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Looking at getting my daughter something to deer hunt with. She's only 7 and a small girl. I like the 08 better for its knock down and possibly better blood trail if the shot it marginal. I've heard severa say the 243 normally doesn't produce much of a blood trail. My fear is with her being small framed that the 08 will have to much recoil for her. She turkey hunts with a 410 now. She handles it well with shooting sticks. Deer hunting will either be with her shooting sticks or some type of blind window rest. Obviously I want her to practice and not have to worry about marginal shots. What's you guys thoughts? Thanks for any input

I personally prefer the 7mm-08, and they make managed recoil loads for it which will help with felt recoil as well.

I agree, 7mm-08 with reduced recoil bullets. Will last her till she can buy her own.

7-08 all the way

I don't have any advice on what caliber for her to use, but I noted that you mentioned shooting sticks or blind window.

I have this tripod that works great in pop-up blinds for myself and kids....and it is on sale this week.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Home/Cyb ... t594567180

I would consider a 300 Blackout. I just bought my 6yo one in the handi rifle from AAC

A deer will never know the difference between a 243 and 7mm08. They are the exact same case size both of them are children of the 308 rounds. The only difference is 0.04 inches in diameter and 20 grains (about the weight of a paperclip). The difference in recoil between these two rounds is only determined by the weight of a bullet you are pushing down the barrel. A .243 you can choose from 55 to 100 grain bullets on a 7mm08 you basically have 120, 140, 150.


Anybody that says they can't get a pass through on a 243 is not using the correct bullet.. Your talking about a smaller projectile traveling at a faster speed than a 7mm08.. I have killed most of my deer with a 243. First one was a complete pass through of both shoulder blades and the deer dropped in its tracks when I was 13. I still have and shoot that rifle today over 30 years later. I have used mostly the 85 grain BTHP which does not pass through, but it doesn't need too.. All the energy is deposited in the deer..

See these quotes from the Alaska's Dept of Wildlife
"Alaska has some very large game animals, including 1600-pound mature bull moose and 1500-pound coastal brown bears. Moose or brown bear hit in the gut with a large caliber magnum rifle such as the popular .338 Winchester® Magnum is wounded and just as likely to escape as if it had been hit with a small caliber rifle such as the .243 Winchester®. The bore size, bullet weight, and velocity are of secondary importance to precise bullet placement in the vital heart-lung area"

"If you presently own a rifle chambered for the .270 Winchester, 7mm-08, .308 Winchester or .30-06 and can place all of your shots in an 8-inch circle out to 200 yards from a sitting or kneeling position you can be a successful Alaska hunter. To be as effective as possible, these cartridges should be loaded with premium quality bullets that are designed to pass completely through a large game animal, if hit in the heart-lung area"

Get her something that she can shoot with out fear of recoil, let her practice with it and shot placement will take care of itself.

I like the 300 Blackout as an option.. Feel free to call me at 601-260-5995 and I can price options for you.

Here are some great options as youth rounds
.223
300 Blkout
6.8 Rem
.243

cwink what moderately priced 243 would you recommend for an every day deer rifle? I have been looking at a Ruger American 243 to take over as my deer rifle. The only rifle I have ever hunted with is a Remington 30-06 Woodsmaster, and I love it, but I'm ready to add to the collection. I'd like to hear from someone that sees and deals with guns a lot more than I do.

I would like to have a gun like Chuckle12 is talking about. I had about decided on the 300, but didn't want to pay $850 or above for a bolt action or AR frame gun.

I can speak on my own experiences. My 2 sons are 6 for 6 with our .243. It's the same gun that my sister, my mother and I used when I was a child. I have no complaints except that sometimes there is little blood, not a problem on a good shot anyway.