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Re: Rifle Caliber for the Wife?
[Re: Greg Z]
#6493095
10/13/16 01:33 AM
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,666
John Humbert
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7mm-08 low recoil and great punch and accuracy. This, or a 25-06
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Re: Rifle Caliber for the Wife?
[Re: Bobcat4119]
#6493117
10/13/16 01:48 AM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,682
cmorsch
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Let her pick what she wants to shoot, as it will be for her.
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Re: Rifle Caliber for the Wife?
[Re: Nathan Nelson]
#6493137
10/13/16 02:01 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,210
J.G.
THF Celebrity
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Posts: 41,210 |
I would suggest getting a really good pair of noise canceling ear protection first. Then find a rifle that fits. We have had the most success with our suppressed 6.8 ARs with women shooters. It is easier to adjust the AR platform to fit smaller shooters.
From my experience fit and noise are the biggest issues to address for women shooter.
Lots of truth there.
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Re: Rifle Caliber for the Wife?
[Re: Bobcat4119]
#6493172
10/13/16 02:21 AM
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,866
texasdude28
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I say 257 Bob, both my wife and daughter shoot it and have no problems.
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Re: Rifle Caliber for the Wife?
[Re: Bobcat4119]
#6493250
10/13/16 03:09 AM
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 7,806
Deerhunter61
THF Trophy Hunter
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My daughter is going with me this year for the first time and she's going to use my 6.5 CM...and she handled it great at the range. Of the rifles you listed .243 but I'd bet your wife could handle a little more just like my daughter.
Last edited by Deerhunter61; 10/13/16 03:11 AM.
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Re: Rifle Caliber for the Wife?
[Re: texasdude28]
#6493316
10/13/16 04:05 AM
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,527
kmon11
junior
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junior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,527 |
I say 257 Bob, both my wife and daughter shoot it and have no problems. Great classic round. Take a look at the 6.5 Grendel, less recoil than the 243 and will take deer much further than most should be shooting. Howa is making a bolt action in it now as well as plenty of ARs available.
lf the saying "Liar, Liar your pants on fire" were true Mainstream news might be fun to watch
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Re: Rifle Caliber for the Wife?
[Re: chalet]
#6493395
10/13/16 11:08 AM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 367
BIGDOG1956
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 367 |
Low recoil with factory loads Hot reloads 270 recoil
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Re: Rifle Caliber for the Wife?
[Re: Bobcat4119]
#6493559
10/13/16 01:33 PM
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,394
booradley
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Everyone handles recoil differently. Got my daughter a 7mm-08 when she was 16. She didn't like the recoil. Sold the 7mm-08 and got her a .243 in the same rifle, she liked it fine and still has it. I do believe fit is critical and most women need a compact or youth rifle for proper fit.
I find 25-06 recoil to be much snappier than 7mm-08. In fact I find a .270 more pleasant to shoot than a 25-06.
Don’t roll those bloodshot eyes at me.
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Re: Rifle Caliber for the Wife?
[Re: kmon11]
#6493560
10/13/16 01:33 PM
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,499
charlesb
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Take a look at the 6.5 Grendel, less recoil than the 243 and will take deer much further than most should be shooting. Howa is making a bolt action in it now as well as plenty of ARs available.
Almost certainly the best option. Kind of hard to go wrong with the 6.5 Grendel Howa, a compact 2-7 scope, and quality ear protection.
Last edited by charlesb; 10/13/16 01:34 PM.
Kind regards, charlesb
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Re: Rifle Caliber for the Wife?
[Re: Creedmoor]
#6493645
10/13/16 02:37 PM
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 3,424
ZK-315
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223 and 22-250 will kill deer, but I prefer them more in the hands of someone who knows what they are doing and not a novice.
243 has pretty mild recoil. If you buy a 243 in a heavier gun it will be less. AGREED. When it comes to deer, hogs, etc a 223 or 22/250 is (in my humble opinion) an expert's gun. Yes, there have been thousands of game animals killed with the 223, but it requires exacting shot placement. I personally wouldn't saddle a newcomer with that responsibility. Lots of parents with the best of intentions buy a youngster a .410 gauge shotgun without realizing they just handed the child a gun that should be reserved for expert shooters. The 243 is very capable and the recoil isn't extreme. And if you reload, it becomes a non-factor. I haven't used them but there are factory loads for the 243 that are labeled "low recoil". That might be an option. I disagree with your statement about the 22-250. There's no telling how many deer I have killed with a 22-250, and when I was a kid I was no where near and "expert shooter". I agree, shot placement is key, but if the OPs wife is recoil shy, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the 22-250 on deer. My wife is recoil shy, but her 22-250 doesn't bother her one bit. Two years ago was her first year hunting and dropped a pig in its tracks with it. Whatever you get her, make sure she's not jumping when pulling the trigger. FWIW, I would not let my wife shoot my dad's 25-06. That would definitely make her recoil shy
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Re: Rifle Caliber for the Wife?
