Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Guns and Ammo => Topic started by: Raincast on March 25, 2021, 08:55:05 PM


Advertise Here
Title: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: Raincast on March 25, 2021, 08:55:05 PM
Howdy everyone!

I'll cut right to it. I've been interested in getting into rifle hunting (white/mule deer mostly) but I'm lost in the sea of calibers.

I was set on a classic .243 for my first gun ever but every shop (8!) I've been in has suggested a 6.5 creedmoor without batting an eye so I went back to the drawing board and fell down the caliber rabbit hole.

Interested in hearing any caliber suggestions, I ain't a string bean but  :dunno: what my recoil tolerance is yet. Especially interested in what other ladies or greenhorns are shooting out there. Thanks!
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: Westside88 on March 25, 2021, 09:03:05 PM
15 year old step-daughter shoots 6.5 Creedmoor well. They’re really popular now, so lots of choices in rifles.
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: h20hunter on March 25, 2021, 09:05:33 PM
7mm 08 and 6.5 creed....then i'd suggest maybe a 25 06 but getting a little light imo.
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: jrebel on March 25, 2021, 09:06:08 PM
No particular order...

.243 win
6.5 creedmoor
7-08

My wife started with the .243 and now shoots the 7-08.  Everyone in my family shots the 6.5 creed.  I would suggest the 6.5 creed or 7-08 over the .243 purely due to the heavier bullet choices.  Will allow you to hunt bear and elk where the .243 is a little lite in my opinion.
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: MADMAX on March 25, 2021, 09:06:28 PM
My daughter shoots a 270 very well
Small framed little gal
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: Dan-o on March 25, 2021, 09:08:06 PM
Welcome to the site!

My daughter shoots a 7mm-08 (it's close to a 6.5 Creedmoor.....   someone will disagree.)..   She shot reduced recoil loads for a while when she was younger/smaller.

Personally, I think a 243 is a fine deer rifle......  especially with some of the modern bullets available.

Everybody has a favorite caliber, but 243 will kill any deer out there with a good shot.

The 6.5 Creedmoor is a fine round.
There are lots of fine rounds out there.

If you are able to get someone to let you shoot a few rifles in the 243/7mm-08/6.5 Creedmoor range, you could assess your comfort level.   I dont know how to assess tolerance level without actually trying a few.    I'm a big dude, but I now guys a lot smaller than me who can tolerate a lot more recoil than I like.   

Just don't let anyone talk you into a bigger caliber than you want.    :-)

Happy hunting.

P.S.   A 7mm-08 uses the same case as a 243, but the neck is opened up to 7mm (about 28 caliber).   We opted for the 7mm-08 because I believe it's a better choice for elk and bears.
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: Jolten on March 25, 2021, 09:18:30 PM
I've got a .243, .308 and. 26 nosler. If you ever make it to the yakima area you're welcome to message me to try out the .243
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: highside74 on March 25, 2021, 09:19:32 PM
I like 7mm08 because you can find 120gr-150gr rounds on the shelf and very low recoil. Put a muzzle break on and a kid could shoot it all day without a problem.

6.5 Creedmoor is very popular. Most off the shelf rounds are 120-143gr. Same recoil as the 7mm08

243 has no real upside to me. Very light bullets basically in the 90-100gr and mainly just a deer rifle. I know they have killed bigger animals but it just isn't recommended..
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: wadu1 on March 25, 2021, 09:24:57 PM
First of all "Welcome to the Site" also checkout the women's board here.
Boy do you have gone to the rabbit hole, just remember everyone has an opinion or two. Dan-o is right on find folks who have the calibers you may be interested in and go shoot them.
Best of luck, and ask questions  :tup:
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: Chesapeake on March 25, 2021, 09:26:54 PM
7mm-08 is a classic deer cartridge. It works well for elk and black bear as well.

I started both my boys with 7mm-08 and they still use them.
The smaller one started with the Hornady lite loads.
The Vortex 120ttsx rounds are good as well and lighter in recoil.

