ELKampMaster

13?
First Highpower?
New Mexico?
Deer and Up?

30-06

EKM

bobo21

I second the .270 with a good recoil pad you can't go wrong. I don't have a re-coil pad just a plastic butt plate.

130's for deer
150's for big game

A flat shooter with 130's, my .270 with custom loads is 3" high at 100 and 12" low at 300.

Ammo is available everywhere in 130's and 150's

Mykey

For deer only my 1st choice would be the 25.06. If your going to be hunting something bigger then my second choice would be the 260 Rem.

pa257

If you can take a little recoil then go w/ the .270. I love my .257 roberts, but they are harder to find and you won't be able to stop at Wal-Mart/K-mart or some other big store and readily get ammo. You could look for a used 7mm mag or 30.06 with a ported barrel or muzzel brake and never buy another gun (but why do that, lol).

Beard Buster

270 win. for sure. I started using a .270 win when I was 11 years old and it has been my preference ever since. I have used it on varmints all the way up to big bucks. I haven't had ac hance to go after an elk yet, but when I do I will just swich up to a 150grain bullet. On deer I would recommend Federal Premium 130grain nosler partitions. I just got into handloading so I have quit buying bullets, but the federal premiums have near handload performance. The most important thing to remember in any hunting situation is to put safety first. It is worth it to pass up a 20point buck to avoid the risk of a hunting accident. Good Luck.

Smitty_nc1

13 years young? You should be able to handle a .308 easy. I would recomend the Remington 700 youth model. If you want to save a few $ go with the 700ADL.

hunter338

Hello neighbor! Just wondering what part of NM you live in. I live just outside of Las Cruces NM. If it were me I would go with the 270 cal. You can hunt just almost any thing you want . Although it is a little light for Elk. But It has been known to drop them in their track a time or two. Hope it helps and be safe . Leroy.

DearSlayer357

i would get a SSi-ONE Mossberg single shot rifle chamberd in .270 and it has an interchangable barrel for 12 ga slugs.

cherokee_outfitters

I think the 270,30-06,30-30,308,243, and non magnums calibers would suit you fine. The main key is practice practice practice. And not all hunting situations will be off the perfect rest. Try leaning up against a tree or fence post while practicing also. Forget shooting long range till you have developed a knowledge of your cartridge and distances. You want your first animal you take to be a clean kill. Its ethical and totally a hunters responisiblity to learn and shoot his rifle. Pick your spot on the animal and aim there don't shoot at the whole animal. Most important wait for the best opportunity shots such as broadside and quartering away. Good luck

firsttimeelkhunter

I know a 12yr old that is shooting a 30-06 and took two deer in Minnesota this last year. I dont think the recoil will be an issue if you have good instruction. I personally would start you off with a USED Quality .270. Have the stock fit to you by a gunsmith. Have a Sims Vibration Labs Recoil reducer put on it. It recoil reduction is great. You did not mention bigger game and the .270 is capable out to 400 yards on deer sized game WITH PRACTICE. I would not advise you to take any shots at that distance w/o alot of practice.

My choice for you would be a Savage 270 wood stock with 3-9 scope, JMHO