Lowest Recoil Caliber for Deer?

[EightSeven]

I want to get my other half into hunting. She hates my .303, and didn't seem to enjoy .308 (my chosen "everything" caliber). CGN, what do you recommend?

No oddball calibers that I won't be able to find easily (and in quantity).


Thanks!

 

[jaydog]

.243
There are other options but this is a solid choice that meets your criteria.

 

[Stevebot-7]

Probably .243 Winchester. It seems to be the go-to caliber for smaller folk.

 

[yodave]

what's the minimum caliber for deer hunting in Ontario? with that said look for a 243, 7-08, 6.8 spc

 

[corwin-arms]

7.62x39

 

[K.B.]

30-30 really doesn't kick much and it's a good deer round.

 

[canadaman30]

243

 

[leonk05]

I took my better half hunting and had her practise and take her pick between 243. and 6mm rem and she picked 6mm rem..

 

[Deerdr]

Ruger 44 Mag Carbine

 

[baD mR fRosTy]

Of course the round/caliber is only part of the equation when it comes to kick.
Lighter rifles tend to have more kick....semi-autos have less kick than bolts (in general, all thing being equal) as some of the forces are absorbed in working the action...or, at least, the forces are spread over a slightly longer time: the net effect is less 'felt" recoil: the "impulse" is not as concentrated...
Muzzle brakes, of course, can also serve to deflect the impulse caused by escaping gases and reduce the felt recoil as well.

At any rate, you are right to be searching for a rifle that she will be comfortable using - I just wanted to point out some of the may other factors that you can look into.

 

[hoytcanon]

Browning Short-Trac in .243.

 

[caramel]

A Ruger77-357 or a Trapper would make a great low recoiling, 100 yards deer rifle, light and accurate with Federal Power Shock HP 180 gr at 1650 fps, this is a real thumper round... JP.

 

[nowarningshot]

If she is going to be right beside you, never on her own where she is outgunned in a bear encounter 243. If she is going to venture out on her own 7-08. The 7-08 ammo is not as available at a small town store. The added bonus of the 7-08 is that if she tries hunting and decides she doesn't like it, then you have a more versatile round for your own hunting. A point to the 243's favor is it is also a excellent round for really young shooters and people even less than 100 lbs. So if you would like a son or daughter to try hunting they can, learn good shooting fundamentals, without developing a flinch or quitting due to recoil.

Bryan

 

[captonion]

Like others have said a 243 win is a good choice, I would also consider the 260 Rem.. Both very good deer rounds.. Since you are in Northern Ont I would sway more towards a 260 if she decided to go for moose.

 

[trebor2880]

.243 Win.

 

[cet]

.243 with a Boyd's heavier stock, to lessen felt recoil, even a thumbhole.

 

[2233]

243 hands down. Easy to find ammo, lots of bullet weight options and easy on the shoulder

 

[Stevebot-7]

Also, buttpads can make a huge difference. The huge squishy ones that come on Hogue stocks are great.

 

[CV32]

I think I'd go 7mm-08 for a little heavier bullet option.

 

[Ronforca]

My wife is a small woman but has no problem with her 7x57.Light recoil and very versatile rifle.Will take larger game than Deer if called upon to do so.