I prefer the 7mm-08 over the 6.5 creedmoor due to the selection of heavier tough bonded hunting bullets for the 7mm.

Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: Raincast on March 25, 2021, 09:44:10 PM
Lots of great insight here, thanks for all the replies everyone!  :)
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: GWP on March 25, 2021, 09:49:31 PM
243 if fine. There is no substitute for shot placement no matter what you decide to shoot. Beyond that, 7X57 (or 275 Rigby, if you prefer) has killed everything from elephants to small game. Pretty comparable to a ‘light’ 270, 25.06, 270. Lots of capable enough cartridges out there.
Something you can find ammo for would be good. Hit Farm and Home downtown and see what they have on the shelf, and or what they might suggest.
If you get into hand loading, the next step in the ‘caliber addiction’, there are even more options for that 243 or any of the other ones.
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: ghosthunter on March 25, 2021, 10:02:24 PM
Look at the Savage 110 Storm in 7 mm 08.
You can adjust the gun to fit you comb height and length of pull.
Light recoil and lots of loads.


Good luck.
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: MountainWalk on March 25, 2021, 10:06:05 PM
30'06. Practice with Remington reduced loads and hunt with the regular stuff.
 An 8 year old boy, an eight year old girl and two non  hunting women all manage it nicely.
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: hunter399 on March 25, 2021, 10:06:28 PM
My wife uses 243 ,she seems to like it. :dunno: :dunno: :dunno: :dunno:
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: GWP on March 25, 2021, 10:11:45 PM
I forgot to mention, I saw a statistic that the 30-30 has taken more deer that all other calibers combined. Can not remember where I saw it, but it is probably true. The reduced 30.06 is a good suggestion as well.
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: shootem on March 25, 2021, 10:43:32 PM
Also a reduced recoil .270. You will improve your recoil tolerance with practice. Consider long term.
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: JL on March 25, 2021, 10:49:55 PM
As mentioned, there are a lot of variables that can reduce felt recoil which would allow someone to use a larger caliber. A form fitting rifle/stock is going to take into account your length of pull, cast on/off, cheek weld, toe out, sight alignment, etc... If all those ( + maybe things like recoil pad etc...) are proper, you may find that this, let's say, .308, is far more comfortable than the straight stocked run of the mill whatever of a lesser caliber. I guess what I'm saying is that it can be of equal importance to consider fit and form, rather than only ballistics/caliber, when you know your intended game. I think Weatherby knocked it out of the park w/ their Vanguard Camilla line which takes all of this into account. 
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: carpsniperg2 on March 25, 2021, 10:53:16 PM
I really like to see newer shooters start with the mid to small end of cartridges. 243/260/308/7mm08 have always been my recommendations for many years. The newer 6 and 6.5 creedmoor are also good choices. 
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: bobcat on March 25, 2021, 11:00:41 PM
I think the 243 Win. is an excellent choice, as long as it won't be an elk rifle. But another thing to consider is ammunition availability. I load my own so I don't really keep up with what's available right now and what's not. But I'd seriously be picking the rifle based on what ammo you can find in the stores.
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: huntnphool on March 25, 2021, 11:06:57 PM
 7mm-08 all day long!  :twocents:
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: KFhunter on March 25, 2021, 11:31:28 PM
Yup - a brake on a 7mm-08 would be a joy

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: PolarBear on March 25, 2021, 11:40:17 PM
.308 or .243
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: huntnphool on March 26, 2021, 12:17:48 AM
.308 or .243

  :chuckle: lmao
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: Fl0und3rz on March 26, 2021, 02:55:28 AM
My daughter shoots a 270 very well
Small framed little gal

