OK, I am looking for recommendations on a caliber for my sons first rifle. Right now they shoot a 22/.410 at targets. They have also shot a 9mm pistol and an M-1 carbine. I am looking at getting them a bolt action rifle for their first hunts this year. All I have are 06, .308, and 8mm(mostly surplus stuff). I am looking for a smaller caliber with less recoil and blast, but still big enough for hogs, deer. 243? 270? Any help is appreciated.

.243, .25-06, 22-250 are the most popular.

Probably .243 is the most common and .25-06 is the most popular if you were going to buy today. All are good and are certainly capable of taking the life right out of a mammal.

my choice would be the .25-06

.243, without doubt. Academy has the Howa bolt gun in youth config and with a 3x9 scope for $399, last time I checked. Load it w/ 75-80 gr bullets and he has a varmit gun. 100 gr bullets makes it a whitetail rifle. Load a Nosler Partition and you have a hog gun.

The Howa is a solid, dependable rifle. I shot a brown bear on Kodiak Island with that gun in .338 Win Mag. When the boy is old enough to hunt out west, he'll be old enough for a bigger cartridge.

can't go wrong with .243

IMO, any one would be fine. Just chose a bullet designed for deer, not for varmints.

I didn't see where you said how big or how old the kids are,
I'd go with 243 you can get managed recoil ammo or the real stuff.

Several companies are making ammunition "loaded down" to lower levels for the .308 and .30/06. They could shoot what you already have if the stock fit is ok.

Sorry, the boys ages are 8 and 12. Thanks for all the replies, it looks like 243 might be the way to go.

we've killed some stuff with managed recoil 7mm shells, they worked just fine.

.25-06 would be my first choice! I recently bought a Tikka T3 in 25-06 (not the only one I own) for my truck gun. it was around $350 new and threw a Burris scope on it. Out of the box it shot 1/4 groups. Ugly as all get out, but a great gun.

30/06 or 270 and get a managed recoil round. As low or lower recoil than a 243.
Otherwise, 243.

http://www.remington.com/products/ammunition/centerfire/managed-Recoil.asp

25.06 sure seems to be flatter shooting than a .243

i grew up with a .243 i got when i was 6 yrs old, but when i buy a rifle for my girls i will likely go with a 25.06

.243

243 is money.... if he can't handle it yet 22-250 not shabby either.

Most importanly are good ear muffs... it will make it much more enjoyable for him and reduce his fears

a 7mm-08 wife and my boys like it not to hard on shoulder to

My 12 yr old son (now 13) shot his first hog with a Ruger falling block #1 in 25-06. He loves the round and it is very easy for him to shoot. With light recoil, relatively low report and a very straight shooting bullet, I would suggest the 25-06 to anyone.

+1 243

I'd go with a 7mm-08 or the .260 remington. I've heard nothing but good things about both those rounds.

243 or 7mm-08 get them a good kick pad (simms)

I started witha 243...went to 7mm....now a 308

Go ahead with the 308. Not that much more kick than the 243. With the new limbsaver pads etc it will be ok if you even need them.

WOW, I can't believe all of the responses. Sure am glad I found this board. I am going to go looking tomorrow and will let you know what I end up with. I considered using one of my .308s but the 12 year old is small framed and it is just a bit much gun for him to handle size wise. That is one reason I'm leaning towards a youth sized gun. Thanks again for all the responses. Jeff

If you're limited to factory ammo, my advice is the .243. If you reload, 7mm/08 all the way. .260 or 25-06 are both fine shooters too.


Jay

Don't knock the 257 roberts either. A little something i'm the middle of a 243 and the 25-06.