7mm?
#2
RE: 7mm?
Whether you can handle a big 7 or not depends on how big you are --- but if I were you, I'd look at a 7mm-08. It's not as punishing as the 7 Rem Mag or 7 WSM, and it's a dynamite deer killer as far out as 300 yards or so.
#3
RE: 7mm?
I use a 7mm rem mag, the recoil in my perception with a moderate weight rifle is more than a 3006. I love mine but it is used for more than deer (moose and elk regularily). If your looking for mostly a deer rifle and given your age I would concur with the suggestion of a 7mm 08, it's range ability to take a deer is far more than most hunters are capable. Also being your younger you may want to get a small/lighter package and not be punished for doing so. BTW with the smaller/lighter rifle combos the WSM offers it usually makes any gain in felt recoil null over the rem mag.
#5
RE: 7mm?
There are a number of new reduced recoil rounds available for many rifles in the past year or so, if you want to try a 7MM consider using one of the reduced rounds and working your way up as you grow into the rifle. You may also wish to consider some hand loads for that caliber, if your father doesn't reload, he may have a friend that is experienced in that pastime that could help out. You can get excellent results from lighter loads for deer and other thin skinned game and still have the magnum rounds as you move up.
#6
Fork Horn
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location:
Posts: 316
RE: 7mm?
I'd vote for the 7mm-08 also if you're stuck on a 7mm cartridge. My 7 mag is my least favorite deer rifle because of the recoil. On paper, it doesn't seem to kick much harder than a 30-06, but it sure feels it to me. Once I wasn't paying attention and didn't have the stock firm to my shoulder. On recoil, my 7 Mag busted my face wide open. I needed 6 stiches in my brow. And worse than the wound was all the harrassment that my friends gave me.
Also ammo is about $18-20 per box for factory cheap stuff. I'd vote for a 30 caliber. A 30-06 will do anything a 7 mag will do, and it seems to kick less. But my favorite is my 308. It gives plenty of punch out to about 300-350 yds, ammo is cheap, and recoils very little.
Also ammo is about $18-20 per box for factory cheap stuff. I'd vote for a 30 caliber. A 30-06 will do anything a 7 mag will do, and it seems to kick less. But my favorite is my 308. It gives plenty of punch out to about 300-350 yds, ammo is cheap, and recoils very little.
#9
RE: 7mm?
I would suggest a Ruger all weather bolt gun in 260 or 6.5x55. You don't need a 7 Mag to hunt deer. I have a little 250 Savage bolt gun that kills deer as dead and as fast as a 300RUM with no recoil that you can even notice. 25-06 would be another good choice.
#10
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Georgetown, Texas
Posts: 528
RE: 7mm?
SquirrleBurger46. . . . .check out a .270 or 30-06. Both are very well suited for what you wish to do and are big enough for your trips further west when your ready. Either one will be a great caliber to have in years to come. Sure, some day you will end up with a 7RM or some other hot one but take your time. Later in life you will then have a good excuse to buy another one.