low recoil, BIG punch

[Minihuntur]

I know a young shooter who would like to start big game hunting but would like a gun with more punch(enough to hunt black bear) than a .243 or 6mm. I am new to shooting aswell so I dont know. If you know of such a rifle please post a reply.
P.S I live in Canada so it must be larger than .23 caliber.

[captain2k_ca]

Lots of calibers that fit that bill!!!

30.06
.270
25-06


List goes on and on!! Best if you can get him somewhere where he can try a few different sizes on for size....where in Canada are you??

[270man]

Minihuntur,

I have 3 grandsons in the 12-15 age range. The oldest will hunt cow elk this fall for the 2nd time. First time around he used my 6mm and missed a shot. This year he will use either my 7mm-08 or a new 260 (if my gunsmith has it ready in time).

If you don't reload, your choice for the young hunter might depend on availability of ammo in your area. The 7mm-08 is becoming more popular but ammo may not be available everywhere. If this is a problem, you won't go wrong with a 270, 308 or 30-06.

Last thought is that Jack O'Connor gave his approval on the 243/6mm for black bear. The current magnumitus fad is probably with us forever but the milder, standard calibers can do the job too.

270man

[Dom]

I recommend .270, 7x57 calibers, and a lot of practice. Don't start him out shooting too much at one time, but over time increase the number of shots at the range or practice time. Can even use a Past recoil pad on his shoulder to start with. Animals with thicker coats often soak up the blood making for hard to follow trails. You owe it to the bear a caliber to do the job, and nothing more disappointing than not finding a shot animal, JMHO, Waidmannsheil, Dom.

[EmB]

You mentioned you have a young shooter, but you didn't mention their stature or frame. I've been teaching Hunter Ed for 15+ years and I've encountered too many kids, girlfriends, fiancee's, etc., where their Dad, boyfriend, husband started them out on a rifle that's too "big" and/or has too much recoil for them. Examples of this would be a 12-14 year old kid ( or girlfriend ) shooting a 30-06.

To answer your question...........IF your new shooter is a young adult and is of a medium or larger build, then the 270/30-06 size caliber would probably be fine, however I'm careful about recommending starting anyone on that class of cartridges. Some do fine and some do not.

IF your new shooter is of small to medium build.........I most definitely recommend something like a 7mm08 or a .260. They will learn to shoot without being uncomfortable with the gun. Over the years I've encountered many shooters who are shooting too much gun and don't enjoy shooting whatsoever...therefore are not accurate hunters as well.

We have alot of black bear around here and any of the calibers mentioned in the posts will do just fine for bear and deer so best wishes with your decision(s). Are you able to borrow several different rifles of these calibers to have the shooter try out for themselves ?


Regards, Vic

[jplonghunter]

Minihuntur

All good advice,i.e.: .270,7x57,.308,or 7mm-08,however,IMO
6.5x55 is an excellent cartridge (can be loaded up or down 92-165),no felt recoil,and flat shooting.
Good luck with your choice.

jplonghunter

[Andy L]

6.5x55 Swede

Wide selection of bullets. Flat shootin, hard hittin, deep penetration and low recoil.

One catch, you gotta reload. No good factory ammo out there.

260 Rem is close.....

[Aim to maim]

Originally posted by EmB
You mentioned you have a young shooter, but you didn't mention their stature or frame. I've been teaching Hunter Ed for 15+ years and I've encountered too many kids, girlfriends, fiancee's, etc., where their Dad, boyfriend, husband started them out on a rifle that's too "big" and/or has too much recoil for them. Examples of this would be a 12-14 year old kid ( or girlfriend ) shooting a 30-06.

Regards, Vic

I'd like to elaborate on EmB's excellent point a little bit. This question is asked multiple times on multiple forums every year. Usually overlooked in the ensuing discussion is the fact that the FIT of the firearm to a young and/or small-statured shooter is at least as important as the caliber. If the shooter cannot hold the rifle comfortably and properly, he/she will be inaccurate and will likely be punished far worse by whatever recoil is present than would be the case with a properly fitting rifle.

[EmB]

The 7x57 mauser and the 6.5x55 Swedish ( or Swede ) are old cartridges that are excellent for young or small framed shooters, however....as mentioned above as well - you almost need to be a reloader or know someone that is to shoot these calibers. There are factory loads available.....but not everywhere.

The more recent ( and similar ) cartridges to these are ; "7x57/7mm08 REM" and the "6.5x55/260 REM".

Regards, Vic

[Jack]

Aim To Maim has a very good point. Stock fit is definitely a major factor.
The other thing to keep in mind is, you can't get around the physics: the heavier the bullet, and the faster you push it, the more recoil.
Rifle weight is a HUGE factor, too. A cartridge that is a low recoil pussycat in an 8 pound rifle becomes a nasty kicker in a 5 pound rifle. IMO, that is a good reason to avoid the lightweight models for beginners, even though it seems to make sense for some of the smaller shooters.

[Minihuntur]

To reply to some of your questions, he is a medium build 11 year old weighing 100lbs. Also I live in Saskatchewan.

Minihuntur

[EmB]

Well then...........

I suggest a short action caliber such as the 7mm08, the 260 or the old timers 7x57 mauser or the 6.5 Swede in a standard sporter or similar rifle.

Anything else will likely start him flinching. He can move up to a larger caliber as he grows.

I didn't ask before......do you have a preference for the style of action ; bolt action, lever action, pump action, etc. ? This could also influence your choices.

Regards, Vic

[captain2k_ca]

Some of the lever actions are quite small and easy to handle....

I have shot a 44-40 and didnt think it was much of a heavy hitter, and should have plenty of punch for black bear and deer....

What is the hunting area like that you hunt in?? Since you say bears Im guessing woodsy??

That can also help influence the caliber.....if you are hunting speed goats on open prairie, you will want something that is fairly flat shooting......

[gd357]

Another consideration is that remington makes reduced recoil loads for a bunch of cartridges, both short and long action length. The .260, .270, 7mm-08, 308, and 30-06 are all on that list. He can start out using the light loads, and as he grows up, can eventually use the full-power stuff.

gd

[Aim to maim]

Originally posted by Minihuntur
To reply to some of your questions, he is a medium build 11 year old weighing 100lbs. Also I live in Saskatchewan.

Minihuntur

It's quite likely that a youth model with a shorter length of pull would be in order here. Failing that, you could always shorten the stock of a standard size rifle.