Author Topic: input on deer cartridge for female hunter (Read 1712 times)

JCM · « **on:** November 21, 2003, 10:40:28 AM »

I’m looking for a deer rifle for my wife and I’d appreciate some input. I’ve always used a 30’06, it has been great for me so I have never really experimented with any other calibers for deer. I would very much appreciate your input and information on your experiences, especially any women or those of you who have wives who shoot.

A few factors to consider:
She is about 5’9-10” with a long reach (for a woman) and around 150 lbs. I believe the encore would fit her pull, be simple, light, and safe. I will probably convert my handgun to a rifle for her (thus my posting here) but may consider a bolt action.
She is not an experienced rifle shooter. She will be using a .17 (bolt action) to practice and learn with for a few months before she moves to anything else.
I would like something with slight recoil and noise. She will be using hearing protection and she regularly shoots a 10mm pistol with me, but the rifle is a different game. I would prefer her to be comfortable and not flinching.
A cartridge accurate to 150-200 yards.
I would prefer a cartridge that can be bought over the counter and shot, not one that I would need to download for her (although I may consider this more later).
This is for deer and although people say deer aren’t hard to kill, Mr. Murphy often accompanies hunters and I would prefer that the caliber and bullet be sufficient for clean and quick kills. I know all of the ones I’m about to list will do this with perfect placement, but if placement isn’t perfect more weight and push makes a difference. I’m not making a case for poor placement or taking poor shots, but I had to trail and finish one this past weekend that had it’s leg broken with an arrow. I had to finish it with an arrow which isn’t nearly as quick….I want my wife to be comfortable with the recoil, but would prefer my wife not have to see that because I picked the “minimum” and the shot wasn’t perfect.

A few I’m considering:
.243…..the first to come to mind, but the “minimum” for deer scares me
.25’06……don’t know much about this one, especially recoil
.270……..probably to much recoil
7mm/08……to me this seems like a likely candidate, but I don’t have any experience with it, especially recoil
30-30…….maybe a little short on the range but mainly I would prefer a bolt or single shot rather than a lever action
.308……I like the .30 caliber, but probably to much recoil

Thanks for any input and feel free to comment on any other points (or cartridges) you feel are important.

Take care,
JCM

Graycg · « **Reply #1 on:** November 21, 2003, 11:02:14 AM »

7mm-08 or 7-30 waters are real good choices, 257 roberts or 7x57 mauser would be good also...lots of rounds with low recoil and good effect on deer...30-30 is good with right ammo.

regards,
Graycg

longwinters · « **Reply #2 on:** November 21, 2003, 11:46:06 AM »

The Encore in any 7M-08 and higher caliber will have significant recoil a/c the rifle is so lite. It will also have some muzzle jump. If you are going to go this route with her I would suggest using a recoil pad (past) or the Sims recoil pad for Encore rifles. Actually I think a Tikka in 7m-08 would be ideal in the whitetail hunter model. It weighs a little more than the Encore but is not too heavy. And it is a sweet shooter out of the box. I am glad she is interested. Good for you.

Long

hiker270 · « **Reply #3 on:** November 21, 2003, 02:22:37 PM »

My daughter shoots an Encore 7mm-08. We started out with reduced handloads and now after 3 yrs. she has graduated to full power reloads. Actually a bit snappier than factory Rem 140gr loads. To me, this is the perfect caliber for a lady deer hunter, or anyone else for that matter.
She is 16 about 5'6" 120lbs. practices off the bench quite often and says she does'nt notice the recoil at all, As good as she shoots, she has made a believer out of me. She also shoots my 243 but I feel the 7mm-08 a slightly better deer rifle.

MattOKC · « **Reply #4 on:** November 21, 2003, 02:24:07 PM »

Being quite prejudice (14.5 years military) I can't see how you could possibly go wrong with .308. Brass and ammo are readily available in MASS quantity and cheap. My wife is a serious pansy and she loves to shoot my Encore with the .308 and won't even consider the .300 Win Mag. Go figure! :)~ Anyway, it is a very versatile round and does quite well up to 300 yards even on very large game such as elk.

