Deer rifle recomendation

[ML_Hunter]

Now I'm confused again.  Not hard to do really.  Now I can't decide between a .243 or learning to reload and making my own 125gn .308 rounds. 

The .243 Win is a good round for deer...but that's all its good for is deer.  You can load your .308 down for less recoil, and then load it up with 180 grain bullets to take any big game animal in North America.  I would reload for the .308 Win 

[DoubleJ]

Problem my brain isn't grasping is, would a 125gn .308 loaded to 2400fps be a large enough reduction in recoil to match the low recoil of a .243 or at least come close

[bobcat]

Yes, I think so. I don't think it would be that much more recoil than a 243. Even a 125 grain bullet loaded to "normal" velcoity in a 308 would be fairly easy on the shoulder.

[DoubleJ]

Now I have to learn how to reload.  And find all of the equipment.  And tell my wife what I'm doing 

[yorketransport]

In the long run reloading will be cheaper than buying a new rifle. But then you don't get a new rifle out of the deal. Setting up to reload can be pretty inexpensive, or cost considerably more than what you're looking to spend on a rifle.

Andrew

[Bob33]

Have you seen the "Managed Recoil" ammunition by Remington?

http://www.remington.com/products/ammunition/centerfire/managed-recoil/managed-recoil.aspx

They have a 270 load with a 115 grain bullet, and a 308 with a 125 grain bullet. Either one of those would be great for a kid, and as he gets older, bigger, and more experienced, he would have the option of using full power loads.

My seven year old son has shot a Tikka T3 3006 (weighs about 7 pounds) with the Remington Managed Recoil ammunition.  It is simply amazing.  It also kills deer.

[1bugman]

If you got the time reloading is great. otherwise the 243 or 257 or 6mm are great choices.

[carpsniperg2]

yeah recoil in with either round should not be a problem. reloading is a great hobby and saves ys money in the long run as well

[woodswalker]

yeah recoil in with either round should not be a problem. reloading is a great hobby and saves ys money in the long run as well

Or you spend the same amount and get to shoot a lot more.

[Pathfinder101]

7mm-08, based upon the criteria you gave in your opening post.

HOWEVER, If you get a .270 with a good recoil system, you will probably be pleasantly surprised. 
As far a manufacturers for the price you mentioned, I bought PathfinderJR a Marlin XS7 in .308 last year.  He's 11, and not a big kid (about 70lbs), and he can puts a box of shells through it with no problem.  It has a great recoil pad on it, and we are not shooting "reduced recoil" rounds.  Recoil systems make all the difference in the world.

If you buy the Marlin, and you go with the 7mm-08, it will be the "XS7" model.  If you get it in .270, it will be an "XL7".  Not any real difference in the firearm itself, the "S" is for "short action", the "L" is for "long action". 

[SCRUBS]

If you buy a Savage/Stevens in 243, later on down the road you can install a 308 barrel on it. You can swap them out yourself, no gunsmith required.

Just another option if you haven`t already made your mind up.

[DoubleJ]

If you buy a Savage/Stevens in 243, later on down the road you can install a 308 barrel on it. You can swap them out yourself, no gunsmith required.

Just another option if you haven`t already made your mind up.

Please explain more.  I have a savage/stevens model 200 in .308 right now.  How would I get the .243 barrel?

[DoubleJ]

OK, doing a bit of research on my own, I have found that this swap is possible.  I have a stevens 200 .308 so, what barrels are compatable?  I saw on another forum where someone said they swapped a .308 with a .270.  If I am correct, the .308 is a short action and the .270 is a long action.  How would this be possible?

[carpsniperg2]

yeah recoil in with either round should not be a problem. reloading is a great hobby and saves ys money in the long run as well

Or you spend the same amount and get to shoot a lot more.

that is true as well

[wastickslinger]

Buy the .243 like you planned. Then in a few years step it up to a .270 or 7mm. Then you will have a reason to by a new gun.  You have to always be thinking of a way to have to buy a new gun. Never settle for all purpose or convince the wife of an all purpose, you shoot yourself in the foot. Best to let them think that you have to have a new gun for everything.  works for me....until she reads this and I get home and all my guns are at the pawn shop.