Love The 6 creedmoor
Yotes and deer. Same gun
Yotes and deer. Same gun
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Trying to decide on a caliber for varmint rifle for my son and I
- Thread starter isuhunter
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marksman1941
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- May 20, 2013
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For ease of shooting and breaking in a kid, I would 100% find an 8 twist 223 and run 77's out of it. If you can suppress it, even better. Muzzle blast is a huge part of perceived recoil, especially for kids, and a 22-250 is a big step up in terms of concussion.
I have a 1:8 Howa mini 223 that's a dream to carry, no recoil to speak of, and hilarious when suppressed. Accurate to 600 when shooting 77 TMK and OTM.
You don't need much gun for a 30-40 pound dog. Don't overdo it, when the goal is to get your kid comfy and happy behind the gun. Also if you're not already a reloader, don't pick a caliber that requires loading. That is going to be frustrating when you can't quickly build 50 rounds for a day of shooting, since you're still learning how to reload. Stick with factory for this one.
I have a 1:8 Howa mini 223 that's a dream to carry, no recoil to speak of, and hilarious when suppressed. Accurate to 600 when shooting 77 TMK and OTM.
You don't need much gun for a 30-40 pound dog. Don't overdo it, when the goal is to get your kid comfy and happy behind the gun. Also if you're not already a reloader, don't pick a caliber that requires loading. That is going to be frustrating when you can't quickly build 50 rounds for a day of shooting, since you're still learning how to reload. Stick with factory for this one.
How about six arc there are wide range of bullets from light to heavy. I'm currently shooting a 75 grain for coyotes for the last several years but use 105 on deer.
Rflshootr
Well-Known Member
I'd do a 22BR or a 6BR. Built properly, it will be the most accurate rifle you own.
txaggie1
Well-Known Member
If your looking to get a rifle easy and affordable to shoot, the 223 will punch that ticket all day long.
My personal favorites are 220 swift and 22-250. Many of the newer options have better performance as do my favorites over the 223.
None of those will be more affordable and you can buy ammo anywhere.
It's a great one to start with, and the more kids get to shoot guns the more proficient they become which 100 times more important than velocity and bullet selection.
Typical varmints aren't hard to kill. Enjoy the time with your son, get buckshot for your shotgun and you prob kill more that way if hunting in tight quarters.
My personal favorites are 220 swift and 22-250. Many of the newer options have better performance as do my favorites over the 223.
None of those will be more affordable and you can buy ammo anywhere.
It's a great one to start with, and the more kids get to shoot guns the more proficient they become which 100 times more important than velocity and bullet selection.
Typical varmints aren't hard to kill. Enjoy the time with your son, get buckshot for your shotgun and you prob kill more that way if hunting in tight quarters.
VLD Pilot
Well-Known Member
+1 22CM
HRM Johnny
Well-Known Member
Another vote for 22 Creedmoor. Also, read Ramblings and Such From coyote Hunting. It is a thread here on the long range hunting form. Great information. I'm not sure you can get that information anywhere else.
I'd do a Tikka 223 with an 8 twist barrel and be done with it.
Longshotjames
Well-Known Member
Something in a 6mm. 6creedmore or 243
There is no more felt recoil in a 6mm than a 22 but the killing power is in a whole different class! Bullet weights can range from 55-108grain. For coyotes I'd do the 80gr as a great balance of weight and speed!
Could take it on a deer hunt if the opportunity ever arises!
James
There is no more felt recoil in a 6mm than a 22 but the killing power is in a whole different class! Bullet weights can range from 55-108grain. For coyotes I'd do the 80gr as a great balance of weight and speed!
Could take it on a deer hunt if the opportunity ever arises!
James
DocTorT
Active Member
A friend busted out a .223 bolt action that I thought was originally his 300wm, same gun basically. Amazing to shoot. Suppressed. Great practice gun. Should be great for yotes and an 11yo. Smiled every shot in disbelief of the recoil.
LuvDog
Well-Known Member
I agree with the 223 recommendation. If you want something a little bigger, then I'd say 243 or 6CM. All would be easy with factory ammo available.
Although there are some GREAT recommendations here and considering this is the first rifle for your son and the both of you would probably rather spend a LOT more time hunting and shooting than handloading ammo, I think it's obvious that the 223 is way more practical than the others because of the low price, wide availability, many options, and low recoil of 223 ammo.
Just like the 22 rim fire is the perfect first kid's gun as a starter rifle, the 223 is the logical next step up.
Then if he really gets the bug, later he might want something more powerful but I'm betting even if he goes that route that his 223 will still get shot more than any other rifle he ever owns for the simple reason it's immensely practical, versatile and inexpensive to shoot.
Be sure it's not too heavy and that the barrel is threaded for a suppressor and that it has a 1:9" or 1:8" twist and get him a quality optic like a Leupold VX3 4.5-14x40 scope. There are a LOT of them floating around used and they're great for coyote and other varmint hunting not to mention great target scopes.
Also if your budget can afford it get him a suppressor right up front to save his hearing and for the reduced sound signature when out hunting so as not to alarm nearby farmers or other residents.
Just like the 22 rim fire is the perfect first kid's gun as a starter rifle, the 223 is the logical next step up.
Then if he really gets the bug, later he might want something more powerful but I'm betting even if he goes that route that his 223 will still get shot more than any other rifle he ever owns for the simple reason it's immensely practical, versatile and inexpensive to shoot.
Be sure it's not too heavy and that the barrel is threaded for a suppressor and that it has a 1:9" or 1:8" twist and get him a quality optic like a Leupold VX3 4.5-14x40 scope. There are a LOT of them floating around used and they're great for coyote and other varmint hunting not to mention great target scopes.
Also if your budget can afford it get him a suppressor right up front to save his hearing and for the reduced sound signature when out hunting so as not to alarm nearby farmers or other residents.
I would just get a 243 . Plenty of box ammo in almost every Store in The U.S.
Excellent cartridge for years and years untill the needmore came out .
I have mine set up with 55 gr and 95 gr and its impressive to say the least !
I bought one of the Ruger Gen 2 in 243 for our local Eagles Club raffel . Cant tell you how many wanted that Rifle.
It's just a affordable great shooting gun / caliber. Plus before you know it your Son will be hunting Deer with it !
Teach a kid to hunt and his family will never Starve !
Rum Man
Excellent cartridge for years and years untill the needmore came out .
I have mine set up with 55 gr and 95 gr and its impressive to say the least !
I bought one of the Ruger Gen 2 in 243 for our local Eagles Club raffel . Cant tell you how many wanted that Rifle.
It's just a affordable great shooting gun / caliber. Plus before you know it your Son will be hunting Deer with it !
Teach a kid to hunt and his family will never Starve !
Rum Man
