Good mild kicking rifle caliber for first time female deer hunter?

[ArmedCorgi]

Just as the title asks, what would be a mild recoiling but adequate rifle caliber for deer hunting? The perspective person is female, she's been around guns all her life, but hasn't necessarily had much experience shooting. She inherited a very nice Winchester Model 70 carbine in 30-06, but I'm concerned the rifle's light weight and short barrel will result in a harsher kick and I don't want her getting turned off to shooting/hunting.

 

[DoD1776]

.30-06 .
I'd say 7.62x54r

 

[fnfalguy]

I initially was going to say .243 but you have to be very careful with shot placement. One potential caliber is 7mm-08.

This chart may help out for an idea on recoil. Rifle Recoil Table

 

[ArmedCorgi]

I initially was going to say .243 but you have to be very careful with shot placement. One potential caliber is 7mm-08.

This chart may help out for an idea on recoil. Rifle Recoil Table

Thank you for that chart. I've never heard of the 7mm-08. I'll look into it. I'm also wondering maybe a 25-06? I've heard its a very fast, flat shooting round.

 

[ProgSpear]

Key question: what range? if it's the usual upstate woodland style hunting, then a 30-30 shouldn't be ruled out. And lever actions are fun to shoot...

 

[ArmedCorgi]

Key question: what range? if it's the usual upstate woodland style hunting, then a 30-30 shouldn't be ruled out. And lever actions are fun to shoot...

Duh, I completely forgot about the 30-30. I have one so I could let her try it. Would be a good gauge of her recoil tolerance also. And yes, I would imagine it would be the typical upstate woodland, not necessarily long range open fields sort of venue.

 

[ProgSpear]

if she's comfortable with the 30-30, then match it with a Henry (or whatever's closest) .22 lever for plinking/familiarity purposes. If you can hit it with the .22, then the 30-30 should be a given, and after a bunch of bricks through the .22, the basic action should be a piece of cake.

Then get her an AR. Bwha-ha-ha-ha!

 

[gun_slinger_boy]

Has to be bolt action?

 

[Blimey]

.223 on AR platform. There are deer-designed cartridges in this caliber and it kicks lighter than anything anybody else will recommend. Shot placement is paramount though; miss lungs and excellent chance you never recover it.

 

[ArmedCorgi]

Has to be bolt action?

No.

 

[ArmedCorgi]

.223 on AR platform. There are deer-designed cartridges in this caliber and it kicks lighter than anything anybody else will recommend. Shot placement is paramount though; miss lungs and excellent chance you never recover it.

I know I just said it didn't have to be a bolt action, but what about a bolt 223/556? Like the Ruger American Ranch or Mossberg MVP?

 

[gun_slinger_boy]

Ok then. 300 BLK.

 

[MilesTeg]

270 would get my vote. I don't if you reload but the 6.8 special isn't a bad one either. I've shot a few 7mm-08 I found them on pat with the 308 for felt recoil. There's also the option of 308 with a lite projectile which will help felt recoil.

 

[dsdmmat]

Ruger American ranch is available in 223 and 300 BLK. They are really light rifles. The Ruger American is available in 6.5 Creedmoor too.

Depending one her level of comfort with a rifle I would recommend a 243 or a 6.5 Creedmoor. Both can be used for hunting or target shooting.

 

[togmaster]

.257 Roberts.

 

[stuck in ny]

7.62x39 HP

 

[GuyMontag]

7mm-08 is a good one, but 6.5 Creedmoor is tough to beat. Awesome ballistics, easy recoil, lots of bullet choices for hunting or targets, and an ever expanding availability of ammo if you don't reload.

The 30-06 ought to be avoided at ALL costs if you don't want to scare the lady away for good. You wouldn't introduce a young or inexperienced shooter with a magnum cartridge, you'd start with a smaller caliber and build skills and confidence.

 

[Phauxtoe]

30-30 is the go to, first timers gun!
Make sure there is s nice recoil pad on it to be sure!

 

[Acer-m14]

 

[thegatman]

.243 with 100 gr or 110 gr bullet. Many deer taken with .243 Core Lokt if you don't reload. Flat trajectory and little recoil. Hit them where you are supposed to and it will take them down.

 

[Phauxtoe]

Hey how about a 20 gauge Slug gun?
Start her with bird shot and work up!

 

[ManrisFrack]

6.8 SPC. Not much more recoil than 5.56 and a much more capable killer.

Hornady Custom 6.8mm Remington SPC Ammo 120 Grain SST This round has a good reputation and can be found in most LGS, albeit usually more expensive than the $1/per that you see here.

Federal Fusion MSR 6.8mm Remington Special Ammo 115 Grain SP I've also heard good things about this round and it is probably the second most available deer hunting round.

I don't remember where you are, but if you're close, you/she can shoot mine to try it.

 

[Mk44]

Is there a specific type of action that she prefers? (maybe I missed it?)
I have the Winchester 70 in 30-06. And she's not going to like the recoil as a new shooter.

.243 is the smallest caliber I would use for deer hunting. Many female & young hunters have started with a .243.

A friend's dad hunts upstate with a Ruger 44 carbine rifle. Low recoil.

 

[ArmedCorgi]

Is there a specific type of action that she prefers? (maybe I missed it?)
I have the Winchester 70 in 30-06. And she's not going to like the recoil as a new shooter.

.243 is the smallest caliber I would use for deer hunting. Many female & young hunters have started with a .243.

A friend's dad hunts upstate with a Ruger 44 carbine rifle. Low recoil.

None that I know of. I should really take her to a gun store and let her check out all the options. I had originally thought .243, but wasn't sure.

 

[Different Drummer]

Well, I don't hunt so I may be out in left field. A very nice and accurate bolt gun would be a CZ 527 in 7.62X39.
It is in the .30 caliber category and has minimal recoil. Someone must make a good deer hunting round in that caliber.

 

[Deplorable Me]

Several manufacturer's produce "Light Recoil" rifle ammunition.
Hornady Manufacturing Company :: Ammunition :: Rifle :: Choose by Product Line :: Custom Lite®

Ported barrels will also reduce recoil but will increase muzzle noise on your ears.

My top two choices for stock rifle for light recoils; for deer would be the .243 or the .30-30. Go with the lighter bullets.

My wife shoots 12 gauge trap loads and my .444 Marlin (ported) no problem. Then again she puts up with my shit.

 

[@thewheels]

I have been considering a .243 or a 25-06 for the same reasons you are. They are both fast and flat shooting and the ammo seems to be readily available just about anywhere. They look to be a bit less in the felt recoil department also and could be used for varminting with lighter bullets if she wanted to.
I'm guessing she's not planning to get into reloading any time soon.
Another option in a lever action if that action interests her is a 44magnum if the 30-30 seems a bit much to her. Depends on how far she's got for typical shots.

 

[STS556]

I have used .223 in an AR for deer but I take head shots with that caliber. Head shots can be a little gruesome sometimes but I can't hang deer heads in my house so it doesn't matter. My other hunting caliber is .243 which will penetrate for a lung or heart shot. Both of these calibers are very low recoil and the scope is still on the target after you take the shot so you can see if the deer goes down through the scope. I also hunt in Catskill Park where your distances are only about 60 or 70 yards because of the abundance of trees.

 

[Jezman]

An M4A1 Abrams is very soft on the shoulder for recoil.

 

[Criticalt]

My girlfriend is deadly with her 308 and 150 grain.
Shes a small girl but very "tough".