I am new to firearms and have a caliber question

stock design and fit is the big factor, my win mod 70 with wood stock hurts, with a good B&C it is a joy Brother had a rem 700 in 7mm mag hurt like hell in rem stock with a B&C not a problem.I am not a wimp My main hunting rifle is a .300 win mag browning BBR it is not bad at all hunting, but shooting a box or two at the bench hurts after a while.Just saying.
 
Go with the a 243. I have numerous larger calibres to choose from but seem to grab the 243 more often than not. I've shot 20 deer over the last 13 years with 30-30, 243, 270, and 300 mag. The 243 took six of them and not one has gone more than 20 yards. It's a great deer round. I have a 223 but would not consider using it. Although it may work there are better choices. 243 is one of the best options in a light recoiling rifle that's perfectly suitable for deer out to 200 yards.
 
Gagnon Sports has this one on sale:

Thompson Center Icon Weathershield Composite
243 Win Bolt-Action

SAVE $250!
Regular: $849.99
Yard Sale Price:
$599.99

If you're on Vancouver Island I can let you and your wife have a look at mine and take a few shots at the range if you like.
 
2legit said:
Hey from BC. I have been shooting on a half regular basis for the last 2 years and reading on the CGN for the same. I shoot a 30-06 I had passed down from my dad and put a new scope on it. Havin a blast with it, no pun intended..

I know I can kill many an animal with her, and am wanting to move into another caliber rifle as another shooter/hunter but more importantly a rifle my wife can shoot and not hurt her shoulder.

What is the smallest caliber any of you would use for deer? I am thinking a .243 would be the lowest anyone would go with? but am thinking I have heard people using .223? If I were to use it for deer I want a one shot kill, which leaves me thinking .243 is the better caliber to go with.

thank you
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6.5x55 would be my recommendation. You could go with a 243 but I consider them specialist rifles on deer, unless you're on the Island. Mulies in the interior are stout so I prefer something bigger. 257 Roberts would work well as would a 7x57, 260 Rem or 7mm-08.

What one person with a lot of experience would use is not necessariuly what I would recommend for your wife, assuming she hasn't got gobs of experience.
 
BigUglyMan said:
6.5x55 would be my recommendation. You could go with a 243 but I consider them specialist rifles on deer, unless you're on the Island. Mulies in the interior are stout so I prefer something bigger. 257 Roberts would work well as would a 7x57, 260 Rem or 7mm-08.

What one person with a lot of experience would use is not necessariuly what I would recommend for your wife, assuming she hasn't got gobs of experience.
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you said it, big guy!
 
My mom claimed my dad's .32 special. I still think that thing kicked to much for my liking but for my mom, she likes how light that gun is to pack.

It is not just the recoil to consider for hunting. The little mrs. might not want to carry a heavy rifle around.
 
thanks for all the reply's. I really wasn't expecting so many. I guess to clarify, I dont expect her to hunt with it, more just shoot. She is a little intimidated by my 30-06 and has only shot a .22 in the past. I just want to find another caliber rifle that is easy for her to shoot since my .22 is a single shot no scope and boring. I also want to buy the rifle so I can hunt with it and enjoy as another rifle to shoot. For me, the 30-06 is totally awesome. Im getting great results with the new scope and will be my go to rifle when i get out hunting this season.

im still undecided with all the other calibers brought to the table. But with all Im reading here I will take the help to my local store to decide where to go. And even if it doesnt work out, more guns is better than none right? :D
 
At this time it is perhaps more important to ensure the rifle fits her as you likely really don't need another. And part of that fit goes with ensuring it has a great recoil pad on it like the Simms. I have put those on at least three rifles from 7mm-08 and 308 to 30-06. They work. For most people those calibers are not a problem. But make those rifles about 7lbs scoped and things change some. If it was to be strictly a range gun then a heavier one with a bull barrel will help in the recoil department as well as the accuracy. If you try to make that rifle do too many things it may not do any of them very well.
 
stinkycod said:
Try Managed Recoil in Remington 30-06 125 grain and a shoulder pad, this will get her use to the recoil than work up to 150 grain, Many moose in NL were taken with 150gr 30-06 I am sure it's more than enough for deer.
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This would be my choice as well. Shooting a 223 at deer is not a good idea untill a person is very experianced. A deer can move just as you are pulling the tigger, causing a hit that is not perfectly in the boiler room. I would feel much better knowing it was hit with an 06 rather than a 223. An 06 can be loaded down for very manageable recoil. Unless you are like many here and want multiple cals. Stick with the 06, she may want to go to bigger animals in the future, and you can both use the same ammo should she become recoil tolerent. The fit of the rifle is very important, make sure you go to a good gun store, and ask to talk to a very knowlegable gun person. Many also have ladies on staff who are very tuned into proper fit for smaller people. If you are ever out where bigger predators are around, I would also feel more comfortable if she could get a shot off with an 06, and more lead.
 
How about you buy your self a new rifle and give your wife the 30-06 and install Muzzle Brake?
It will only cost $200-300 for brake to be installed and sure takes recoil right out!
and on plus side you get your self a new rig! lol
 
Get some 170gr Federal Fusion low velocity (F3006FSLR1) and get her to try them in your 30-06.
Even downloaded to almost .223 level for low recoil, it is a specialized deer load (unlike others that are just for target shooting) and because of the heavy bonded bullet it will still expand and be good up to 150m or so...
 
ok my hunting set up is: a 308. i don't use full power loads for deer or even moose. i use 170 gr low recoil fusion rounds. they have 50% less recoil. nice little deer round and moose round. but for coyotes i use fmj. it does little to the hide and turns the insides into soup! 308 is the best way to you can get military round for cheap to plink with or stock up.
 
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