Encore28 · « **Reply #5 on:** November 21, 2003, 03:19:02 PM »

My vote goes to the .243 or .257 Roberts------Both are GREAT deer cartridges and have a mild recoil.
The .243 is more popular and has more ammo offerings available.
Good luck-You wont go wrong with either one.
Encore28

savageT · « **Reply #6 on:** November 21, 2003, 03:41:54 PM »

JCM,
You know you mentioned thinking about a lever action? I would ask your wife to shoulder a Marlin or Winchester 94 carbine for fit and feel in .44 mag or my favorite in 30-30. There's something very non-threatening about those lever carbines, synonymous with deer hunting. Of course, if money is no the concern, there's always the all time champian deer rifle....a used Savage m99 lever in .300 Savage preferably in a pre-1 million S/N. Perfect gun for deer sized game, just right for someone worried about recoil. Please consider levers as well as singles and bolts.

Jim

Bullseye · « **Reply #7 on:** November 21, 2003, 05:14:56 PM »

My wife loves to shoot my Encore with a 26" 25-06 barrel. She also has shot a 308 a few times and did not complain but she likes the 25-06 much better for some reason. It would work fine for what you want. Mine is also very accurate.

SLAVAGE · « **Reply #8 on:** November 21, 2003, 05:31:58 PM »

WELL I HAVE A 243 257 AN 7-08 THEY ARE ALL GOOD SHOOTERS MINE ARE ALL IN BOLTS THOUGH TILL THE BOS LETS ME GET MORE BARRELS FOR THE ENCORE BUT ANY WAYS MY WIFE IS 5'2 105 LBS AN SHE SHOT MY M77 IN A 243 AN WAS FINE WITH IT ALL SO I PUT THE SIMS RECOIL PAD ON IT AN SHE NOW LOVES IT GUNS 3 WEEKS OLD SHOT 200 ROUNDS OUT OF IT AN I HAVENT PULLED THE TRIGGER ONCE
BUT THER IS PRICES ALL SO THAT COME TO MINE 243 ONE OF THE BIG ""5"" SHELL SIZES ALL WAYS ON SALE AN EASY TO GET IN DEER SEASON 257 AN 7-08 AROUND HERE AT LEAST IN PGH PA THER LIKE 18$ A BOX FOR THE REMINGTON CORE LO. MY FRIEND HAD A 243 FOR 10 YEARS AN SHOUT 8 DEER WITH IT ALL NOT EVEN CLOSE TO GOOD SHOTS AN THEY NEVER TOCK A STEP AN IF U ARE A LITTLE SCARED A 243 IS TO ""LIGHT"" SENCE YOU DONT REALOAD TRY HORNADY LIGHT MAG IN A 95GR SST IT KICKS FOR LOW DROP AN HAS VERY GOOD SPEED AN HAS GREAT PENATRATION SORRY SPELLING IS MY DOWN FALL I GUESS I HAD TO HAVE SOME THING WRONG WHEN GOD WAS DONE WITH ME LOL BUT THATS WHAT I AM GOING TO SHOOT THIS YEAR SO ASK AROUND THE SHELLS ARE 20$ A BOX THOUGH MIDWAY OR MID SOUTH I CANT REMEMBER WERE I ORDERED THEM FROM BUT THEY ARE A HOTER LOAD BUT I DONT THINK YOU WILL BE GOING WRONG WITH IT
DAVE

JCM · « **Reply #9 on:** November 23, 2003, 02:00:23 AM »

Thanks for all the great input. Lots of good information. I think we may try a couple of different rifles and actions, then let the caliber fall into place. I've got friends with a lot of different rifles so we'll go on a few visits.

