Soft shooting deer gun

I’m looking for some opinions on a calibre for my very small frame son for deer hunting. My son is 16 but is very small for his age as he was born with spina bifida and is a paraplegic. He has a chance to go hunting down in New York next year and I’m looking to get him a rifle for his hunt. I’m looking for input on something that’s easy in the shoulder. In my own reseach I’ve kinda of narrowed it down to a 6.5 creedmore or .243. But I have no experience with either caliber. Pros and cons of both would be appreciated or any other opinions would be great as well. Thanks in advance!!!

IMHO, both will do well, with the appropriate bullet. I shoot .243 a lot for coyotes. With a heavier bullet, it will be great deer medicine, with very little recoil.

243 and 6.5x55 may suite your needs, the initial costs of both can help you get better optics or items you may need. In the 6.5x55 the accuracy is excellent and if you need to modify the stock cutting to fit etc a used $350 gun is easier to stomach. My wife has even gone shooting with me and likes the fact the recoil isn't strong. This year when we were shooting she even declared she might get her hunting license etc... there goes my quiet escape. The 6.5x55 has loads you can use for coyote and I know someone that uses it for bear, it is flexible in the loads. The 6.5 CM is just a modern slight upgrade to the 6.5x55 with a much bigger price tag usually
https://frontierfirearms.ca/husqvarna-m96-6-5x55-used/ Used
https://frontierfirearms.ca/m96-6-5-...imney-trigger/ Used but with a better trigger
https://frontierfirearms.ca/zastava-m70-6-5x55mm/ New
https://frontierfirearms.ca/savage-axis-xp-243-win-22/


If you can borrow something that might work too, in firearms like the 308 there are reduced recoil loads you can buy for example but the low recoil ammo can be scarce (it seems anywhere I shopped) and if your intention is to buy and use for several years the 243 or 6.5x55 are preferable to the 308 due to the recoil.

Good luck

P.S.
One shot, one moose.... it will kill!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uN5gyRofGc

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Originally Posted by ShawnL

I’m looking for some opinions on a calibre for my very small frame son for deer hunting. My son is 16 but is very small for his age as he was born with spina bifida and is a paraplegic. He has a chance to go hunting down in New York next year and I’m looking to get him a rifle for his hunt. I’m looking for input on something that’s easy in the shoulder. In my own reseach I’ve kinda of narrowed it down to a 6.5 creedmore or .243. But I have no experience with either caliber. Pros and cons of both would be appreciated or any other opinions would be great as well. Thanks in advance!!!

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Ruger M77 ultralite in .243Win is my go-to for both varmint/predator with 55gr BT and Deer with 100gr. PSP. IMHO,it would be perfect for your boy.

Depending on the maximum distance he will be shooting I might look into something like the 350 legend. I've been told it's noticeably lighter recoil than a 243 however it's pretty much maxed out at 200 yards.

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7mm-08 is pretty gentle as well and has a little more knock down if he decided to step up to moose in a few years

I’ve deer hunted with a browning x bolt .243 for years with 100 grains for deer. The recoil is very minimal and ammo is reasonable.

i have two high powered rifles. both 243 and 65x55. i much prefer the 243 for recoil but the 6.5 shoots flat for quite some distance is what im told. im not up on the ballistics but for deer both will do. 243 is easier to find ammo and a bit cheaper. but it depends how much he plans to be shooting, as a box of 6.5 will last me a long time.

recoil of 243 is pretty minimal.

Either of your choices is great. With light loads, the .260 and 7mm-08 Remington are also great choices.
Two old-timers that are harder to get ammo for, but are stellar cartridges, are the .250 Savage and the .257 Roberts.
I'm a bit recoil sensitive, which is likely why I love the Roberts and the Savage so much.
Probably the easiest to find, and cheapest to buy ammo for, is the .243, and it also has just a smidgen less recoil. I'd go with one of those.

There are a lot that are really soft shooting, don't count out the 30-30 either, there are bolt guns kicking around that are soft shooting, cheap to buy and light.

Pistol cartridges also would work out well as a light shooter, 350 legend was mentioned, 357 Mag would work, 44 Mag, etc.

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Originally Posted by trimmer21

Ruger M77 ultralite in .243Win is my go-to for both varmint/predator with 55gr BT and Deer with 100gr. PSP. IMHO,it would be perfect for your boy.

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243 winchester would be my choice as well. Low recoil long range capability. They take care of deer and black bear no problem.

