Originally Posted by cayugad

The Hawken's recoil can be made very manageable. We had nine year olds shooting 70 grains of pyrodex rs and a patched ball with no problems. That load is 100 yards lethal. But if possible, try and get closer. Since I don't know the kind of hunting you do, be it close range in the woods or longer range, say field hunting, it's hard to tell you what might work best.

Are scopes legal? What is the ultimate shot you encounter? What l might suggest is, fuel his desire. If he wants to hunt with the Hawken rifle, encourage him. But also make him aware of the limitations of the bullet. Worse, should he hunt old school and get a deer, be ready for bragging rights.