Youth PRS build - caliber selection, need advice

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tylerbeck

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Hi, I'm hoping some of you can give me some advice. My son who is 10 is just getting into PRS. He has shot several .22 matches and has done well, so I would like to move him into centerfires matches. There are just more opportunities for us to compete in centerfires.

Im torn on my caliber selection. Considering his size I need to keep recoil and weight down as much as possible. I dont really want to go custom on his first rifle, I want something he can burn the barrel out of and not cost me a fortune. So 6mm BR and other custom rounds are out. I run 700 closes on all my rifles so would prefer to stay with that action as it gives us more options with my stocks and chassis as he gets bigger.

Since Im stuck with production, Im looking at something in a model 700. Either 223 or 243.
I like the light recoil of the 223, but where we compete out west most of the time we are shooting in the wind. Don't want to put him at a hug disadvantage with the 223.

Any advice on 223 or 243 for a youth?
Thanks
 
How big of a 10 yr old is he? Maybe a lighter 223, 12-15lbs, so it is easier for him to handle? Or a 243 with a muzzle brake?
 
The kid needs rounds down range more than he needs the relatively small ballistic advantage of a 6mm vs 223.

Even reloading there’s still at significant price difference, as well as double or triple the barrel life.

I wouldn’t even consider anything other than 223. The current 1:9 twist Remington factory guns and the 1:8 Tikkas will shoot 75/77 class bullets just fine.
 
I'd agree with what RGV said. Go .223 and shoot 75/77s. Factory twist will be fine. Never mind barrel life and ammo cost (even reloading) but I don't think the factory offerings in .243 have a fast enough twist to shoot the heavy 6mm bullets anyways. Get him a .223 and put tons of rounds down range. Once he's got some more experience, get a 6mm Creed barrel spun up (and a new bolt) for the same receiver and just spin it on for matches.
 
I'm looking at getting my kids into 22 Precision shooting. If I may ask what type of stock chassis are you using with your son for the competitions? I'm having trouble finding something with a short enough LOP in the butt stock?
 
Kirk Skywalker said:
I'm looking at getting my kids into 22 Precision shooting. If I may ask what type of stock chassis are you using with your son for the competitions? I'm having trouble finding something with a short enough LOP in the butt stock?
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Consider chassis that use an AR15 buttstock ... then you can use a carbine buffer tube and buttstock and run it as short as possible.

Plan B would be to use a Boyds stock as they will allow for shorter LOPs

If all else fails, cut up a conventional stock and build from there.

that is likely the hardest part about getting kids into this game.... there are very few options for smaller frames.

Good luck,

Jerry
 
tylerbeck said:
He is shooting a CZ 455, I cut down the wood stock. But I have not found any chassis that are short enough.
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Until he is over 5ft, it will be a big challenge

783-aics.jpg

Why I suggested something like this... I assume his CZ455 is also in a hunting style stock? You can easily shortern the LOP and when you do, the smaller butt will fit into his shoulder better. You might still need to thin the thickness of the buttstock and definitely thin the comb so he can get a proper eye position.

Dont be afraid to make the buttstock 'smaller' as it will have the addn benefit of helping the rifle balance alot better WITHOUT having to add weight like many of our rifles do. Hollowing it out isn't a bad idea...

The drop in the comb should allow for easier scope mounting vs the smaller head size. At worst, you can modify the wood easily. Depending on his head/eye position, maybe a scope with a smaller objective to get it closer to the barrel? If he is comfy with his current set up, replicate. We don't need big heavy high mag scopes at this time.

If he is having a hard time reaching the trigger, add material and build a grip right up against the trigger guard. That will allow him a short reach which he will likely need.

for the forend, mill the bottom flat and bolt on an ARCA rail. If balance is still really tail heavy, move the ARCA rail forward (add a 2nd short rail) and bolt on a weight there.... add as little weight to get the best balance. Then be able to remove it so that it will balance properly for unsupported positional practise.

Add some DBM and away he goes. The overall weight of the rifle could be down to around 10/11lbs and not overly long.

20" to 22" moderately heavy barrel... muzzle brake. That should get the balance point quite useable and overall weight something he can handle.

Why the 223 is the only option for now.... the rifle can't be made heavy enough to help with recoil. Don't get worked up on ballistics. He will be in Tact div so running with similar platforms. Being able to control the rifle so he can make good breaks is already a huge challenge. Being scared about the noise, the recoil is not something he needs to fight with.

I would go with a moderate/light load behind 68/69gr bullets to start... if the barrel will handle it, even 55grs. Now just put lead down range, build strength, understand the process, learn the fundamentals

For training, mix paper targets and steel... initially, alot of paper as he is learning proper fundamentals so you need to track what he sees vs where the bullet goes. Recoil/noise can be a big hurdle to overcome - really sucks that we can't use suppressors.

As he gets stronger and learns the fundamentals of recoil management, he will start to understand what he does vs what happens down range. He will learn to drive the rifle. Paper may be boring but without seeing and tracking/discussing the results, bad habits can start real fast and super hard to unlearn.

He is likely to grow rapidly over the next few years, so just keep morphing the stock and scope location. It will be real obvious when he no longer fits.

If I can help, send me an email.

thanks

Jerry
 

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Kirk Skywalker said:
I'm looking at getting my kids into 22 Precision shooting. If I may ask what type of stock chassis are you using with your son for the competitions? I'm having trouble finding something with a short enough LOP in the butt stock?
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Ruger Precision Rimfire 22lr has fully adjustable buttstock at no charge from factory.
 
I shot a team match last year and there was a father son team in my squad the son was 9 years old and on the smaller side he shot a .243 AI, he had no problem carrying his rifle in Montana. I think for a low recoil caliber that won’t have a problem getting out to the further distances .243 is the winner. .223 will hit further targets but The .243 will do it better more Consistently and will handle the wind better
 
If you have a decent budget to work with I would suggest a Mcmillian A10, the LOP can be as short as 12 inches and was designed for small frame shooters.
As for caliber I would go with the 6mm creedmoor or the new 6GT ( brass is available for it). The creed has lots of factory offerings though.
Then it’s a matter of what barreled action. A rem foot print is likely the best way to go. You could start with a Rem 700 and then upgrade as skill and finance allow.

Just my 2 cents.
 
tylerbeck said:
He is shooting a CZ 455, I cut down the wood stock. But I have not found any chassis that are short enough.
Click to expand...

If your budget allows, Masterpiece Arms can reduce the LOP to 12.5" and it's adjustable so it will last a long time. As far as the action goes, stick with a R700 footprint since there are a ton of options. I am in agreement with the others saying going with the 223. Get a ton of round down range cheap and then put a new barrel on it.
 
FF8615AD-A042-4DE6-B3FD-78E867BE2E06.jpegI just put this rifle together for my 8 year old. Howa mini in 6.5 Grendel, 20” heavy barrel version, mdt lss gen 2. I machined a new tube for the buttstock that is 1 1/2” shorter. He hasn’t shot it yet in this configuration, but I can let you know how it works out. If you decided to do something like this I would be happy to help you out.
Joe
 

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