Not my choice for moose, but a very capable cartridge

https://www.ronspomeroutdoors.com/bl...243-winchester

https://www.outdoorlife.com/moose-gu...s-416-rem-mag/

https://www.outdoorlife.com/top-moos...s-and-bullets/

Are you planning on using a scope? If not, a .30-30 or .44 mag.

Some reading material, I don't agree with the first couple until they got to the 243 though and pistol rounds sound good but I have no experience personally so defer to others.

12 Great Deer Cartridges for Recoil Sensitive Shooters
https://www.fieldandstream.com/deer-...oil-sensitive/

A heavier gun definitely helps. I have a Sako .308 with laminate stock, scope, all metal gun.

My brother has a BLR .308 and the recoil is pretty sharp shooting it right after the Sako. The BLR is a lot lighter so more energy is transfered to the shooter.

My vote is for .243, 25 cal. 90-120 g bullet will be more than adequate to shoot deer with.

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my tikka 270 recoils softer than some 0.243 ive shot.
I would think the manufacturer and model also makes a difference.

My vote would be 7mm08 only slightly more recoil (very slightly like 1-3lbs more in may rifles) quite a bit more down range thump over a .243

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Originally Posted by trimmer21

Ruger M77 ultralite in .243Win is my go-to for both varmint/predator with 55gr BT and Deer with 100gr. PSP. IMHO,it would be perfect for your boy.

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Nice piece of kit !!!

I don't know where some are getting a 44 mag is a light recoil deer round?
It sure isn't a light recoil in my Ruger 96/44.
Pushes far more than my Ruger M77 in 25.06.

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Originally Posted by Woodsman

I don't know where some are getting a 44 mag is a light recoil deer round?
It sure isn't a light recoil in my Ruger 96/44.
Pushes far more than my Ruger M77 in 25.06.

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Really?

My 8 year old daughter has shot my 96/44 without flinching yet she finds the recoil from my 204 too stout.

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Originally Posted by Woodsman

I don't know where some are getting a 44 mag is a light recoil deer round?
It sure isn't a light recoil in my Ruger 96/44.
Pushes far more than my Ruger M77 in 25.06.

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I agree with this.

I had a Ruger 77/44 and the recoil was approaching my bolt action 308. It was stouter then my 3030s for sure.

I think the easy answer to the OP is a 243. I have a Savage Model 10 in 243 and the recoil is quite light, but the gun itself is fairly heavy. That model would not be ideal for the OP

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Originally Posted by blasted_saber

I agree with this.

I had a Ruger 77/44 and the recoil was approaching my bolt action 308. It was stouter then my 3030s for sure.

I think the easy answer to the OP is a 243. I have a Savage Model 10 in 243 and the recoil is quite light, but the gun itself is fairly heavy. That model would not be ideal for the OP

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That would seem a bit strange. .44 mag in a rifle is not a heavy recoiling round. Definitely less than a .30-30 in the same rifle.
Unless you're using handloads or buffalo bore ammo.

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Originally Posted by werner.reiche

That would seem a bit strange. .44 mag in a rifle is not a heavy recoiling round. Definitely less than a .30-30 in the same rifle.
Unless you're using handloads or buffalo bore ammo.

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Ya, unless it was a 150gr 30-30 load, an overly heavy 44 mag and a light 308 the recoil of that 44 should be light compared to the 308 and less than the 3030.

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Originally Posted by werner.reiche

That would seem a bit strange. .44 mag in a rifle is not a heavy recoiling round. Definitely less than a .30-30 in the same rifle.
Unless you're using handloads or buffalo bore ammo.

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Originally Posted by Fox

Ya, unless it was a 150gr 30-30 load, an overly heavy 44 mag and a light 308 the recoil of that 44 should be light compared to the 308 and less than the 3030.

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Not in that gun, shooting factory loaded 240gr soft points. The gun itself is light (5.25lbs if I remember correctly). Its a bolt action in 44 magnum. It is definitely heavier felt recoil then my Marlin or WInchester 3030 shooting standard 170gr soft points

Regardless, I think 243 is a better choice. The range limitations of 44magnum are significant. Id hate to have a young new hunter with a deer hung up at 150m. Easy shot for the 243, no go for the 44.

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Originally Posted by blasted_saber

Not in that gun, shooting factory loaded 240gr soft points. The gun itself is light (5.25lbs if I remember correctly). Its a bolt action in 44 magnum. It is definitely heavier felt recoil then my Marlin or WInchester 3030 shooting standard 170gr soft points

Regardless, I think 243 is a better choice. The range limitations of 44magnum are significant. Id hate to have a young new hunter with a deer hung up at 150m. Easy shot for the 243, no go for the 44.