My niece, teen, at the time, shot plenty of 150 grainers out of my lightweight, .270 Win. Rem 700 Mountain Rifle, to prepare for her first hunt. And 130 grainers are available for further recoil reduction.  I'd say that this chambering is often overlooked in this category of women/children starter rifles, and has the benefits of a one rifle solution, with cheap and easy access to ammo (in normal times), in a proven caliber.
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: Fl0und3rz on March 26, 2021, 03:00:46 AM
First of all "Welcome to the Site" also checkout the women's board here.
Boy do you have gone to the rabbit hole, just remember everyone has an opinion or two. Dan-o is right on find folks who have the calibers you may be interested in and go shoot them.
Best of luck, and ask questions  :tup:

:yeah:

Someone get raincast out shooting some different calibers.
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: jdb on March 26, 2021, 05:56:57 AM
I know where there is a good deal on a 25/06 mountain rifle.
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: MADMAX on March 26, 2021, 06:03:13 AM
My daughter shoots a 270 very well
Small framed little gal

My niece, teen, at the time, shot plenty of 150 grainers out of my lightweight, .270 Win. Rem 700 Mountain Rifle, to prepare for her first hunt. And 130 grainers are available for further recoil reduction.  I'd say that this chambering is often overlooked in this category of women/children starter rifles, and has the benefits of a one rifle solution, with cheap and easy access to ammo (in normal times), in a proven caliber.

Exactly
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: Bareback on March 26, 2021, 06:37:55 AM
A limb saver on most calibers suggested, but at the moment you might consider a caliber on availability of rounds.
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: Rob on March 26, 2021, 06:44:06 AM
Do you want one rifle to hunt all over the counter game in Washington with, or are you happy to get one for deer, and one for Elk down the road?

Consider more than recoil (as noted the 243, 7mm-08 and 6.5 cred will all be similar).  Consider ease of finding ammo.

My gut says finding ammo for a 243 and 6.5 Creedmoor would be easier than a 7mm-08. 

Consider a 308 Winchester too.

 
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: GWP on March 26, 2021, 07:21:19 AM
.308 or .243

  :chuckle: lmao

Wasn't the .243 made from the .308 case? I believe it was a necked down .308, if I remember correctly, developed in the 50's.
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: bearhunter99 on March 26, 2021, 08:33:31 AM
Lots of great suggestions on here.  My wife and daughters all shoot 7mm-08 and have killed a lot of deer with my wife's TC Encore single shot 7mm-08.  I bought a 6.5 Creed but they all wanted to stick with the 08.  The girls have Howa 1500 08s and love them.

Have you done much shooting of other rifles?  Even shooting any of the calibers listed above I would recommend starting out with a .22lr, or light varmint caliber (.223, .222. .204. .22-250 etc) and shoot as many rounds as possible before moving into a heavier caliber.  I ran my wife and kids through hundreds of rounds of ammunition with something that doesn't kick at all just to teach them the feel of the trigger and getting used to shooting before they moved up to larger calibers and I think it made a huge difference.  Moving from low/no recoil up into something with recoil slowly is much less daunting to a new shooter than just grabbing a hunting rifle and getting at it. :twocents:
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: Raincast on March 26, 2021, 08:34:38 AM
Do you want one rifle to hunt all over the counter game in Washington with, or are you happy to get one for deer, and one for Elk down the road?

Consider more than recoil (as noted the 243, 7mm-08 and 6.5 cred will all be similar).  Consider ease of finding ammo.

My gut says finding ammo for a 243 and 6.5 Creedmoor would be easier than a 7mm-08. 

Consider a 308 Winchester too.

I'm definitely interested in one rifle to rule them all haha since I am fortunate enough to buy a nice rifle and scope right now... probably not so much down the line.

I'd say the only animals I don't have any nterest in is varmints and coyotes.

Thanks a ton for the information! I'll have to check local ammo selection when I get back from Idaho. Definitely more interested in the 6.5/7-08 now.
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: Raincast on March 26, 2021, 08:39:05 AM
Lots of great suggestions on here...

