs. With the best part being the optionality of either a bolt rifle or in a AR15. Aside from the reduced recoil, stepping into a micro-caliber has some other advantages, including a lighter compact rifle setup and ability to utilize a mini-bolt action for smaller framed shooters. Wife will be more willing to shoot / practice with rifle that she isn't afraid of.
Based on the (1) accuracy, (2) knock-down power at 200 yards, (3) whitetail sized game, and (4) I'd also consider ability to walk into a store and easily find ammo, the best option is the 6.5 Grendel, which will throw a 123gr gr SST at 2,500fps. Another Grendel variant, 6ARC, would also do fine but it is handicapped by lack of readily available ammo on the shelf at you local store for the foreseeable future (probably 12-18 mos).
If you want a .30 cal. cartridge then I would pick the 300HAM'R. I have killed plenty of hogs with 300BO, but it would not be my choice if 200 yards is a possibility. The 300HAM'R, which provides an additional 300-400 fps over the 300BO, and has similar performance as the 6.5 Grendel. I'll load up a couple of photos for comparison.
I think any cartridge utilizing a .22 cal. bullet is the most challenging. Small diameter and lighter bullet weight means shot placement becomes everything with narrow window of forgiveness. There are better cartridges that fit within your guidelines. If you really want to use the .223 case then a 6x45 or 6TCU.
50 years ago this was touted as the cartridge for Women and Children. That's when men only shot Long Action Cartridges at rabbits, whitetail, and everything else. Aside from a heavier bullet, a .243 and .308 effectively use the same case with same amount of powder resulting in pretty much the same recoil range. I am a huge .243 Win fan, but this is not what I would consider a meaningful reduction in recoil. My opinion also carries over to all things Creedmoor (6.5mm, 6mm, 22CM), which are all effectively in same class as .308 in size and recoil.
I own and routinely shoot most of the cartridges that have been mentioned. The advances in bullet technology and cartridge design have significantly leveled the field, especially under 400 yards. There are some great suggestions in the "micro-calibers" that definitely meet your needs. With the best part being the optionality of either a bolt rifle or in a AR15. Aside from the reduced recoil, stepping into a micro-caliber has some other advantages, including a lighter compact rifle setup and ability to utilize a mini-bolt action for smaller framed shooters. Wife will be more willing to shoot / practice with rifle that she isn't afraid of.
Based on the (1) accuracy, (2) knock-down power at 200 yards, (3) whitetail sized game, and (4) I'd also consider ability to walk into a store and easily find ammo, the best option is the 6.5 Grendel, which will throw a 123gr gr SST at 2,500fps. Another Grendel variant, 6ARC, would also do fine but it is handicapped by lack of readily available ammo on the shelf at you local store for the foreseeable future (probably 12-18 mos).
If you want a .30 cal. cartridge then I would pick the 300HAM'R. I have killed plenty of hogs with 300BO, but it would not be my choice if 200 yards is a possibility. The 300HAM'R, which provides an additional 300-400 fps over the 300BO, and has similar performance as the 6.5 Grendel. I'll load up a couple of photos for comparison.
I think any cartridge utilizing a .22 cal. bullet is the most challenging. Small diameter and lighter bullet weight means shot placement becomes everything with narrow window of forgiveness. There are better cartridges that fit within your guidelines. If you really want to use the .223 case then a 6x45 or 6TCU.
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In preparation for a hunting trip last month, I confirmed zero on a couple of rifles. Keep in mind that this is at 50 yards shooting off a Caldwell Green Bag... nothing fancy.
This is me confirming my 6.5 Grendel (Howa mini-1500 bolt rifle with factory barrel). There are three different groups (each of which has 3 shots) as I adjust my scope. First group is the right side.... adjusted the scope 2 clicks left for next group and then did final adjustment back 1 click and up 1 click (center middle group).
This is my 300HAM'R (Wilson Combat 16" barrel) using .223 converterd case in an AR15. This is a 15 shot group having fun emptying a magazine . Again, Caldwell bag and definitely a flyer from me.
This is me confirming my 6.5 Grendel (Howa mini-1500 bolt rifle with factory barrel). There are three different groups (each of which has 3 shots) as I adjust my scope. First group is the right side.... adjusted the scope 2 clicks left for next group and then did final adjustment back 1 click and up 1 click (center middle group).
