Son's First Hunting Rifle Build Ideas

[BigDMT]

My son will be 10 years old this year and I think it's time to get him shooting a hunting caliber rifle so that he is ready to drop the hammer on big game when he turns 12. He has shot 22 rifles since he was 5 and also has shot my varmint rifles, 22lr handguns, his 410 shotgun and archery. He is one heck of a shot with anything he touches. Much better than Dad was at that age by a long shot

Anyhow, I am trying to plan out a custom build for his first hunting rifle. I was thinking about a fast twist 22 with heavies, but then he will probably be hunting elk as well as deer, so I ruled out 22's. 6mm's are pretty decent, but a little light for elk.

I then thought about the 260 Rem, 7mm-08, or 308 Win. The 260 is a little light, but would work. The 7-08 and 308 would definitely work on elk with the right bullets, but recoil in a lightweight youth rifle may be a little much for a 10 year old, maybe not, not sure really.

Then I came upon a very interesting round that has really piqued my interest. The round I am seriously considering is the 30 TC. It was developed a while back by Hornady for the Thompson Center Icon Rifle. Being a little shorter than the 308 Win, it claims that it can produce faster speeds than the larger 308 Win and match the 30-06 speeds all while producing 15% less felt recoil than the 308 Win. If true, I think we have a winner here. Figure I can form some brass from 308 Win cases, build a load using 155gr Berger Hunting VLD's and head to the range.

Any other suggestions on a first hunting rifle? What do you think about the 30 TC? Sounds like the ultimate youth hunting rifle round to me.

 

[MQ1]

I'm a huge fan of the 25-06. 70-87gr bullets for varminting, and 95-120gr bullets for big game. Plenty of great bullet choices, and you can likely pick up some 100 gr core locks at Wal-Mart in a pinch.

Very little recoil, but will drop an elk with the right bullet and good placement. If you want one load for deer and elk, I'd go for a 115 Partitian and H4350...worked fine this past year for me...deer looked like it got hit by lightening, and the elk just tipped over and died.

Form brass from military 30-06...one pass through a full length die and you are there...

If your boy is a bit recoil shy, load up a bunch of reduced recoil loads with Trail Boss...

If it isn't big enough, the same applies for a 270...but wouldn't that make a great graduation present ? 8)

MQ1

 

[BigDMT]

Yeah the 25-06 is a really good round, but wanting to stick with a short action to cut weight. I might not even do a custom build.

Kind of thinking that instead of a custom build, I might just buy one of the new Ruger American Stainless All Weather rifles in 308 win and set the chamber back to 30 TC. The Ruger American already has the adjustable trigger, good recoil lug system, reliable rotary magazine, low bolt throw, short 22" barrel for lighter weight, and has proven itself to be very accurate out of the box according to reviews. Plus with how quickly it is gaining popularity, I'm sure it will have plenty of aftermarket parts being made for it pretty soon. I can even go with the "Compact" version and get an 18" barrel. All Ruger 308 barrels have a 1 in 10" twist which is ideal as well.

Plus the American weighs in at a mere 6 lbs. Put a scope and sling on it and it might be about 7 to 7.5 lbs. Just right

I know I could just leave it 308, but that's no fun By pulling the barrel off to re-chamber, I can also have the action trued up and lugs lapped.

 

[Webster]

Doesn't faster with less recoil defy the laws of physics? I would consider a 308. When people describe recoil they are looking at near maximum or factory ammo velocity. Everyone wants to shoot the maximum powder charge they think they can get away with. If you hand load you could load 150 gr bullets to around 2500 fps and as he gets older up it to around 2900 fps. Why spent the money on rechambering and truing the action on a hunting rifle that will be used on big game at most likely well under 200 yards. You would have trouble selling a 30 TC if you ever wanted to buy something else. A 308 would be easier to sell than a 25-06.

 

[BoydAllen]

I know that this is not the traditional answer, but get enough cartridge for the job and fit the barrel with a muzzle brake. I would add that hearing protection is available that should be practical in the field. Problem solved.

