7mm-08 or 243
 

I was wondering what would be a better starter center fire caliber for my 12 year old daughter. We shoot at the range once a month. And she does great with her 10-22. Thanks

I would get a 7mm-08 and find her some managed recoil rounds to use for now.

When she grows some more you can switch up to the standard loads, or continue to use the MR loads- you get to choose.

Ive used a .243 exclusively for the past 25 years, awsome caliber.
My most recent one was a Rem VLS bull barrel. I used it for about four years and couldnt get use to the weight, so I sold it. I went with a 7-08 just this year just because I wanted change, (not the Obama type ) and have made 3 kills with it, a hog a deer and a yote. So what I have seen so far the .243 seems to have left more damage. I shot a doe yesterday with the 7-08 using 139 gr Hornady btsp, it penciled in and out through the shoulder, granted the deer went 15 yds and piled up, I wasnt all that impressed. I am going to try 120 gr Bt's and see if it leaves a bigger exit. I know my .243 with 100 gr Hornady's and sierra game kings left some nasty holes.
Personaly I would get a .243 specially for a kid, my 7-08 doesnt kick much but it does kick more than the .243.

As much as I like the 7-08 in the case of a 12yr old girl I'll have to say go with the .243.

Thanks guys I have friends who have both. Although they are not compact or youth models . They have agreed to let me try both. So next time we go to the range I am going to let her try both.

Recoil is the question?
 

You can't go wrong with either cartridge for a deer gun. However, the 243 is less recoil and usually less weight. Since you have the options to let her try both let her decide which is to her likeing. My fiance' shoots a Rem 700 ADL in 243 that I give her several years back she took two nice does 2 wks ago in KY one at 140yds and one a 75 yds. Both heart shots. Well place shots require a gun that fits the shooter and one that doesn't make them recoil shy to pull off the POA. :s4:
Hope this helps.

Couple proven rounds. I'd opt for a 7mm-08 myself, but the 243 will have no troubles.

12 year old = .243 and will last a lifetime and very servicable on both varmint and deer size animals.

I have used a browning 7mm-08 since i was 12 and absolutely love it, flat shooting, great handling, mild recoil...filled the freezer many years

my step brother is now using his own and loves it, he is 16

That is a tough one. I would say take them to look at guns and find the one that fits them best and go from there. You can always find a load to fit the situation. Maybe even just jump up to .308, you can then shoot from 100gr on up to 200gr bullets and reduced recoil loads that have very little recoil.

If you are torn beyond decision.... there is always the .260 Rem.

I've got a couple 7-08s.... and my next rifle will prob be a .243 AI... unless I find an older used 6mm Rem that strikes my fancy.

You really can't lose here.

Having shot and owned both, I would get a 7-08 for your daughter. I got one for my grandson. I got a Savage 11FYCAK in 7-08 with a detachable magazine and adjustable muzzlebrake. With the muzzlebrake open, recoil is about like shooting a .223.
The difference in recoil between the .243 with 100 gr bullets and the 7-08 with 120 or 139 gr bullets is minimal. And although the .243 is a fine deer cartridge, the 7-08 will do anything the .243 can do and a bit more.

I love my 7-08, but the 243 is my go to gun.. Just to many different types of ammo at a lesser cost...

I love my 7mm-08 but the 243 is my go to gun.. Just so much more ammo and better prices around.

.243 Hands Down:barmy:

Will be the rifle for the rest of her life!!:s4:

the only reason to have a 243 is that it can shoot a 55gr bullet other than that the 708 is the gun to have.
i did have a 243 ,shot several deer with it ,the only one it tipped over was the one shot in the head ,all the others i had to go looking for.

If it was me I'd g 7-o8 with 120 gr bullets.

the 7-08 loaded with a 120 gr BT is smokin, very flat shooting too. 3200 fps easily

I have both and shoot them both, but I favor the .243 w/100gr Sierra Game Kings.......Both are excellent calibers........

First, I'll suggest that you're not going to go wrong with either.

But secondly, I'll ask what kind of game you expect her to chase? If it's strictly deer-sized game, I'd opt for the 7mm-08. If you're looking for something versatile (prairie dogs to deer), the .243 is king.

243 = less recoil, 7mm-08 = more knock down take your pick. and just a piece of advice, if I had a bullet pencil through like that I would do 2 things, first if he piled pretty quick I would look very carefully at internal damage when i dressed the animal a small exit wound could mean the bullet spent most of its energy before it reached the far side of the animal. if there wasn't massive internal damage with a 7mm-08, I would be sighting in the following day with a different bullet. what range was this at?