No I've never shot before which wasn't helping with my concern over recoil lol. I hadn't thought about getting a .22lr, thats a great idea. I'll definitely look for some cheap ones while I'm out and about this month. Ty!

Do they find the 7-08 just more pleasant to shoot than? I find back and forth info on that front in my research. I was looking at T3X which may be too light weight now.
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: bustedoldman on March 26, 2021, 08:41:11 AM
My wife has shot everything but prefers .270, both my daughters (16 & 20, both 100 lbers) have shot everything 1 prefers the 6.5CM and 1 prefers the 6.5PRC and if those weren't available they reach for the .25-06 or .308......My suggestion is try to shoot everything you're interested in and then go from there. Good Luck!
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: dilleytech on March 26, 2021, 08:42:27 AM
My little 5-4 wife has a youth browning x-bolt in 308 that’s has a 20” barrel/brake/ and shorter then typically stock. And shoots very accurately. I don’t see why someone would need less recoil then that. But just another option. Also a lot of rounds through a target 22 or .223 would be very helpful for practice.
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: WSU on March 26, 2021, 08:43:06 AM
My wife shoots a 270 for elk and deer.  Great all around caliber without a ton of recoil.
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: KFhunter on March 26, 2021, 08:47:46 AM
I don't see the point in shooting a bunch of random guns in random calibers setup for random people

Pick the caliber thats best for the job, best compromise on recoil vs knock down.

Especially in today's ammo crunch how's she gonna do that?

I Especially don't reccomend a new shooter going to random dudes,  and getting random advise on shooting random guns in random calibers into random paper targets
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: sjhgraysage on March 26, 2021, 08:47:57 AM
My wife has not hunted in years but when she did she shot a bunch of deer with a 257 Roberts and used 100 grain handloads.
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: Rob on March 26, 2021, 08:58:30 AM
Do you want one rifle to hunt all over the counter game in Washington with, or are you happy to get one for deer, and one for Elk down the road?

Consider more than recoil (as noted the 243, 7mm-08 and 6.5 cred will all be similar).  Consider ease of finding ammo.

My gut says finding ammo for a 243 and 6.5 Creedmoor would be easier than a 7mm-08. 

Consider a 308 Winchester too.

I'm definitely interested in one rifle to rule them all haha since I am fortunate enough to buy a nice rifle and scope right now... probably not so much down the line.

I'd say the only animals I don't have any nterest in is varmints and coyotes.

Thanks a ton for the information! I'll have to check local ammo selection when I get back from Idaho. Definitely more interested in the 6.5/7-08 now.

Holy wars have been waged on this very board regarding this very topic...

But I would suggest looking hard at a 270 Win or a 30.06 if you have interest in something that works for Deer and Elk.   
-Ammo is cheap and plentiful (normally)
-bullet weights and velocities are generally good for both Deer and Elk

As for recoil - it is a tricky thing to quantify.
For example, rifles chambered in 30.06 Springfield will all have different levels of felt recoil - even if shooting identical ammunition.  The biggest variable is total weight of the rifle.  The heavier the rifle, the less it will kick. 

My suggestion would be to get something a little bit more powerful than what you think you want right now, and have a muzzle break put on it.  That will tame a good deal of the recoil.

I tend to look for the lightest weight rifle I can find and then just deal with the recoil - I carry a rifle a whole lot more than I shoot it so a light rifle is important to me.  If recoil is a big deal, then you may want a heavier rifle.  you can always reduce some weight later by getting a lighter stock, or a lighter scope. 

Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: WSU on March 26, 2021, 09:07:49 AM
I was just going to say don’t get an ultralight rifle until you try one out. My friend has one in 308 and it kicks like my 300 mag. The more I hunt and shoot, the more I’m convinced magnums are overrated for normal hunting.  The 270 kills elk plenty dead and plenty quickly.
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: Wetwoodshunter on March 26, 2021, 09:18:06 AM
I was just going to say don’t get an ultralight rifle until you try one out. My friend has one in 308 and it kicks like my 300 mag. The more I hunt and shoot, the more I’m convinced magnums are overrated for normal hunting.  The 270 kills elk plenty dead and plenty quickly.