Thanks again,
JCM

MI VHNTR · « **Reply #10 on:** November 23, 2003, 03:40:02 PM »

JCM, take a good look at the Remington Model 7 in 243 in the Youth model and the standard model. They are great rifles and easy to handle. One more thing, forget the "minimum" deer caliber thing with the 243. Just put the bullet where it belongs and the game is down. The lack of recoil allows for better bullet placement. I've used the 243 for years with no problems. MI VHNTR

Miller · « **Reply #11 on:** November 24, 2003, 04:10:09 AM »

What about the .260 Remington? Short action, gentle recoil and a whole lot more than th minimum .243. Model 7 Remington or the youth model and you're ready for any deer.

smoky · « **Reply #12 on:** November 24, 2003, 12:48:33 PM »

I vote for the 7mm-08 based on plenty of experience. Recoil should not be a problem with this caliber as my wife is similar in stature to your wife and she shoots a .280 mountain rifle.

If recoil is a problem, limb saver makes its new recoil pad to fit encore stocks, which should really reduce felt recoil.

Smoky

EDG · « **Reply #13 on:** November 24, 2003, 02:34:36 PM »

An ideal cartridge for your use is the .250 Savage AKA .250/3000.
Though it is not a common round it is just right. The 257 Roberts, 7 X 57 and the 6.5 X 55 are good too. The 25/06 is like a loud .243 with 100 grain bullets. With 120 grain bullets it is more like a .270.

ED

hunt4570 · « **Reply #14 on:** November 25, 2003, 02:43:01 PM »

My daughter(14yrs,80lbs) hunts with my contender,16in bbl,youth stock in 223.Low weight,low recoil, and great round for a small person.She started last year,both deer she shot ,1 this year 1 last went less than 50 yds after the shot. So much for thinking 243 as minimum.With less recoil and report she has less flinching and perfect shot placement. Practice and no fear of recoil go a long way in my book.SGB

EDG · « **Reply #15 on:** November 25, 2003, 03:02:31 PM »

I have to agree with the .243 as a minimum. If the cost of the rifle is the same and the woman, in this case, is as large as the average man (no offense intended) she should be able to handle something more effective than a .223 or a .243 if you choose.
EDG

C A Plater · « **Reply #16 on:** November 26, 2003, 12:33:42 AM »

If you handload, then you might want to consider the TCU calibers in a long barrel. Ed's got custom shop 6, 6.5 and a 7 tcu carbine barrels listed on his website in addition to a 300 Whisper. .223 may not be legal for deer in your state but these would. Like hunt4570 said

Quote

With less recoil and report she has less flinching and perfect shot placement. Practice and no fear of recoil go a long way in my book.

securitysix · « **Reply #17 on:** November 26, 2003, 06:22:30 AM »

Just a thought, but I'd suggest the .308 if you do it this way:

125 gr. Nosler Ballistic Tip (I've seen lots of guys recommend this bullet for .30-30 pistol loads for deer).
Load down to around .30-30 or .300 Savage velocities. The light bullet moving slowly will reduce recoil, but should still be effective.

You can always work up from there if she doesn't have a problem with the lighter load.

onesonek · « **Reply #18 on:** November 26, 2003, 10:28:54 AM »

I sat back and watched for awhile. I love the 30-06, but for deer, the 7-08 is hard to beat.

doninva · « **Reply #19 on:** November 26, 2003, 01:16:16 PM »

The deer I shot this evening at 80 yards went about 50 yards. There was massive damage and I shot it with the lowly 7MM-08. This is the 6th I've shot with this caliber and they all went down. I have killed several with the 243 and don't feel undergunned with either the 243 or 7MM-08. If you hit them right,either round will do the job with little recoil. A bad shot is a bad shot even if your using a 300 mag. All the calibers mentioned are good and will do the job. I find the 308-270-3006 to be a little heavy on recoil in a light gun but it may just be me :shock: Don

outlawsix · « **Reply #20 on:** November 27, 2003, 03:30:28 AM »

I'd go with either a 257 Roberts or 260 Remington. The Roberts you need to handload to get the best out of it. Mine is a Ruger #1. The 260 Rem. is from VVCG in the Encore. Killed its first deer yesterday. Daughter(5) was with me and that made it even more special. Her gun is a Contender. Starting her on the 17 HMR and will move her up to the 6.5 TCU for deer when she's ready.

