6.5 X 55 is a great choice. Even better is a 7mm-08. If you don't belive me... Google what Craig Boddington has to say about this caliber. It is a terrific caliber with great 'terminal ballistics' and can be shot with comfort by anyone - from 12yrs old to an adult, you won't find a more shootable and effective caliber. Period.
Son's first rifle
- Thread starter seebarg
- Start date
- Location
- Somewhere on the Hudson Bay Coast
My grandson was a bit small for his age, so I started him with my wife's .30/06 with its light weight and short LOP. But this suggestion is only relevant if you handload and make up some mild loads for him to use while mastering the fundamentals of basic marksmanship. I chose 125 and 130 gr bullets loaded to 2600 fps. These were accurate and gentle in both recoil and blast. Similar things can be done with any centerfire cartridge though; he even got a kick out of shooting my .375 Ultra with 300 gr cast bullets loaded to 1200 fps. Regardless of which rifle you choose for him, fit is the most important element, but loads must be light enough not to hurt him. In this respect, his personality comes into play, just like some adults who find even moderate cartridges like the .30/06 to be too much of a good thing.
Primary marksmanship training with a semi-custom Husky 1600 carbine in .30/06
He would be deterred by neither the .375 Ultra or the skeeters.
Primary marksmanship training with a semi-custom Husky 1600 carbine in .30/06
He would be deterred by neither the .375 Ultra or the skeeters.
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blasted_saber
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- A blue part of Ontario
I was thinking about this yesterday (despite my daughter only being 3). She'll be shooting .22s and such, but when it comes time to get her a big game rifle, I'll likely get her a 308 and handload it down. Then either replace the stock or add a spacer as she grows. 308 is more then adequate for our neck of the woods, and a calibre she can shoot lifelong and not feel undergunned.
Good old common sense approach,I like that.And as you say there is absolutely no need to feel undergunned in virtually any shooting scenario that comes along,in Ontario at least, with a 308 at the ready.
30-30, 243 and 7mm08 would be best.. 308 is mentioned a lot too, and definitely also a good choice - but I personally wouldn't want to shoot it with low recoil loads.
7mm08 is flattest and hardest hitting at longer range
30-30 is plenty for up to 200 yards, cheapest ammo, best handling IMO
243 middle of the pack in price and hitting power downrange
They are all capable of sending large game to the freezer, and all have easy recoils.
My personal pick would be the 30-30.
7mm08 is flattest and hardest hitting at longer range
30-30 is plenty for up to 200 yards, cheapest ammo, best handling IMO
243 middle of the pack in price and hitting power downrange
They are all capable of sending large game to the freezer, and all have easy recoils.
My personal pick would be the 30-30.
Almost anything in that .243/6mm range. As an 11 year old my grandson handled the 243 Winchester nicely but thought the 25-06 in a varminter, and a slightly heavier than the 243, 260 Remington, had too much kick.
The best thought is to get something he can handle, is comfortable with, economical for practice, and is not advanced too quickly that he develops a problem. Stock design and LOP are two considerations. DO NOT even get close to the experience of "Scope Bite"!!!
At this time of year, there are lots of differently designed rifles that most hunters would allow him to shoulder and perhaps even fire.
- Location
- Somewhere on the Hudson Bay Coast
I don't know why you would be opposed to loading reduced power centerfire ammo while the novice shooter builds a foundation of basic marksmanship fundamentals. Light recoil and blast reinforces the idea in the new shooter's mind that there is nothing to fear from shooting a "big" gun, and it won't hurt him, and thus promotes rapid advances in both confidence and competence. If budgetary concerns are a primary consideration, light to midweight, inexpensive bulk or even cast bullets can be shot effectively over light charges, reducing the cost of powder. The least expensive marksmanship training is through dry firing, where no primer, powder or bullet is consumed, and no trip to the range is required, thus the cost is nil, and the additional benefit is that recoil will not mask their mistakes. A coin rested on top of the barrel near the muzzle will let them know when they get it right and when they don't. To my way of thinking reduced loads provide a win win situation, the novice improves at an accelerated rate, thus fewer rounds are fired in order to reach any given level of competence. As the novice's experience and prowess grows, the powder charge and bullet weight can then be increased as their comfort level allows; but there will always a place for a light plinking and small game loads in a big game rifle.
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canadaman30
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Far from the City
To the OP if you do not reload, consider ammo price. 243, 30-30, 270, 308, 30-06 are your most popular and widely available, cheapest ammo to buy. 6.5x55, 7-08, 260, will cost alot more and not alot of load offerings in factory ammo. Something to consider, just take a look on store shelves the next time your out an about.