I made the mistake of selling my .270 man that was a good gun. Ruger Hawekeye 77.

I would recommend for lighter recoil shooting 7-08 or .270. I have a Browning x-bolt 7-08 I bought for my wife, it shoots reduced recoil Hornady loads real well. My wife decided hunting was not for her but my son will use it when he gets to hunting age.
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: CaNINE on March 26, 2021, 09:23:42 AM
No particular order...

.243 win
6.5 creedmoor
7-08

My wife started with the .243 and now shoots the 7-08.  Everyone in my family shots the 6.5 creed.  I would suggest the 6.5 creed or 7-08 over the .243 purely due to the heavier bullet choices.  Will allow you to hunt bear and elk where the .243 is a little lite in my opinion.

Any of these will be pleasant to shoot and with proper bullet placement very effective with quick and clean taking of animals.
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: jrebel on March 26, 2021, 09:41:46 AM
Don’t over think this....sometimes asking questions like this on a board of gun nuts, will only muddy the water. 

Most women benefit from a higher comb height.   Look at rifles made specifically for women.  Set it up so it fits you (scope height, eye relief, recoil pad, etc.) and go shoot.  Recoil management can be a learned trait with practice.  Worst case scenario, put a break on it, though there are drawbacks to that as well (I’m a huge fan of breaks but they are loud and most recoil sensitive shooters anticipate the sound more than the felt recoil.   7-08 and 6.5 creed are big enough for any hunt-able animal in North America with the exception of maybe a grizzly (some will argue this but purely out of bias for what they shoot).   Regardless of caliber....you can learn to shoot it.  Practice practice practice.   I also agree with others that a female meeting up with random dudes to shoot is generally not a great idea. 

Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: KFhunter on March 26, 2021, 09:43:37 AM
When buying a new rifle it goes like this:

1) intended use, how heavy, what distances, and what species, method of hunting etc. backcountry vs a stand in the back 40.
 
2) best chambering for intended use

3) best compromise recoil vs shootability in a chambering that's ethical for species hunted.

4) budget

5) availability of ammo and rifle, in size/type of stock needed

6) desired features like threaded barrel and magazine
 
7) glass

8.) addons like slings, cases, cartridge pouch etc


Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: MountainWalk on March 26, 2021, 09:45:11 AM
Maybe for you.
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: GWP on March 26, 2021, 09:45:21 AM
I don't see the point in shooting a bunch of random guns in random calibers setup for random people

Pick the caliber thats best for the job, best compromise on recoil vs knock down.

Especially in today's ammo crunch how's she gonna do that?

I Especially don't reccomend a new shooter going to random dudes,  and getting random advise on shooting random guns in random calibers into random paper targets

Well, someone’s glass is half empty today!
😩😄🤣
Maybe to try recoil?
I do understand your concerns though. Maybe set up something at a range with a few different folks at the same time? New shooter day?
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: KFhunter on March 26, 2021, 09:48:54 AM
You can take 6 guns in the same chambering and get 6 different felt recoils.

What's the point?


Felt recoil is largly exacerbated by poorly fitted rifles, which she'd get by shooting random dudes' guns.
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: GWP on March 26, 2021, 09:51:35 AM
For fun?
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: MountainWalk on March 26, 2021, 09:53:22 AM
For experience?
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: KFhunter on March 26, 2021, 09:57:01 AM
For fun?
Maybe if it were an all  lady's group, but I'd hate to be a gal trying to learn to shoot from a bunch of random males. 