This is my 300HAM'R (Wilson Combat 16" barrel) using .223 converterd case in an AR15. This is a 15 shot group having fun emptying a magazine . Again, Caldwell bag and definitely a flyer from me.
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243 Win - problem solved. Anyone who claims it is inadequate for deer has either never hunted with it or can't place a shot properly.
Yes, you may have to buy a new rifle, but you do not need a tack driver. The various economy brand rifles will do the job quite nicely.
A straight 4X scope is all you need for deer at the distances you posted and will enable her to get on target easily and aid in her managing trigger control since the arc of movement will not be so noticeable. Keep it as simple and basic as possible.
One of the most important issues is custom mounting the scope to match her natural hold. Scope height should be such that she will have proper cheek weld. Also mount at the proper eye relief for a clear field of view. When she shoulders the rifle, the scope should naturally sight on the target without her having to move her head around to find the optimum position.
Yes, you may have to buy a new rifle, but you do not need a tack driver. The various economy brand rifles will do the job quite nicely.
A straight 4X scope is all you need for deer at the distances you posted and will enable her to get on target easily and aid in her managing trigger control since the arc of movement will not be so noticeable. Keep it as simple and basic as possible.
One of the most important issues is custom mounting the scope to match her natural hold. Scope height should be such that she will have proper cheek weld. Also mount at the proper eye relief for a clear field of view. When she shoulders the rifle, the scope should naturally sight on the target without her having to move her head around to find the optimum position.
My Savage lightweight 6.5CM with a 20" barrel has very little recoil. I shoot 85gr Hammer Hunters in it using Winchester StaBall MATCH powder. I'm getting over 3400 fps at the muzzle. Pretty sure I could fire that rifle standing with one hand.
Find a 6.5CM with a threaded barrel for a brake and you will end up with a platform with very little recoil.
Find a 6.5CM with a threaded barrel for a brake and you will end up with a platform with very little recoil.
I usually use a Tikka in 260 Remington for deer. There’s a bit of recoil with the 120 gr bullets I use, but recoil with the 100 gr bullets is pretty light. Neither are even close to 308 recoil. So, a 6.5 CM with 100 gr bullets would probably be fine for the wife, recoil wise. For hogs, if I didn’t have the 260, I carried the 223 AR, which finally convinced me that it just wasn’t enough for hogs. So, I got a 6.5 Grendel upper, and I am very pleased with it. Very little recoil. Very effective on the hogs. I use the normally available Hornady 123 gr SSTs. And, if a bolt gun would be her choice, CZ makes a good one.
Skedaddle Shooter
Gold $$ Contributor
I think you should give the 260 Remington a look. Not a lot of fancy marketing around it but it’s a great cartridge for smaller folks or anyone who is recoils shy. I have shot a Ackley version for years and taken several Mule Deer and Antelope with it out to 450 yards using a 140 grain Berger.
Without knowing the details about how far you expect your wife to hike/walk to hunt, I’m going to assume that the weight of the rifle you want for her will be about 8 lbs. I had some serious neck issues at one point, and hunted very successfully with .243 and killed pigs, deer, coyotes and groundhogs without any recoil worry. When I got a chance to go on an elk hunt with a good friend, I knew I’d need a lighter rifle for the amount of hiking I was expecting. After alot of consultation with my gunsmith, I ended up cobbling together a 7 1/2 lb 25-06. I‘ve always had a 25-06 on hand, but they were usually heavy 10-11lbs and setup for varmint hunting. The light 25-06 quickly became my favorite because of the combination of weight and low recoil, and while my neck issues have healed…I will never get rid of that rifle because of how excellently it performs when I am truly recoil sensitive.
Today, give the same situation, I’d be looking for a light Tikka in 25-06. Maybe not as sexy as some of the newer marketed cartridges, but well proven for the application that you’ve described, and common enough that you can usually find deer worthy ammo on most shelves in a pinch, however hand loads will really allow you to really tweak for the rifle and your wife’s recoil sensitivity. I am biased…my field experience has proven to me that for a deer cartridge…up to elk.. the 25-06 can be a fantastic choice for the recoil sensitive.