[Re: Bobcat4119]
#6493673
10/13/16 02:49 PM
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 138
TX-Bear
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 138 |
I started my lady with my 30-06 (tikka T3 Lite) and 150 grain rounds When I moved her to her own 308 (Savage hog hunter) she loved it and loved it more when I put a better recoil pad on. I may put a muzzle brake, it would double as a recoil reduction device and allow me to put my suppressor on it.
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Re: Rifle Caliber for the Wife?
[Re: ZK-315]
#6493684
10/13/16 02:52 PM
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Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,088
Creedmoor
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I disagree with your statement about the 22-250. There's no telling how many deer I have killed with a 22-250, and when I was a kid I was no where near and "expert shooter". I agree, shot placement is key, but if the OPs wife is recoil shy, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the 22-250 on deer.
It would be better than a 223 for certain.
. There's a fine line between BRAVE ... and STUPID.
The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.
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Re: Rifle Caliber for the Wife?
[Re: Bobcat4119]
#6493701
10/13/16 03:04 PM
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 3,424
ZK-315
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Agreed
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Re: Rifle Caliber for the Wife?
[Re: Bobcat4119]
#6493725
10/13/16 03:27 PM
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 22,269
Texas Dan
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Several smaller models of 30-30 rifles are available. Match any of them with reduced recoil ammo and you have a pint-sized gun that's comfortable to shoot, easy to carry, and with plenty of knockdown power.
"Some people will never like you because your spirit irritates their demons."
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Re: Rifle Caliber for the Wife?
[Re: Bobcat4119]
#6493759
10/13/16 03:46 PM
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Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 110
Tony270
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 110 |
Could be twins!!!, But no I meant DAUGHTER!
3G Ranch Montell,TX NRA Life Member SCI Life Member
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Re: Rifle Caliber for the Wife?
[Re: BIGDOG1956]
#6493761
10/13/16 03:47 PM
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Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 645
7x57
Tracker
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Tracker
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Low recoil with factory loads Hot reloads 270 recoil Don't know if I'd say that, but I shoot a .30-06 fine so maybe I just don't notice.
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Re: Rifle Caliber for the Wife?
[Re: Bobcat4119]
#6495156
10/14/16 03:56 PM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 12,547
chital_shikari
Minor in training
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Minor in training
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I've been shooting 30-30, 308, and 30-06 since 2013. This is after stepping up from 22-250 that I was shooting since 2006. I'm 5'7" 120lb, for reference. If you don't care about expensive ammo, 7mm-08 is your best bet. Other than that, 243 works and is available, cheaply, a dime-a-dozen.
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Re: Rifle Caliber for the Wife?
[Re: Bobcat4119]
#6495242
10/14/16 05:09 PM
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4,425
jeffbird
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So my wife tells me she want's to get into hunting with me last week and I need to get her a rifle! I'm stuck between the .223, 22-250, or 243 calibers.... I was raised with a 243 but I'm thinking it may be a little much for her. She's really never shot a rifle larger than a 22 long lol so I don't want to shake her up too bad. This gun will be mainly for deer and coyotes so I guess my main concern is, how much more or less is the recoil between the 223 and 22-250 compared to the 243, and will they be enough to effectively take a mature whitetail. Another vote for 243 and consider adding a muzzle brake. Deer are killed by the truck loads with a 243. The 80 gr. Barnes TTSX will kill deer and pigs all day long and shaves a bit of recoil off compared to the 95 and 100 grain bullets. I have not used a 223 for deer, so will not comment one way or the other on it. Other random thoughts that might be helpful. Shot placement trumps power. Good shot placement comes from practice. Practice comes from having something that is pleasant to shoot. I enjoy teaching women to shoot, and often they end up being better shots than men. They listen, follow instructions, and are patient enough to not pull the trigger until it is going to be a good shot. But it has to be a good experience. Keep it positive and fun. When the shooter starts to get tired take a break. What I have learned in teaching them - make sure the gun fits well. This means length of pull, but also weight, comb height to scope, and easy to work the controls, and not too bulky to handle. Give her good quality equipment, at least as good as what you have or even better - especially the optics. If you give her quality, she will know it. If you give her crap, she will know it. Teach the basics using a good 22 with a scope, so she becomes used to using a scope. The 22 makes it pleasant to practice while learning the fundamentals. Once she can handle the 22 proficiently, then moving up is easy enough. Move up to a bolt action 223 for more practice if you have one. A bolt 223, such as a Ruger American Compact, is relatively inexpensive for practice, and provides practice in working the bolt, loading and unloading as well as marksmanship with a centerfire. Also, the ammo is abundant and affordable. Couple of other lessons learned. Make sure she avoids wearing a bra with a slider/buckle under the area where the rifle is held. The buckles can pinch them and that is not fun. I recommend ladies wear a sports bra or at least slip the strap out of the way if it is going to pinch. If she is busty, avoid curved recoil pads where the toe will poke her in the boob. That is not fun for them. On one rifle my wife used, I took a belt sander to the bottom and side of the pad to make it more comfortable for her. Make sure she leans forward from the waist into the rifle. That is true for all shooters, but women have less upper body mass to absorb recoil, so good form is even more important for them. The loud boom is as much of an issue as recoil. Have her wear foam ear plugs with ear muffs over it. If you have a suppressor, use it. I taught a 16 year old young woman to shoot after her dad became frustrated. He gave her a very nice 7-08, but she was having trouble putting it on paper at 100 yards. Turns out the boom was scaring her. After a couple of hours with a 22, she moved to my 308 with 175 grain bullets, but used a suppressor. She was hitting targets out to 500 yards while her dad watched in disbelief. Double up the hearing protection. Do not buy one of the plastic stock Walmart specials. The plastic stocks seem to magnify recoil. Don't think buying something pink color is the answer either. Let her see what she likes. Tikkas are decent quality for the price. Remington Model 7 or Ruger Compacts are other options that are scaled down for smaller framed women and youth. A 7 - 8.5# rifle probably will be more pleasant for her than a really lightweight rifle. Also, make sure the length of pull is short enough, especially with winter clothes on. Shooting a rifle with too short of length of pull works ok, but too long definitely does not. Congrats on having the best hunting partner ever. Here are a couple of my wife. Some of our best times have been out hunting.
