Hunting rifle calibre for youth.

[Savage Sam]

Hello fellow outdoorsmen. My oldest son is turning 12 in October and is looking forward to hunting this year. I was introduced to hunting as a young adult so I don't have much experience hunting as a youth. I am looking for advice on a caliber that my 12 year old son can shoot that won't throttle him with recoil but will be suitable for several years that he can still shoot down the road. Any input would be helpful. I was thinking of a 7 mm-08 or a 25-06. Thoughts?

[SageValleyOutdoors]

I started both my boys at 12 years old with a .243

With that, one or the other has taken both species of deer, cougar and black bear.
It’s all about shot placement and working within the limits of the rifle. I wouldn’t shoot at an elk at 350 yards with it, but deer and bear within 200 yards - put the bullet in the chest and it’ll die every time.

[yoteblaster]

Both my boys started at age 12 with a 243 as well. Great choice for a first gun.

[bubba 96]

My 12 yr old started with a 7mm08. Was a good shot with it, got his first deer with it.

[trigger7mm]

Shot my first deer when I was 12 with a .243, 46 years ago.

[Dubious]

What ever you already own. Go out and get some reduced recoil rounds and have a day.

[ram crazy]

I still own my first rifle, .243 win Winchester model 670a that rifle is a tack driver. I've used it on bear, deer, pronghorn, and elk. You can't go wrong with a .243win

[coyoteman]

The 243 is a great mid range low recoil rifle--Haveing said that,the 6.5 CM is a long range,low recoil rifle.Excells on the target range,300-400m gong ringing comes fairly easy.The hard hitting 143 gr hunting bullet,will drop a deer in its tracks,at,what I would consider long range.With the young hunters,a good time,to learn how to hunt,waiting, watching,patience,persistace.No pot shotting--the value of shooting sticks.A humane kill.

[SamSteele]

One thing I haven’t seen mentioned here is that a rifle that is sized to fit him comfortably at 12 will likely be too small for him at 16. I would suggest finding a youth sized rifle in a caliber that is suitable for the game he will be pursuing for the next few years and to plan changing it out when he gets bigger.

Rifle fit is probably a bigger factor in his felt recoil and enjoyment than the specific caliber would be. I started my son off with an X-Bolt Micro in 7-08 at 12. He is now 16 and is now 6 feet and 60 lbs heavier than he was. A full size rifle now fits him just fine and he has no issues carrying it all day.

[6.5 shooter]

Originally Posted by SamSteele

One thing I haven’t seen mentioned here is that a rifle that is sized to fit him comfortably at 12 will likely be too small for him at 16. I would suggest finding a youth sized rifle in a caliber that is suitable for the game he will be pursuing for the next few years and to plan changing it out when he gets bigger.

Rifle fit is probably a bigger factor in his felt recoil and enjoyment than the specific caliber would be. I started my son off with an X-Bolt Micro in 7-08 at 12. He is now 16 and is now 6 feet and 60 lbs heavier than he was. A full size rifle now fits him just fine and he has no issues carrying it all day.

Best response yet.

[bobtodrick]

My 15 year old loves his 30-30 Henry.

[Okotok]

My Dad gave me his 303 Remington at age 12. Worked great for deer. I'm on the 243 bandwagon for your son. He will get larger bores etc. as he grows but will still use a 243 at times.

[lone wolf]

6.5x55 or 7-08 are near perfect .......... as long as they fit. As others have said this is probably the single most important factor.

[Tactical Lever]

Originally Posted by Savage Sam

Hello fellow outdoorsmen. My oldest son is turning 12 in October and is looking forward to hunting this year. I was introduced to hunting as a young adult so I don't have much experience hunting as a youth. I am looking for advice on a caliber that my 12 year old son can shoot that won't throttle him with recoil but will be suitable for several years that he can still shoot down the road. Any input would be helpful. I was thinking of a 7 mm-08 or a 25-06. Thoughts?

What do you want to shoot with it? Do you handload? Are you looking at buying a "new" rifle or passing down/lending one you currently have? What kind of range do you usually shoot game at? And how big and strong is your kid?

I could throw out a lot of generalities that might work, but without knowing a little more it's hard to tailor something that would be "just right".

A shorter stock that fits, as well as a good recoil pad makes a huge difference on the perceived recoil. And something with a lot of muzzle blast, like a high pressure cartridge, out of a short barrel, or muzzle brakes, will contribute to a hard to cure flinch.