thanks for the great ideas and advice.

1 thing you might want to consider for practice,LOTS of shots with a 22.This will enable the child to learn how to shoot without fear of getting hurt on every shot and increasing the fun and learning curve.


Don't even let them shoot the higher caliber without a pad on the shoulder at the very least and at best,use a lead sled for practice with it.

I know lot's of guy's have killed deer with a .223 and a .22-250 where it's a legal caliber but I don't think it's a caliber a first time kid hunting should use. A .243 is a much better choice for a kid and some of the larger calibers with the reduced loads that are available now are also good choices.

One other idea for you to think about.

You may want to consider using the Remington's Managed Recoil ammunition. IF I remember correctly it's available in 7mm-08, 308, 270, 30-06 and 7mm Rem Mag.
I've never tried it personally but it might be worth thinking about.

You can use a wrench to bang a nail into a board, but I prefer to use a hammer.




+1 for .243

.223 is fine with Hollow point and good shot placement, In my property where I had to get rid of 150 does, That's what I use and shoot them in the head.

One of my hunting buddies deer rifle for many years was a 222. 50 gr sp or hp's got his tag filled every year.

As long as its legal in your state, no problems.. The winchester 64 grain power point would be my choice. Fairly inexpensive so the boy can practice and will be a good bullet for deer.

64gr win SP, give ya a dead deer quick with a close shot. Reduced recoil loads for some popular rifle cartridges are available. That would be even better IMO.

The recoil factor on a 7lb. .223 with a 55gr. bullet is 22.4.

The recoil factor of a 100 or less can be fired by anyone that can shoot a rifle. Factors of 100 to 200 are considered "moderate" and 200 to 300 is "moderately heavy". 300 to 400 is "heavy" and goes on up to 3,000 on your magnum calibers.

I don't think one needs a "managed recoil" on a .223.

iSnipe