My choices for deer-sized game, in order would be:

.257 Roberts
6.5x55 Swedish
.260 Rem

The first two are older rounds, therefore a wide variety of ammo exists that is rather underloaded in defference to the many older rifles that may be chambered for them. These are very light in the recoil department and will make it easy for her to get some practice in. There are also hotter "+P" and/or "Light Magnum" or "High Energy" loads available that make them more than adequate to 300+ yards. If you handload, they are both excellent numbers for that purpose.

The .260 Rem is also a great new cartridge, but all factory ammo will be loaded to the maximum standard pressure. If she can handle it, it is perfect for your needs.

If you intend to hunt something a little larger, then I would drop the .257 Roberts from the list and add the 7x57 Mauser and the 7mm-08 Rem. The Mauser gets the nod for the same reasons as the .257 and 6.5x55. But if she can handle the recoil, the 7mm-08 is a great cartridge. In fact, I am in the process of trying to find a 7x57 for my 12-year-old son. He will hunt deer, pronghorn and elk with it.

Good Dogwork and Good Hunting

Edited by - seattlesetters on 01/12/2003 13:36:46