Hell I hate shooting with random males, and I don't have boobs.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: KFhunter on March 26, 2021, 09:57:56 AM
For experience?
counterintuitive experience cancles out good experience

Srry

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: MountainWalk on March 26, 2021, 09:59:55 AM
You just have all the answers,  don't ya?
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: KFhunter on March 26, 2021, 10:01:48 AM
I gotta refer back to yorkhunters post about a Dad teaching his daughter to shoot (300 winnie?) and her getting utterly abused and ruined by it.

So he had the dad shoot his hand cannon


Its a great post.

But ya, I have zero faith in rando dudes teaching anyone to shoot.  No offense to anyone here, I just don't know you.


Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: Rob on March 26, 2021, 10:17:32 AM
Maybe for you.

I vote this "most helpful post of the day"
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: thinkingman on March 26, 2021, 10:19:26 AM
No particular order...

.243 win
6.5 creedmoor
7-08

My wife started with the .243 and now shoots the 7-08.  Everyone in my family shots the 6.5 creed.  I would suggest the 6.5 creed or 7-08 over the .243 purely due to the heavier bullet choices.  Will allow you to hunt bear and elk where the .243 is a little lite in my opinion.
This plus .260 Remington
Stick to the 51mm case and you have great options.
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: KFhunter on March 26, 2021, 10:22:34 AM
A slight edge in velocity over a 6.5cm, but with a lack of availability as a trade-off

Not sound advice.
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: MountainWalk on March 26, 2021, 10:38:23 AM
   Rob,


   You are hilarious.
I vote your post " funniest post of the day".

   Lady,   you can read a bunch of  magazines and get sold on what's new and fresh. You can go online and get a hundred different opinions. Here's one;  Get a pawnshop 270 or 30'06.


Kf-  so what?, in reference to some dudes post about some other dude and his kid? So what? You yourself said six different rifles of one same caliber recoil differently.  I've had a *censored*cat  300 winmag.  I've had a fearsome 30'06. So what's your point?


 You guys on here crack me up. Trying to talk to her like she knows as much as you think you know.   I see all these 7mm 08 opinions,  and I like it alot and have killed my biggest BT with it, and it's fairly tame, recoil wise.  But on this same site I see a box of reduced loads for the 7 oh 8 at 65 bucks a box. Yeah right.  She ain't gonna piss away 65 buck on some hard to find ammo on a gun that she may or may not hunt with.   A first time hunter should have every advantage possible.  The 270 and 06 , are winners.
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: Rob on March 26, 2021, 10:42:09 AM
I have always considered myself hilarious.  Glad you agree.
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: GWP on March 26, 2021, 10:52:38 AM
For fun?
Maybe if it were an all  lady's group, but I'd hate to be a gal trying to learn to shoot from a bunch of random males. 

Hell I hate shooting with random males, and I don't have boobs.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

Over on one of the motorcycle forums whenever a woman shows up either in person or on the forum they call it (justifiably) a “Hot Dog Fest”. Yup. Can be a problem.
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: bearhunter99 on March 26, 2021, 11:03:07 AM
Ammo shortages are the biggest obstacle for new shooters right now.  There just isn't availability to spend time at the range and see what works.

Regardless of caliber my suggestion would be to visit the gun shops and actually hold and shoulder as many different rifles as possible and fine that feels right to you.  Recoil pads can be changed out to provide some added recoil reduction, there are great options in recoil pads out there.  Muzzle breaks are great for recoil but lousy for noise.
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: Chesapeake on March 26, 2021, 11:05:58 AM
For the 7mm-08 the Hornady Custom lite will probably be hard to find for a spell.
But Bi-mart regularly has the 139 grain American Whitetail ammo for ~$22 a box. When they have it the Remington 140 Corelokt is about $25 a box. (that ship may have sailed)
I bought the Custom light stuff off the web by the case when my kids were smaller. Sportsman's would carry it local, but I don't recall it ever being at any other local stores.
I've not seen 30-06 or 270win on the shelves as of late, but I do see 243 trickle in.

