Thanks guys - the rifle he wants to shoot is mine (of course) -- a CVA Optima (26" barrel). Right now I have this gun grouping at 2" and under@ 100 yds using the 250gshockwave and 90g T7. I never really tried more powder - figured it was just right - and not one deer has complained yet. I wonder what recoilcould be expected using a lighter bullet - say the 200g shockwave, and 75g T7. Shouldn't the lighter projectile kick less? I have two main concerns ----1. Humane kills on the animal, and 2. my son's reaction to the recoil.