Good first Calibre for 18 year old daughter.

So my 18 year old daughter just got PAL and hunting licence and wants to go deer hunting this fall. I am going to start her shooting the 22LR and the 17 HMR to hone her technique, but after she is proficient with these two than the question becomes what is a good first deer calibre for her.

A little background - she only weighs 105 lbs, so I am little concerned about recoil. My thoughts were:

.243
6.5 Swede
7-08

One other thing, in the areas we hunt the longest shot would be 200 yards with 90% of shots being under 100 yards.

Got my granddaughter a BLR 243 a few years back and she has taken a few deer with it.

You couldn't pry it from her hands.

then243 and the 260 are great for young shooters but do not over look the good old 3030 DUTCH

My brother g/f is 21 and she's about 100lbs and can handle a .308 no problem. She is a good shot, but has practiced with a 17hmr and .22-250 quite a bit.



I'd go for a Ruger American Compact in .243. They are under 37" long which helps a small framed person hold the gun up a lot better. 6lb rifle with a decent 3-9-40mm scope and she should be good to go.

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Originally Posted by Species8472

So my 18 year old daughter just got PAL and hunting licence and wants to go deer hunting this fall. I am going to start her shooting the 22LR and the 17 HMR to hone her technique, but after she is proficient with these two than the question becomes what is a good first deer calibre for her.

A little background - she only weighs 105 lbs, so I am little concerned about recoil. My thoughts were:

.243
6.5 Swede
7-08

One other thing, in the areas we hunt the longest shot would be 200 yards with 90% of shots being under 100 yards.

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Any of those are good for the distances you are talking plus you could add the .26o rem. in there, find a gun that fits her and one she is comfortable shooting and any of those calibres are good

The .260 is what you want. Very little recoil and a dependable killer. The 6.5x55 is a ballistic twin but needs a longer action so the rifle will be heavier.

6.5 x 55, Good for any one!

I would simply suggest a rifle that fits and that she likes and can be proud of. Easy ammo availability helps,too,so she doesn't go broke buying practice rounds. Any versatile cartridge from .243 to .270 should do quite nicely.

6.5x55 gets my nod --- make sure the stock fits her though. However if you have a chance - have her experience a few different calibers at a range - most shooters would be glad to help in that area.

Another vote for the 6.5x55.