In my opinion (we know how that goes):

30-06 is too much recoil for a new smaller frame hunter.
243 is too small for larger game.
Muzzle brakes aren't good for general hunting due to the increased need for hearing protection.
260 is to obscure.
308 has to short of a MPBR.
257 Bob is to obscure.
25-06 is to small for larger game.
No doubt there are others I could as easily discount......LOL :tung:

So that leaves 270win, 7mm-08, or 6.5 Creedmoor. If I had to rank those 3 for a new small to mid frame hunter it would be 7mm-08, 270 win, 6.5 Creedmoor in that order. (Yes I favor frontal area and heavier bullets)

Pick the one that comes in the rifle you find that fits you well and that you like and can afford.




Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: Hilltop123 on March 26, 2021, 11:10:27 AM
These, rifles are designed for women. My wife has one of each, the Camila in 243 and the Lady Hunter in 308. As already mentioned, a good fitting rifle will help with preceived recoil. Plus, a rifle that fits is just more pleasurable to shoot and make you a better marksman.




https://weatherby.com/store/vanguard-camilla/
https://www.savagearms.com/content?p=firearms&a=product_summary&s=19655
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: Dan-o on March 26, 2021, 11:45:24 AM
Do you want one rifle to hunt all over the counter game in Washington with, or are you happy to get one for deer, and one for Elk down the road?

Consider more than recoil (as noted the 243, 7mm-08 and 6.5 cred will all be similar).  Consider ease of finding ammo.

My gut says finding ammo for a 243 and 6.5 Creedmoor would be easier than a 7mm-08. 

Consider a 308 Winchester too.

I'm definitely interested in one rifle to rule them all haha since I am fortunate enough to buy a nice rifle and scope right now... probably not so much down the line.

I'd say the only animals I don't have any nterest in is varmints and coyotes.

Thanks a ton for the information! I'll have to check local ammo selection when I get back from Idaho. Definitely more interested in the 6.5/7-08 now.

Mrs. Dan-0 and I go thru Cle Elum semi-regularly.
I have a Savage Youth in 7mm-08 I'd be happy to let you try out. 
If you are interested, we could hit the woods and take a few shots just so you now what a particular 7mm-08 feels like.
Mrs. Dan-0 is always up for throwing a few mags through her pistol....   Rifles not so much.
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: Rob on March 26, 2021, 11:52:28 AM
http://www.threeforksreloading.com/

Three Forks in Cle Elum is a great shop.  usually has lots of ammo (been thin lately as most places have been).

They are right next to the meat candy story (Owens Meats).

Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: Hilltop123 on March 26, 2021, 11:54:56 AM
Never heard of Osborn meats, did you mean Owens?
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: GWP on March 26, 2021, 11:59:42 AM
Keep in mind there is also a difference between plinking or 'shooting for fun' and hunting. One you may or will fire many rounds in one sitting. Recoil is more of an issue. Hunting SHOULD be one shot or maybe two in a day for center fire. Unless it is varmint hunting.
Noise, a lot and continuous, and recoil, pounding for an hour as opposed to one hit for the day, for the two is different, and you may want to consider that as well. You will need to practice with it, but you could spread it out over time.
Used to load 'hot and heavy' rounds for a guy with his .375 H&H and 30-378 Weatherby. Not 'plinkers', or very fun to shoot. At least for me. Ok for one or two shots a day. Maybe.
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: GWP on March 26, 2021, 12:00:32 PM
Never heard of Osborn meats, did you mean Owens?

Beat me to it!  :chuckle:
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: Rob on March 26, 2021, 12:02:53 PM
Never heard of Osborn meats, did you mean Owens?
Yep!

Will correct that.
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: Rob on March 26, 2021, 12:05:32 PM
Keep in mind there is also a difference between plinking or 'shooting for fun' and hunting. One you may or will fire many rounds in one sitting. Recoil is more of an issue. Hunting SHOULD be one shot or maybe two in a day for center fire. Unless it is varmint hunting.
Noise, a lot and continuous, and recoil, pounding for an hour as opposed to one hit for the day, for the two is different, and you may want to consider that as well. You will need to practice with it, but you could spread it out over time.
Used to load 'hot and heavy' rounds for a guy with his .375 H&H and 30-378 Weatherby. Not 'plinkers', or very fun to shoot. At least for me. Ok for one or two shots a day. Maybe.

