Range, Predator, Deer Rifle.... which caliber?

[WapitiTalk1]

OK, starting to dig around for a rifle for Mrs. Phantom.  She doesn't hunt but I think she'd enjoy having her own rifle to shoot at the range (insert devious devil face here, LOL) while I'm shooting my .308.  Of course, I'm looking at something that won't blast her off the bench (must be a very manageable recoil for her small frame), and........ something I can use for predators and possible deer (particularly when we do our final retirement move to probably Idaho in the next year or two).  .243, 25-06, 6.5 C, what do you cats think?  As always, thanks for the discussion and recommendations.  I'll buy new but don't want to spend a ton of coin on the rifle/scope.     

[jay.sharkbait]

.223. 

This is a joke for all the folks out there who aren't sure.


6.5 C rocks

[yakimarcher]

6.5 C

[carpsniperg2]

Ruger american predator in 6.5 or ruger american 7mm08. Both great choices and both wont break the bank and both good shooting guns.

I have a full size 7mm08 kicking around the shop if you need a good deal let me know and ill hook ya up.

[BULLBLASTER]

.223. 

This is a joke for all the folks out there who aren't sure.


6.5 C rocks

Well played.

[BULLBLASTER]

243 would be a good choice. I really like shooting mine

[C-Money]

For what you have described.....243 win or 7mm-08

[JDHasty]

For what you have described.....243 win or 7mm-08

Yea, pretty much. 

[Wetwoodshunter]

If I were in your shoes I would not go with the 7-08 and go with the 6.5 C, .25-06, or .243
7-08 is a great round but your .308 is very similar. You have the opportunity to diversify your gun collection while getting one for your wife, take advantage of this!

My rating would be .25-06>6.5 C>.243>7-08
I could go either way on the 6.5 C or .25-06 maybe look to see if you can get a better deal used or something and go from there.

[Apples]

Ruger predator in the 6.5 creedmore you wont be sorry!

[bobcat]

No doubt I would go with the 243 Win. Mostly because ammo is available everywhere, with lots of options, and it's cheap. The only way I wouldn't choose the 243 is if you think she might ever decide to hunt elk. In that case, get a 270 Win. instead.

[Bango skank]

Id say a win88 .243, but im just saying that cause i want one.  Youve got your weatherby bokt action, so a lever gun would be cool for something different.

[b23]

I think one of the 6.5 somethings would suit your needs perfectly.  I don't always follow the herd so my pick would be a Tikka in 6.5x55 Swede.

Or, just about any of the already mentioned cartridges as they all have their pros and cons.

If recoil is a definite concern then the 243 will likely be your best option unless you want to have a muzzle brake installed, which wouldn't be a bad idea.  Yes they increase the noise but they'll more than prove their worth in felt recoil for your wife.

[MtnMuley]

I'd personally choose the 6.5, but if you're already shooting your .308 at the range, why not keep it simple and get her the Predator in .308? Very managed recoil for her as well like you mentioned you wanted.

[huntnphool]

If I were in your shoes I would not go with the 7-08 and go with the 243.
7-08 is a great round but your .308 is very similar.

 If you are okay with the .308 and .243, then why not the 7mm-08?

For what you have described.....243 win or 7mm-08

 +1

 I own both, in compact versions for smaller framed shooters, she is welcome to shoot both of them if you want to.