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Re: Rifle Caliber for the Wife?
[Re: Bobcat4119]
#6495374
10/14/16 06:48 PM
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 624
280AI
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 624 |
Bullets trump headstamps!
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Re: Rifle Caliber for the Wife?
[Re: Bobcat4119]
#6495567
10/14/16 09:41 PM
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Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 8
threeOHH8
Green Horn
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Green Horn
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 8 |
I'd recommend a 7mm-08 or a .25-06. Both low recoil and I folded many hogs with my .25-06 but i also slapped them right behind the ear
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Re: Rifle Caliber for the Wife?
[Re: Bobcat4119]
#6495620
10/14/16 10:20 PM
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Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,051
Cattleman
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243 or 260 would be fine as I'm sure a 7mm-08 would be as well . I've never shot one. The 25-06 maybe not. I love the caliber but the recoil maybe a little much unless you have something with a heavier contour barrel and a good heavy stock.
Last edited by Cattleman; 10/14/16 10:21 PM.
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Re: Rifle Caliber for the Wife?
[Re: Cattleman]
#6495800
10/15/16 12:21 AM
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 22,269
Texas Dan
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243 or 260 would be fine as I'm sure a 7mm-08 would be as well . I've never shot one. The 25-06 maybe not. I love the caliber but the recoil maybe a little much unless you have something with a heavier contour barrel and a good heavy stock. I've seen reduced recoil .243 ammo at Academy. Now that's got to create a very comfortable shooter.
"Some people will never like you because your spirit irritates their demons."
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Re: Rifle Caliber for the Wife?
[Re: Bobcat4119]
#6495953
10/15/16 02:34 AM
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Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 645
7x57
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Oct 2015
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Might just be my 22" barrel on my savage, but the .25-06 seems to have a fair amount of noise and muzzle blast? Doesn't recoil too bad, but it's a noisy SOB for sure.
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Re: Rifle Caliber for the Wife?
[Re: Bobcat4119]
#6496060
10/15/16 04:38 AM
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Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 489
HandgunHTR
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 489 |
I am going to go a bit off the reservation here, but I would recommend a TC Encore in either 6.5 Grendel or 6.8 SPC. For either of them, I would recommend a custom barrel from MGM or Bullberry. The reason for a custom barrel is 1) they will be more accurate than a factory barrel and 2) if you go with the SPC, it will be chambered to the Spec II chambering, so you can get a bit more out of it.
Both have reasonably priced factory ammo available (~$23 per box for Hornady SST loads) and both are super easy to load for if you reload. Recoil is extremely light but both rounds will carry the mail out to 300 yards.
As far as price goes, you can find a used frame for <$300 if you keep your eyes peeled. Add another $300-400 for a barrel, however you might get lucky and get one for less than that (I paid $275 for my Grendel barrel). So, you will end up paying about the same as a good bolt gun. Yes, follow-up shots are a bit slower than with a bolt gun, but a single-shot does promote a good first shot.
#FighttheNoise
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Re: Rifle Caliber for the Wife?
[Re: Bobcat4119]
#6499288
10/17/16 06:49 PM
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Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 372
Bobcat4119
OP
Bird Dog
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OP
Bird Dog
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 372 |
Super info here guys and I really appreciate it! I'm really leaning on the 243 but not 100% just yet.
And I have a question in reguards to this muzzle break situation. I've read a few comments suggesting to use one, and please exscuse my ignorance as I've never dealt with one, but would I need to buy a gun that has a barrel ready to accept one or can one be installed on a factory barrel?
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