 

[BigDMT]

I know that this is not the traditional answer, but get enough cartridge for the job and fit the barrel with a muzzle brake. I would add that hearing protection is available that should be practical in the field. Problem solved.

Nope. Never. Will not use a muzzle brake in the field. Especially in the mountains. Been there, done that, absolutely hated it. End of discussion on brakes.

 

[BigDMT]

Doesn't faster with less recoil defy the laws of physics? I would consider a 308. When people describe recoil they are looking at near maximum or factory ammo velocity. Everyone wants to shoot the maximum powder charge they think they can get away with. If you hand load you could load 150 gr bullets to around 2500 fps and as he gets older up it to around 2900 fps. Why spent the money on rechambering and truing the action on a hunting rifle that will be used on big game at most likely well under 200 yards. You would have trouble selling a 30 TC if you ever wanted to buy something else. A 308 would be easier to sell than a 25-06.

Good point, loading the 308 appropriately is probably a better idea. Thanks for that insight.

 

[savagedasher]

Savage youth 308 with a off on break. You can cut the stock two inches an put on a sims pad on.
They sell reduced recoil bullet or you can load your own. The off on break you can put hearing protection on when praticeng an turn it off when hunting. Larry

 

[Erik Cortina]

A .260 will drop an elk easily out to 300 yards (500 loaded to max with a 140 gr bullet and good bullet placement).

Look at ballistic tables. You need 1,500 lbs of energy to kill an elk, a .260 will do that further than you think. 7mm-08 is also a great cartridge but recoil goes up.

My daughter is 10 and she has been hunting since she was 9. She shoots a 6x47 Lapua. She loads (she loads her own) 85 gr. interbonds at 2,800 fps. Recoil is very minimal and she has dropped a deer and a big hog on their tracks.
As she gets older I will increase speed and finally bullet weight, but for now, that's all she needs.

Bullet placement is where it's at.

 

[Raythemanroe]

I had a T/C venture or Ruger American in .243 win in mind for my boy, I ended up with the American not because I thought it was better.. I started out with a Bushnell scope on it and didn't like it so now it has a Burris 4.5-14x which seems better..I think the size and weight of the Ruger will be good for his first center fire

 

[nosualc]

it claims that it can produce faster speeds than the larger 308 Win and match the 30-06 speeds all while producing 15% less felt recoil than the 308 Win.

Sir Isaac Newton would probably call BS on the marketing folks from Hornady/TC. I guess I do too.

I'm in the same boat as you with two sons (12 & 10). I would personally start them with a well made, middleweight 7-08, load them with light bullets at moderate speeds, and have them start shooting. As they get more confident/competent start moving closer to where you need to be with elk.

I am of the same mind on muzzle brakes.

-nosualc

 

[bobinpa]

My nephew was on the small side at age 11-12. My brother bought him a Rem 700 in 308 and I load 125gr Nosler BTs for it. The 125 gr ballistic tips are devastating on whitetail deer and ground hogs and the recoil is noticably less than with a 150 -165 class bullet. The combination just works and the recoil is not bad at all.

 

[MQ1]

If you want a short action look at a .257 Roberts, a 25 Souper, or maybe even a 6.5x47 Lapua. Looking at the energy, as Mr. Cortina mentions, really shows off the performance of these cartridges for hunting..the energy they maintain is impressive when compared to .30 caliber cartridges...

My son is 4, and my daughter is 7' so I'm still in the bb gun and .22 phase

MQ1

 

[BigDMT]

If you want a short action look at a .257 Roberts, a 25 Souper, or maybe even a 6.5x47 Lapua. Looking at the energy, as Mr. Cortina mentions, really shows off the performance of these cartridges for hunting..the energy they maintain is impressive when compared to .30 caliber cartridges...

