Have a friend that wants to start deer hunting and short range target shooting, he asked what caliber rifle he should get. All ammo will be purchased. The last 2 years about the only ammo you could consistantly buy was 308, it seemed to be everywhere. So choices would be a bolt action 308, 6.5 creedmoor, 270, 30-06, 7mm-08 (not the easy to find ammo). Being a new shooter (fairly big guy) do you think the 308 would recoil to hard and what do you suggest.
Rifle caliber suggestions for adult new shooter
- Thread starter RAM2940
- Start date
Coyotefurharvester
Silver $$ Contributor
I've seen some big guys complain about recoil, because they didn't know how to get positioned behind the rifle. When the rifle strikes a cheek bone, or a bicep size doesn't matter. Show him how before he shoots.
6.5 Creedmoor
Being from VA, a .308 will take any game you have available with room to spare. Ammunition is usually
available in a number of different weights and there is more data than he could ever digested if he should decide to reload. Do not be fooled by all the new choices, a 308 will take most game you will ever ever shoot and is the easy button with very few concerns for the future
308 should do everything you need and there should be oodles and oodles of ammo choices for it, if you want more oomf for hunting the mighty 300and6 is right there but there is nothing wrong with the old 308 and the deer won't know if the 168gr bullet was shot out of a 308 or 30.06 but the new hunter will know the difference in recoil.
Downeast
Gold $$ Contributor
I would go with the .308 as ammo is readily available. Recoil is mostly a state of mind until you get into the magnums or shoot a very light rifle (featherweight or mountain rifles). Stock ergonomics play a crucial role in recoil too. Physics is physics and all you can do is direct recoil by the shape of the stock (and pads) or add weight to the rifle.
Let him pick it out. Then when the recoil pops him ,he cant blame you. Doug
For deer hunting, there are a variety of calibers that will work quite well, including the terrific 308 Win. However, in a sporter (hunting) weight rifle, the recoil of a 308 can be bothersome for target shooting especially off the bench for a new shooter. Barrel life is quite long for this caliber so as a dual-purpose rifle (hunting and target shooting), it will be quite adequate IF the shooter can handle the recoil. There are reduced factory load available that could be used for target shooting to minimize the recoil, I just don't know how accurate they are for target shooting.
However, this would not be my first choice for a new shooter wanting a dual-purpose cartridge. I would opt for a 243 Win. Recoil is mild, factory ammo is abundant, and this caliber is quite adequate for white tail deer. The only downside is that barrel life can be shorter, but this can be minimized by limiting sustained shot sequences while target shooting, i.e., shooting out of a hot barrel.
Another good option would be the 6.5 Creedmoor. A better cartridge for deer but with increased recoil but still manageable. Factory ammo seems to be abundant. Nothing wrong with the 7mm-08 except factory ammo may be difficult to find.
I definitely would not recommend the great 30-06 or 270 as a target cartridge in a sporter weight barrel because of the recoil. These cartridges are premier big game hunting cartridges.
However, this would not be my first choice for a new shooter wanting a dual-purpose cartridge. I would opt for a 243 Win. Recoil is mild, factory ammo is abundant, and this caliber is quite adequate for white tail deer. The only downside is that barrel life can be shorter, but this can be minimized by limiting sustained shot sequences while target shooting, i.e., shooting out of a hot barrel.
Another good option would be the 6.5 Creedmoor. A better cartridge for deer but with increased recoil but still manageable. Factory ammo seems to be abundant. Nothing wrong with the 7mm-08 except factory ammo may be difficult to find.
I definitely would not recommend the great 30-06 or 270 as a target cartridge in a sporter weight barrel because of the recoil. These cartridges are premier big game hunting cartridges.
Bat Rastard
Gold $$ Contributor
Grendel?
A man after my own heart… Where’s the love for the not so vouge 6.5x47, 260 etc. Nonetheless, I think the 6.5CM is the answer in this instance.
hogpatrol
Gold $$ Contributor
Ah, a kindred soul. I have two 6.5x47s, down from three. Alas, the 6.5x47 was never meant to be the Coca-Cola of cartridges.
I bought one,. a Tikka T-3, SS, 24 inch, in 6.5 Creed, to replace the Tikka .243 Win that I gave to, my grandson.
Best decision I've made for, Deer / Antelope and Steel Fun !
A very Accurate and LOW Recoil, Sub 8 pound Rifle with, ALL the Hornady Bullets in, 123, 130 and 140 grain, ELD-M's for, Play and the "Tougher", 143 grain, ELD-X's for,.. Game.
I'd even use it, on an Elk to about,.. 500 Yards,.. IF, my other Elk Rifle wasn't, available.
I was, a Creedmoor "Hater" a few Years ago ! Even us Old guys, can change our Minds, IF the Product IS,..
"Good enough"
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There’s a rather crude phrase for what the 6.5CM has become but I shall refrain from saying it on here!
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