FWIW,
MQ1
Today, give the same situation, I’d be looking for a light Tikka in 25-06. Maybe not as sexy as some of the newer marketed cartridges, but well proven for the application that you’ve described, and common enough that you can usually find deer worthy ammo on most shelves in a pinch, however hand loads will really allow you to really tweak for the rifle and your wife’s recoil sensitivity. I am biased…my field experience has proven to me that for a deer cartridge…up to elk.. the 25-06 can be a fantastic choice for the recoil sensitive.
FWIW,
MQ1
^ ^ ^ ^
Guilty - I was over-simplifying. There is difference in 308 and 243 recoil, but both are significant for someone who is sensitive to it. My 80yo mother who drives a Honda doesn’t make a distinction between a Mustang GT or a Porsche…. Acceleration in both will result in “Slow Down!!! Are you trying to give me a heart attack?!”
I just try to respond to OP’s request for cartridge for wife who is recoil sensitive, and not what I personally prefer for me.
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6.5 Grendel. My youngest daughter started shooting it at 10 yrs. Plenty of thump for whitetail, no recoil to speak of, I'd call it an honest 300 yd deer cartridge.
IMO 243 is the easy button - a good 85 to 95 gr bullet will do what you are looking for easily. I have used a 243 since the 70's and have not had any issues even at distances further than you are looking at.
It also justifys a new gun - a "win-win" for you.
For eye-opening comparison go to JBM ballistics and run the data - it will provide recoil levels so you can do comparisons of the different cartridges. It takes a bit of time to do but it is winter after all and gives a good excuse to stay inside where it is warm.
drover
Had not considered 24 Nosler. I suppose if it were to go obsolete it wouldn't matter to a hand loader anyways!
I'll look into it. Thanks!
I'm not sure if that was in reference to my post or a comment. I think 7mm-08 is pretty darn close to 308 recoil wise. but .243 is like a love pat hardly any.
I'll look at that JBM Ballistics. thanks for the advice!
It was not. It was inrefernxe to a comment about a .243 recoil being the same as a .308. And also somone saying a .243 Isn’t enough power to take a deer.
After reading all these posts I believe there is too much focus on theories, ballistic charts, and energy tables non-sense. A simple issue is being magnified into a complex problem.
The OP's requirements were for a low recoil rifle reliable out to 200 yards on deer.
Low recoil is the key element here along with the distance. Any big game cartridge at that distance will work for deer in the hands of a capable hunter / rifleman. This is a silly debate, they all work: a 30 caliber whatever, 6.5 whatever, 260, 257, 270, 243, etc. How many degrees of dead are there for a deer, dead is dead.
If you gut shoot a deer with 7mm magnum, chances are you will either not recover the deer or have a difficult time finding it; it can run a long way. I've seen it. It's about shot placement.
I cannot comment on a 223 Rem for deer since I have never shot one with that caliber, but it fits the low recoil element. But so does the 243 Win which was designed as a dual-purpose cartridge (deer/varmints) and a low recoil option for deer. It has a proven track record on deer among those experienced with it. I know, I've shooting and hunting with one since the mid 60's. I never lost a deer to it. Oh, I missed a few but never lost one that I hit.
The OP's requirements were for a low recoil rifle reliable out to 200 yards on deer.
Low recoil is the key element here along with the distance. Any big game cartridge at that distance will work for deer in the hands of a capable hunter / rifleman. This is a silly debate, they all work: a 30 caliber whatever, 6.5 whatever, 260, 257, 270, 243, etc. How many degrees of dead are there for a deer, dead is dead.
If you gut shoot a deer with 7mm magnum, chances are you will either not recover the deer or have a difficult time finding it; it can run a long way. I've seen it. It's about shot placement.
I cannot comment on a 223 Rem for deer since I have never shot one with that caliber, but it fits the low recoil element. But so does the 243 Win which was designed as a dual-purpose cartridge (deer/varmints) and a low recoil option for deer. It has a proven track record on deer among those experienced with it. I know, I've shooting and hunting with one since the mid 60's. I never lost a deer to it. Oh, I missed a few but never lost one that I hit.
10XSHOOTER
Gold $$ Contributor
6.5 Needmoor, or .260 Lets in more light that a .22 or 6mm. And put a good brake on it for her!
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