Originally Posted by
Okie76
I've seen a couple reccomendations to broaden my horizons in reference to caliber selection for the 243, 270 and 7mm-08. I have a few questions about these:
1) It was my understanding through reading stuff off the internet that the 25-06 had less buillet drop at longer ranges than the 243. I have also read that this is subject to round selection, barrel length and rate of twist within the barrel. However, with all things being equal the 25-06 had greater range than the 243. Thats why I ultimately chose it. If I am wrong in this please let me know as I am trying to maximise my sons potential.
OK...first off in all honestly, effective range for either gun is probably a couple hundred yards beyond that of any young hunter, and many adults. I have taken deer well beyond 200 yards with a .243 and have seen deer, pronghorn, yotes and elk taken with a 243 beyond 400 yards. In all honesty, what is the likely range your son will shoot out to? 200 yards is a long ways, and at 200 yards, the deer won't know the difference between a 243 or 2506 and bullet drop will be very close to the same for both. At the end of the day, yes, the 2506 has more effective range, but both are acceptable out to 400 yards. The 2506 also has more recoil than the 243 and the 7mm-08.
Originally Posted by
Okie76
2) It was also my understanding that the 270wsm was comparable to the 25-06 in terms of maximum effective range and due to that I had looked real close at getting it. Not to mention it has a selection of larger grain bullets that would be needed; if later in the year we decided to do an exotic game hunt on a private reservation somewhere. After reading about the recoil of the 270 compared to the 25-06, I had to think of my son who is also going to be shooting it and went back to the 25-06. If any of you have shot both the 25-06 and 270wsm and can compare the two's recoil please let me know. I'm eager to know if there really is as big of a difference in recoil between the two as I have read.
I don't believe the 2506 touches the 270WSM in maximum effective range...the difference in BC alone is significant. I have both a 2506 (Browning A-Bolt) and a 270WSM (Tikka)...the recoil on my Tikka is a little more than the 2506, but not really that much. I think the felt recoil on my 270WSM is less than on my 270 WIN...but the Tikka also has a Limbsaver on it...makes a difference.
Originally Posted by
Okie76
3) From when I was a teenager hunting I had heard tales of the infamous 7mm that kicked like a mule and how it took down moose and lions. Stories from freinds and such. Due to that I figured it had way too much recoil for a 10 year old and never looked into it. Is that all myth or is it right for a 10 year old?
The stories you heard were likely of a 7mm Rem Mag (which is as belted magnum)...and not of the 7mm-08 (which is a 308 case necked down to 284...or 7mm). The felt recoil on the 7mm-08 is similar in my experience to that of a 243...I no longer have a 7mm-08, but had one years ago in a Browning BLR and it kicked a little...but the BLR stock designs don't lend them well to recoil managent.
My 7mm Rem Mag does in fact kick like a mule and is unpleasant to shoot....hence it has become a safe queen and recently donated the 3-9x50 Swift it had on it to one of my 308's...LOL
Originally Posted by
Okie76
Basically im trying to get the most effective range (with the least amount of scope adjustments - IE bullet drop) that has the least amount of recoil as I don't want to scare off my son. It's important that he takes an interest in this.
Seems by what I have read in here that the Thompson Venture is the way to go, so now I just need to get the caliber figured out. I was sold 100% on the 25-06 prior to coming here but you guys badgering me about that has made me think twice about it. If I could get some answers to the 3 questions above that would help me decide for sure?
My daughter and my niece both started shooting at age 6 and hunting at age 7...they both stated on single shot Rossi's (great design...for $200 they got 3 barrels...22LR, 243 and 20g...which allowed the to grow from 22 to 243 and hunting with the same gun). Had they not wanted to keep hunting...$200 was a small investment. They both now hunt with nearly identical Weatherby Vanguard Youth rifles in 243 (both of which consistently produce SUB-MOA groups)...they both weigh all of 50 pounds and handle the recoil well. If you are worried about recoil at all, I'd go with the 243, you will loose no effective range over the 2506 with someone that age...as you'll want them shooting at closer range (under 100 yards) to build confidence anyway. Oh...and 243 ammo is often half the cost and more readily available than that of 2506. Nothing worse than watching your child miss their first deer because you set unrealistic expectations, chances of your son needing all of the effective range of a 2506 for a couple of years is slim to none.