cast bullet barrel for g2??

[adirondacker]

i am thinking of purchasing a couple of g2's for my sons for CHRISTmas.i want something they can shoot some steel at the range using cast bullets with,but with a good load eventually carry for deer.they have a while to wait for that as on is 13 the other 9,here in ny no deer hunting until your 16.i have dies brass bullet mold etc for 30/30.i have no experience with the g2,i do have a few encore combinations,but would like some input,also has to be a factory barrel,i will not have time for a custom barrel before CHRISTmas.i see that tc has a 50 cal mzl now for the g2.if my boys were older i would consider the 45/70.i think even with light loads it may be a handfull for my little guy out of a 6 lb rifle.any info appreciated,thanks,ADKER

[Lone Star]

The .45-70 in my 16" Contender carbine gets your attention even with its heavy laminated stocks and factory muzzle brake.  I shoot mostly 300-grain bullets over BlueDot, which is relativley mild in the recoil department (not in the pressure department!).  Even lighter-recoiling loads can be made with Unique.  Loads with more power are worse, and 300-grain factory loads can be punishing - not what I'd want to give to my youg sons.

I believe that another good choice for your boys would be barrels in .44 Magnum - Custom Shop only but they might have some in stock.  With light cast loads recoil is not bad at all, and there certainly is the potential for hunting anything with them.  The .357 Mag is another option - even less recoil but also less hunting potential.

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[Gitzit]

My boys are the same age as yours and they shoot a G2 in 6.8 SPC.  Shoots much flatter with less recoil than the big bores.  The 6.8 is a good 300 yard deer rifle with the right bullets.  When not deer hunting they enjoy squirrel hunting with the G2 in 17HMR.  I hope this helps.

[adirondacker]

have you ever tried cast bullets in the 6.8?

i thought about the 44 mag as well,just don't think they are going to be available.

thanks,adker

[swampthing]

It really doesn't matter "which" caliber you decide on if you are a "handloader."
   The 45-70 can be loaded down to recoil levels comparable to a .357mag, don't think so? try some IMR Trail-boss, tames the wildest of beasts. Hard-cast lead, 300g bullet, @1200fps = less recoil than factory 30-30's from a marlin carbine, a whole lot quieter too.
 Any of the straight walled pistol calibers from .357mag on up will fill the bill quite nicely, especially for the "handloader".

[coopershooter]

the  .357 mag becomes a real thumper out of a carbine barrel. I have used 180 gr. cast bullets on hog,s.  But I have been working with a 21 in 7-30 waters. And the recoil seems less than the .357.  either one would be good for kids. I have thought about a .357 max in a carbine barrel.
 good luck!