Very True.  Also,  I can 100% guarantee that when you are lined up on a deer, and pulling the trigger you will not even feel the gun go off.  You may not even hear it.   You may not even remember pulling the trigger.  The rush is real.
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: GWP on March 26, 2021, 12:11:27 PM
Keep in mind there is also a difference between plinking or 'shooting for fun' and hunting. One you may or will fire many rounds in one sitting. Recoil is more of an issue. Hunting SHOULD be one shot or maybe two in a day for center fire. Unless it is varmint hunting.
Noise, a lot and continuous, and recoil, pounding for an hour as opposed to one hit for the day, for the two is different, and you may want to consider that as well. You will need to practice with it, but you could spread it out over time.
Used to load 'hot and heavy' rounds for a guy with his .375 H&H and 30-378 Weatherby. Not 'plinkers', or very fun to shoot. At least for me. Ok for one or two shots a day. Maybe.

Very True.  Also,  I can 100% guarantee that when you are lined up on a deer, and pulling the trigger you will not even feel the gun go off.  You may not even hear it.   You may not even remember pulling the trigger.  The rush is real.

Curious if anyone else held their breath for a second when they read that?  :tup: :chuckle:
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: Rob on March 26, 2021, 12:15:39 PM
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: ghosthunter on March 26, 2021, 12:17:05 PM
https://www.outdoorlife.com/story/guns/the-7mm-showdown-7x57-7mm-08rem-284win/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwAR1uSMPrCAOINX7Z1jqjOr4vDtTgJ5ZNuRHlTzymE_sQbHNyganCcnOG0UY
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: Dan-o on March 26, 2021, 12:30:23 PM

Rob.
That video is AWESOME!
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: Rob on March 26, 2021, 12:48:10 PM
One of my favorites

When I loose that feeling, I will quit hunting.
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: huntnphool on March 26, 2021, 01:02:04 PM
.308 or .243

  :chuckle: lmao

Wasn't the .243 made from the .308 case? I believe it was a necked down .308

 Correct, as is the .260 and 7mm-08, hence the “08” designation on the latter. ;)
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: WSU on March 26, 2021, 01:07:48 PM
No one cares about the bighorn!
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: GWP on March 26, 2021, 01:22:29 PM
Aaaaand question to the starter of the thread, have you considered handgun hunting? Or muzzle loader? May as well get the entire can of worms open! :chuckle:
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: pianoman9701 on March 26, 2021, 02:16:31 PM
I suggest you list the animals that you DO want to hunt. You can't start out with all of them. What attracted you to hunting in the first place? Being able to put great food on the table? Putting some heads on the wall? Which animals do you intend to hunt first? Which ones, the most? Elk, deer, upland game birds, rabbits, what?

Once you narrow this down a bit, I know there are several members in your area, some female, who would be happy to take you out and let you shoot different calibers once they know on what you're going to focus. Then you can buy a rifle with which you're more confident and look for guidance as to how you can plan successful hunting to use it. If this becomes an obsession like it has for most of us, you'll buy other guns in the future for more specific pursuits.

Best of luck to you and welcome to the forum and to the tradition.  :tup:
Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: ghosthunter on March 26, 2021, 03:59:00 PM
I am pretty sure the OP is sorry she asked the question now. :chuckle:

Title: Re: Beginner Lady Hunting Calibers??
Post by: Rob on March 26, 2021, 04:11:21 PM
I am pretty sure the OP is sorry she asked the question now. :chuckle:
I know I would be!

At least folks are eager to help a new shooter!
SimplePortal 2.3.7 © 2008-2024, SimplePortal