My son is 4, and my daughter is 7' so I'm still in the bb gun and .22 phase

MQ1

Actually the 257 Roberts is what I used to draw my first blood. Rifle was a Browning Lever action. Shot my first buck, doe, and antelope with that rifle

Very good round, but bullet selection is limited in 25 cal. I like the idea of the bigger 30 cal bullets because in my experience, it just seems that bigger bullets hit animals harder, regardless of actual ballistic energy. For instance, my 6.5 Rem mag with 140gr Berger VLDs holds more energy at longer ranges than my 358 Norma with 225gr Nosler Partitions, but there's a pretty big difference on how an animal reacts to the impact when one of those big ol' 225gr pills plows into them.

 

[effendude]

I have been down this road a few times with the kids, but I never built a custom rifle for the kids unless you ask the wife... ;D
A couple points to consider would be getting a 12 year old off with the right attitude.

Not many 12 year old kids with little to no experience hunting should be shooting at big game animals at longer distances. I would suggest 100 yards on deer and maybe 200 on elk sixed game. Go home empty handed before you allow them to start slinging bullets at longer distances with no experience shooting at game. Many things can go wrong and losing an animal would be a bad way to start.

Sincle you reload, you can load light bullets for practice and then load heavier bullets for hunting. I promise you when they do shoot at a deer or elk they won't notice the recoil!

Any of the suggested cartridges will work on deer and maybe elk at reasonable distances with good shot placement. I would also suggest the .284 Win as a consideration. Light loads for practice, and a decent heavier bullet selection for elk too. It could be done in a short action.

I would also consider a brake. I hope we have learned from our mistakes and have kids wearing ear protection, even when hunting. Electronic muffs and some of the newer plugs allow normal hearing but protect against loud noises.

Good Luck,
Scott

 

[savagedasher]

With a youth first thing that must be addressed is weight and recoil. Stock pull must be adjusted first. Weight must be kept as light as they can hold. So scopes must be addressed. Eye relief and weight. Recoil pads is a must along with a brake. Managed recoil load is a must. Nothing will spoil a new shooter more then recoil.
Wounding and not getting the animal is not for children also.
I feel a 308 is the best. A 110 GR bullet 308 at 2200 FPS will have less recoil. The chance of loosing the animal is far less with a 308. Go Rifle Recoil Table By Chuck Hawks. Larry

 

[BigDMT]

Thanks Scott. His effective hunting range will be determined after 2 1/2 years of practice at the range shooting from field positions. Plan on taking him gopher hunting as well which really hones a persons shooting form, trigger pull, and follow through on shots. He is already a phenomenal shot with anything he touches. If he can consistently hit targets under pressure at 500 yards, then tha will be his range. If he can only manage consistent hits at 100-200 yards, then thats where I will limit him. But that is all TBD right now. Not everyone has the same ability. With plenty of time to practice and get him familiar with the new rifle we will know fully well what ranges he can take game ethically when it comes time to hunt.


For everyone: Please, no more input on muzzle brakes. He will NOT have one. Period.

 

[effendude]

BigD,
You have the right attitude. Keep us posted.
Scott

 

[dan06]

I would have to vote for a .260 remington or 6.5X55 buy/build a mountian type rifle and load it up with sierra 85gr bullets to practice with. After he is use to it use some heavier better constructed bullets to hunt with. Great starter round that I (after 50 years) wouldn't feel under gunned with now.

 

[Valar]

I just finished a ar 15 in 6.5 grendel did load workups very accurate with 123 grn Hornady sst. 123 grain Lapuas stay supersonic to 1200 yards. This is a very stable round. Nice thing is stocks are adjustable. So as he grows the gun still fits. The 6.5 fits a standard ar 15 lower, and the recoil in grendel is much less than my 22-250 bolt gun. I was plinking a small fry pan stood up in field at 300 yards yesterday. Give the grendel a look at least!
Downfall is with a kid we like to start e them out single action. But if he has been shooting as much as you say and very responsible? Choice is yours But a Grendel would be mine.