Need advice on light a light recoiling hunting rifle!

[HunterMann]

I recently had surgery on my neck and I'm going crazy not being able to get out shooting! I have rifles from 6.5 CM up to 416 Rigby but nothing that I feel comfortable trying with my neck situation. My favorite two rifles for Hunting are my 7-08 and my 300wsm but those are out of the question for now. I have thought about possibly getting a 223 with a faster twist to be able to shoot 75-80gr. bullet. So if anyone has any suggestions please let me know.

Thanks, Ala

Deer, hogs and coyotes out to 250 yards.

And now for something completely different, take a hard look at the new 6mm ARC. With the 103 grain ELD-X bullets, it will handle your targeted game at 250 yards and beyond. It is basically a better 6mm PPC with SAMMI specifications and a much faster barrel twist to handle long heavy bullets. My 6mm PPC is easy to reload, super accurate, and has negligible recoil. You can get the 6mm ARC in bolt or AR actions. Ammo and components have been relatively available in my local. I am going to build one as soon as decide on the configuration.

 

[cardon1122]

I've got a 6 Creedmoor with a muzzle brake and suppressor. It's got very little recoil. Even young grandkids less than 10 like to shoot it and are unafraid as recoil is so mild. Bullets are in the low 100 grain range and should have better killing power than the 22 calibers with less than a 100 grain bullet. I think it's probably got less recoil than my 22-250 and about the same as my 204 Ruger.

 

[longrangebob]

Consider a 6mm.X45mm…. More Selection of larger bullets (for the larger critters) in .223 case … (just have to neck from 5.56 to 6mm… no worries on turning necks as they are now a titch thinner) …. & recoil is Negligible …

 

[RAGGED EDGE]

A fast twist .22-.250 or .22 CM with monolithic bullets. Like 8 twist.

The 62 grain Barnes .224 Tipped Triple Shock should work real good on deers and would penentrate thru most deers on broad-side shots.

View attachment 306820

That bullet, and the 75-grain Scirrocco kill deer and 'lope like LIGHTNING! Work up some loads with Superformance.

 

[Huntz]

6X45 0r 7TCU.I have both in Contenders with MGM 24" barrels,The 7TCU will do 2600 plus or minus with 120 Nosler BTs.Any bolt rifle made for 223 could easily be converted to these cartridges that are so simple to resize and form out of 223 brass.

 

[Todd Carpenter]

204 ruger

 

[nicholasjohn]

I have a Weatherby Vanguard in 223 for the wife, she hates recoil.
Also have a Sako L461 Vixen in 222 that she tried to take off me, and another Sako L461 Vixen in 222 Mag. This rifle doesn't get used very much as it was ordered in 1959 for a customer here in Australia that never picked it up, it was in it's original box until I bought it in 1988 hidden in the back of the store I worked in. It had been forgotten it was there.
She now has a Rem 700 SPS in 7-08 that she is starting to get used to, it's a bit snappier than my other rifles and she forgets she has to hold onto it firmly.
With light bullets, a brake and mild loads, I think you should be able to manage a 7-08.
I went through 2 shoulder surgeries and was able to start shooting again with my 22-250 with a little discomfort due to not being able to raise my arm at 90° to my body. This has not changed.

Cheers.

You may be able to get back some - or all - of that arm mobility with PT. You would be surprised what can be done if you stick to the program, and think long-term. I've got two re-built shoulders, and have full mobility in one, and about 90% in the other. It took a couple of years, and it all happened several years post-op.

 

[4thefunofit]

Your local range may not restrict using brakes. My local range only allows them at certain times, so that might enter into your decision. The rifle I'm building now is in the shop, and should be out any day now. It's a 6mm-TCU (24", 8 twist, SS heavy varmint), and if you also enjoy reloading it might be something that could work for you. For now I'm planning on using 87 gr. Berger VLDs, which should be right up your alley. I think it's going to be a ton of good shooting.

 

[nicholasjohn]

6X45 0r 7TCU.I have both in Contenders with MGM 24" barrels,The 7TCU will do 2600 plus or minus with 120 Nosler BTs.Any bolt rifle made for 223 could easily be converted to these cartridges that are so simple to resize and form out of 223 brass.

Check magazine length vs. overall cartridge length - there's more bullet sticking out of the case mouth with the bullets of larger diameter. I ran into this issue with the Sako L-461 action and the 6mm TCU cartridge. There was also an issue with trying to eject a loaded round, as the action port opening was a bit too short for the bullet tips to clear the front receiver ring. There's also an AR cartridge out there called the 6mm Mongoose that would work. ( It's 222 Remington-length, just enough shorter than the 223 to make a difference.) If a guy was going to get fancy and set up a tiny action for a 223-based 6mm, the CZ might be the one to look at. They are also available for some of the smaller factory cartridges mentioned in this thread, and the 6.8 SPC is probably worthy of mention. A factory cartridge would be a lot less fuss. The 22-250 comes to mind, if it's legal where you live. Having shot a fair number of deer with the 64-grain Winchester power Point bullet, and the 70-grain Speer semi-spitzer, I highly recommend the cartridge. Either bullet knocks them down immediately, with rib cage hits. The monolithic bullets would probably be as good or better, but don't go too heavy if the rifle has a 14-inch twist barrel.

 

[rroope]

Wrong thread and it wouldn't delete

 

[rroope]

I've been there with a major shoulder overhaul. If legal for the game you are chasing, 55gr 223 bullets are like 4 ft lbs or less of recoil. I got along with a suppressed 7-08 as well…hardly any recoil with the can on it.

 

[MagnumManiac]

You may be able to get back some - or all - of that arm mobility with PT. You would be surprised what can be done if you stick to the program, and think long-term. I've got two re-built shoulders, and have full mobility in one, and about 90% in the other. It took a couple of years, and it all happened several years post-op.

Unfortunately this will never occur.
The tears to my rotator cuff are so bad that the right was repaired twice and is no longer repairable, and my left shoulder is irepairable, hardly hanging on by a thread.
I manage very well, prior to surgery I actually had a frozen joint in both at different times and had to have hydradilitation, which is no fun.

Cheers.

 

[Cullking]

Try 6.8 SPC. It's a good round for range and flat shooting. For hunting a 24 inch barrel is preferred. Don't forget your eye ball either.

 

[CNY Yote Hunter]

6mm would be my go to. Can't go wrong with any of the choices. I've been using 80 grain Barnes on NY white tails out to 400 yards for years and have never had one that hasn't been a DRT. My son uses a 243, I use the 6mm creed. Both barely have any noticeable kick and do the job. Make for awesome yote rounds as well, pin hole in and out