25-06, 243 or 7mm-08 Which has less recoil?

[30-30man]

I'm still looking for a rifle for my son.  He is a bit sensitive to recoil.  He hates my Rem 30-06.  He's shooting my 30-30 now and I swear I think even that is too much for him.  He flinches bad and won't practice with me.  I want him to be able to harvest animals in humane way. I want him to have a rifle he's not scared of that will take down a deer at resonable ranges.  I'd like it to have very light recoil.  I'm not saying he's a sissy but darn near close.  :oops:  I'd like to buy a Handi because I got the fever for something new and expandable.

[quickdtoo]

.243 without a doubt!!

http://www.chuckhawks.com/recoil_table.htm

[bladerunner]

.243,plenty of gun,very light recoil

[Mac11700]

Have you tried any of the managed recoil loads of Remmington?...They are quite mild from what I've been told...and should work just right...

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=353369

Mac

[bluebayou]

Granted, my 7-08 is a Remington 700, but I tried the reduced charge listed on the Hodgdon website this weekend.  It is 35.6 grains of H4895 with a 120 grain Hornady SP.  The recoil is so light the rifle doesn't even move from the bench.  7-08 also gives you some growing up room.  There are alot heavier loads than in the 243.

[PEPAW]

I don't like recoil either, but that 7-08 in a well fitting gun should not be a problem.  Cut it down if necessary and get the best Pad from Pachmayr or Limbsaver and use the lightest bullet.
I bought a .270 barrel instead and with the Recoil Managed Loads, it has a very mild recoil.   Much like a .243, but slower.    But then he can grow into the heavier loads with the same gun.
The Recoil Managed loads are not simply reduced loads.   They incorporate a different bullet that expands at those slow velocities, according to Remington.

pepaw

[oktx]

My son is a very small 12 year old he shoots  the youth 243 Handi.  His gun is very heavy and does not kick much.  One thing be sure he has very good hearing protection.  I bet most of his flinch is from the muzzle blast.  When my son is practicing he wears plugs and muffs.  Hope this helps.  oktx

[30-30man]

Thanks guys. You're awesome.  I think I'll try the 243 and and if that doesn't work.....Red Ryder special it is  :oops:

[Mac11700]

A limbsaver recoil pad...and a soft neopreane shell holder on the stock to use as a cheek piece will help a-lot...or a sorbathane cheek pad you can pick up at most trap clubs..or on-line suppliers..if it's still too much...look at one of the Browning shirts with the removable Reactor recoil inserts in it...they do work real well at spreading out the recoil...or even one of the thinner Strap on Past recoil shields...and check to make sure the stock lenght of pull is correct for him...nothing hurts more than a ill fitting gun...

Mac

[longwalker]

theath,

How old is your son? Maybe he is just a little to young. I tried and tried to get my son to hunt with me. He found every excuse in the world not to go. When it came time and he was interested he was just that much bigger and less recoil sensitive.

One thing I have noticed is my model 94 kicks a heck of alot more than I would think. Most likely because it is a light weight rifle. The suggestion about hearing protection is sound advice. It makes a big difference. Having something that loud going off next to your face is just to scary for some people. Plugs and muffs can make all the difference.

An other avenue to follow would be a handgun cartridge in a rifle or carbine, .357 Magnum or 44 magnum.  Good Luck !

longwalker