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I agree that the 243 is more versatile for sure, a smallish hole for deer so with a fatty one you may have less of a blood trail but a dead deer with proper bullet placement and proper bullet.

Not denying you on the recoil of the 44 and 3030 but that is crazy to me, I want to get a light 44 now and compare myself. The weight of the gun has a big impact though too, and the fit to your body.

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Originally Posted by blasted_saber

Not in that gun, shooting factory loaded 240gr soft points. The gun itself is light (5.25lbs if I remember correctly). Its a bolt action in 44 magnum. It is definitely heavier felt recoil then my Marlin or WInchester 3030 shooting standard 170gr soft points

Regardless, I think 243 is a better choice. The range limitations of 44magnum are significant. Id hate to have a young new hunter with a deer hung up at 150m. Easy shot for the 243, no go for the 44.

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That's why I asked if he planned to 'scope it. If you want a scope on it, go with the .243 - or similar.
Sight the .44 at 100 and you only need 6 inches of holdover at 150 - but the energy is below what I'd like.

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Originally Posted by werner.reiche

That's why I asked if he planned to 'scope it. If you want a scope on it, go with the .243 - or similar.
Sight the .44 at 100 and you only need 6 inches of holdover at 150 - but the energy is below what I'd like.

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Mine wouldnt hold a group I was comfortable with past 100m (2.5"), with the best ammo I could find. Some stuff couldnt hold an effective group passed 75m. That's why I moved on from it eventually. That and it was filling the same niche as my 3030s.And the 3030s offer a bit more range, or even quite a bit more range if LeverEvolution bullets are used.

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Originally Posted by Fox

I agree that the 243 is more versatile for sure, a smallish hole for deer so with a fatty one you may have less of a blood trail but a dead deer with proper bullet placement and proper bullet.

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There's nothing smallish about the holes they make in deer.

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Originally Posted by canadaman30

There's nothing smallish about the holes they make in deer.

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In my unscientific experience 243 makes a big ol' hole on exit. I guess the key is if it exits.

I guess the upside of 44mag is it makes a nice neat hole that you can eat right up to clean through a deer in a lot of cases.

I guess my first question would be: Where are you planning on hunting? if it bushy terrain the .44 mag might be a better choice, If its open country I'd say the .243 Win. I killed my first deer with the .243 Win with 100 grain soft point, at 75 yards it was an open country shot I tried it again in a bushy area, I was about 100 yards from a 10 pointer, the .243 just couldn't make through all the twigs that got in the way. So that is when I switch to a bigger diameter bullet that had some bushy bucking ability.

You don't stop hunting because you grow old. You grow old because you stop hunting.
- Gun Nut

wife has 308 micro browning and loves it

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Originally Posted by canadaman30

There's nothing smallish about the holes they make in deer.

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Well with a proper big game bullet you can expect an expansion of approximately 2x, so your 0.243 bullet would end up being about 0.486 on exit, if you did not hit a rib, blow out a bone, etc. The 30-30 is going to give you an exit about 0.616 on exit, tougher for fat to fill up the entrance and exit hole. This is one reason I was told, by a very experienced black bear guide, so use a 30 cal for bear, not that smaller would not kill the bear but a fatty bear in the fall would fill up the exit hole and you would have no blood trail. The same could be said for a fatty deer, not plugged, but less blood than a larger hole.

All those people who claim the bullet left a "hole you could put your fist in to" either had a catastrophic bullet failure, with explosive expansion, or you hit bone and blew out the bone, which is not something that can be considered as a normal occurrence.

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Originally Posted by blasted_saber

In my unscientific experience 243 makes a big ol' hole on exit. I guess the key is if it exits.

I guess the upside of 44mag is it makes a nice neat hole that you can eat right up to clean through a deer in a lot of cases.

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Could leave a big ol hole, but I expect that this bullet blew up.

Slow bullets are beautiful on edible animals, the 0.490 round ball was about perfect for me, between the ribs on entrance and exit, lost 2sq in on either side of the rib cage.

Yes I will definitely be putting a scope on it for him. It will be over open country shooting over food plots. Thanks for all the input. It’s greatly appreciated!!!

While initially developed for the ar platform 6.5 grendel seems to have developed a pretty good following for low recoil shooting. There are some pretty good write ups on cgn about it. Was looking at it as an option for my little guys in the future. Just another option, good luck on your search!