Dragon31 · « **Reply #21 on:** November 29, 2003, 07:36:34 AM »

The females that I hunt with range in age from 14 to 56 and they all use the 7-08. I hand load for the 7-08 and seldom run the caliber to its max. I usually use 140 Remington bullets and the girls have seldom used more than one shot. They shoot Remington Youth models and Encores. The Encore kick a bit much when you shoot the heavier loads and cold little fingers make it difficult for the younger ladies. The 7-08 will do any white tail deer that I have ever seen.

encorejames · « **Reply #22 on:** November 29, 2003, 04:02:43 PM »

have her try a 25-06, and maybe someday you will to. i have for 10 years now and they have little recoil and plenty of knock down for deer.
from 15 to 325 yards with 115 grain balistic tip they will die no problem.
if you load your own swith will have the sirroco in a 100 grain this comming summer. in 25-06 that will be the ultimate deer round.
remember low recoil and very accurate and very flat shotting!

DogDoc · « **Reply #23 on:** December 01, 2003, 09:50:27 AM »

My 13 YO son loves his Encore 26" 25-06. Killed 2 does this past week w/ it, I've used a 25-06 for nearly 30 yrs and consider it to be dang near the perfect whitetail cartridge. 100 or 120gr, shoots flat, very accurate, very manageable recoil even in a light gun, deadly effect w/ plenty of downrange velocity. The comments on the .243 are also valid. Put the bullet where it does the most good, and it performs well. Same son used a .243 last year, killed 5 deer, (3 axis, 2 whitetails). 2 of the deer were broadside heart/lung at over 200 yards (by laser). Neither exited the far side, but both were under the skin on the off side. One dropped after about 20 yards, the last we had to track about 80yds.

I think you're on the right track, lots of practice. Concentrate on skill and shot placement, reinforce the ethic of passing on iffey shots, and your wife will have a good experience. You're lucky she wants to be in the field w/ you, hope we see more of that in the years to come.

BTW, this advice is worth exactly what you're paying for it.

Have a great season.

JCM · « **Reply #24 on:** December 02, 2003, 07:34:05 AM »

Once again, thanks for all the replies and information. There seem to be a lot of options. We're still shooting around...it may be a few months before a decision is made, but I think getting to shoot as many different rifles as possible is going to help out.

Take care,
JCM

Selmer · « **Reply #25 on:** December 05, 2003, 01:41:26 PM »

I'm going to chime in quick. I competely agree with the guy that mentioned a 125gr. BT at .300 Savage to .30-30 velocities, it's what my father started myself and my brother on, and it killed a lot of der with minimal recoil. The other choice is the .243, as long as it's loaded with a 100gr. Nosler Partition bullet for deer. It's an excellent killer with this bullet and you will be very happy with the recoil. The plus of the .243 is that if you want a great varmint round, you can load up a 55 gr. BT to .220 Swift velocities and great accuracy, or load up the 70gr. BT to aroun 3600 fps for long range work. I'm a bit biased towards Nosler bullets, Trophy bonded would work great in the .243, as would the Speer Grand Slam. We've always shot Noslers, they worked great so we stuck with them. I'm not saying that these are the best options, but I know they'll work for what you're looking for and I have a lot of experience loading, shooting, and hunting with these two cartridges, I won't comment on any others in this class of cartridge because I have no experience with them, but I'm sure the other options are just as good.
Selmer
PS Another option would be a 7mm BR in the Encore, I had one in a Remington XP-100, what a great round!