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Originally Posted by Fox

Well with a proper big game bullet you can expect an expansion of approximately 2x, so your 0.243 bullet would end up being about 0.486 on exit, if you did not hit a rib, blow out a bone, etc. The 30-30 is going to give you an exit about 0.616 on exit, tougher for fat to fill up the entrance and exit hole. This is one reason I was told, by a very experienced black bear guide, so use a 30 cal for bear, not that smaller would not kill the bear but a fatty bear in the fall would fill up the exit hole and you would have no blood trail. The same could be said for a fatty deer, not plugged, but less blood than a larger hole.

All those people who claim the bullet left a "hole you could put your fist in to" either had a catastrophic bullet failure, with explosive expansion, or you hit bone and blew out the bone, which is not something that can be considered as a normal occurrence.

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With exits holes one inch and larger on cross body (rib cage) shots, I'd consider the bullets performed excellent.

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Originally Posted by canadaman30

With exits holes one inch and larger on cross body (rib cage) shots, I'd consider the bullets performed excellent.

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If that is the bullet material making that hole then your bullet is exploding.

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Originally Posted by ShawnL

Yes I will definitely be putting a scope on it for him. It will be over open country shooting over food plots. Thanks for all the input. It’s greatly appreciated!!!

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Ya, then 243, 7mm-08, 6.5. The 7mm-08 would allow to be able to load up and hunt for something larger in the future but his limitations on recoil probably just stick with lighter deer specific bullets.

Glad you are getting him out :D

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Originally Posted by Fox

If that is the bullet material making that hole then your bullet is exploding.

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Nope, performing as expected, not exploding bullets.

This is a pretty good topic overall and realistically its pretty much personal preference
I know shooting my 300WSM that has a carbon fiber stock I don't feel a thing when there's a moose standing in front of it but sighting it in was pure evil.
I guess the biggest factor is your son is comfortable pulling the trigger and hasn't gotten a flinch from suspected recoil. saying all that only he will be able to judge what is right for him.
I do however look forward to reading the report of how his hunt goes and my fingers are crossed he is successful with a clean harvest

We did get down to New York for a hunt this year. On the way down my son was saying he’s gone wait for something with antlers. If it’s small he will let it go. Which was fine with me it’s his choice. So the plan was set waiting for horns. First deer that walked into the food plot Friday night was a button buck….needless to say he couldn’t get to the gun fast enough….after a little hyper ventilating on his part we calmed him down and watched the button buck for half hour with no shot. Good news was it was only 4pm. Lots of time left. At 4:30 we had the biggest spike buck I have ever seen come in from our left at 20 yards. But there was no way we could get him into a could shooting position with the buck off to the left. Trust me we tried. After a few attempts the buck had seen enough and threw up his tail and took off. My son Braden was very disappointed but we got him calmed down again and waited to the last ten minutes of legal light before a nice 6 pt came out from our right at 40 yards we were able to get him into position. The gun out the window and get him on the deer….the buck is feeding straight for us so now we just need the deer to turn broadside!!! The buck freezes and staring towards us…did we move too much, make too much noise, did he wind us….all those thoughts going through our minds. But it was none of that….it was cat…a friggin house cat walking the edge of field and now sitting right in front of our whack shack. That buck stood there for the last 10 minutes of legal light because of the cat. So no shot!!! Day 2 started with a wrong wind so we changed spots only problem was now we are sitting on the edge of hayfield which wasn’t ideal as long shots aren’t going to be good for him. But no deer show up that morning and with a warm temps it wasn’t looking promising for the evening. We wanted to go back to the small food plot that we had hunted the night before but the wind was wrong. But that small food plot was our best chance at getting him his deer. So we went in at noon and put a ground blind in off to the east side for the evening sit. With almost 20C temps deer movement was VERY slow. But 15 min before last light that button buck made his return. Braden was easily able to get on the deer with his tripod now just waiting for the broadside again. Finally it happened…the buck turned broadside and Braden made a great shot with the .260!! Down goes the buck and the tears start pouring!!! He was so proud of himself and I was was so proud of him. I want to give a huge shout out to Steve and to Doug for setting this up and for making this possible. With out them this would have happened and for that we are very grateful.

Glad it worked out and can only imagine how proud you are of him, congrats to both of you

Good job,glad You guys made it...........way to go.

What a great story! I'm so happy your lad was able to have a successful hunt!

Thats a great story, congrats to your son!

20 guage?

He used a .260.

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Originally Posted by Woodsman

I don't know where some are getting a 44 mag is a light recoil deer round?
It sure isn't a light recoil in my Ruger 96/44.
Pushes far more than my Ruger M77 in 25.06.

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Really?? Soft shooting and hard hitting I love my 96/44's ! Great story on the harvest, congrats.