Author Topic: Need info (Read 612 times)

22rimfan · « **on:** November 07, 2005, 07:41:28 PM »

Hello all! I am considering getting a new rifle really soon. Here is the question, would you fine bunch of Handi-holics recommend the 243 Ultra or a 280. My girlfriend is wanting to go hunting with me and I'm trying to find a rifle she could use, and that if she doesn't like hunting I would like to really have.

For my personal preference I'm leaning towards the 280, just because of all I have read about it here on GBO. I've never shot either round before so I'm not sure about recoil for my gf. I'm used to a 30-06 but she is just getting used to the recoil from my 410, and refuses to shoot the '06. How is the recoil of these two rounds? Do you think they maybe a little much for a girl who's 5'5"? I don't want to turn her off to shooting or hunting, it's taken me two years to get her interested enough in shooting to claim one of my 22's as hers, but I don't want a marginal cartridge either. Sort of a Catch 22. Could a limb saver pad work to reduce recoil further?

What do you guys, and gals, suggest? Right now I'm really leaning towards the 280, but if it's a heavy hitter then I might shrink back to the 243. I'm just trying to find a caliber that won't turn her off to shooting and that works very well. Thanks for your time.
Aaron

Mac11700 · « **Reply #1 on:** November 07, 2005, 07:43:58 PM »

280

Mac

quickdtoo · « **Reply #2 on:** November 07, 2005, 08:34:04 PM »

Here's a recoil chart to give you an idea of what's what....280 recoil with 140gr loads at 3000fps will have recoil almost the same as a .30-06 with 150gr loads.

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

My recommendation if you are a handloader is to go with the .280 and reduced loads for her, if not, the .270, .308 or .30-06 with some of the new managed recoil loads by Remington, Federal and such would be good for her and you could still shoot full power loads when you use it. Another option is the .243 with good bullets for her and you get the .280 for yourself, 2 Handis are always better than one!!! :wink:

myarmor · « **Reply #3 on:** November 07, 2005, 08:37:58 PM »

I haven't shot a 280, so I can't delve into the recoil it makes. I do have many .30 cals and can't imagine it being any worse than any of them.
If your looking for a capable round for your Girlfriend, ever thought about a 7mm-08? Recoil isn't bad and it's a great round. Or how about a 270UltraComp barrel...I hear they still have a couple left back at the factory. Excellent barrel with reduced recoil and not much barrel lift-though it is noisey. There are many calibers availible that I am sure would fit her well, the 7.62x39 is a joy to shoot, or perhaps even a 44mag if you aren't going for very long distances. Just my 2 cents :wink:

bladerunner · « **Reply #4 on:** November 07, 2005, 11:46:14 PM »

I'd probably go with the 243,I've taken quite a few deer with one and they are light in the recoil department..she's more likely to practice with a caliber that doesn't hurt her and as we all know "shot placement is EVERYTHING"....that being said

I would seriously consider the 7MM-08,the recoil is just slightly more and the ballistics are alot more impressive :grin: ....just my $.02

poncaguy · « **Reply #5 on:** November 08, 2005, 12:56:43 AM »

I would get a 7MM-08.........recoil mild.......

JKump · « **Reply #6 on:** November 08, 2005, 02:14:34 AM »

I have a Handi ultra light in 243. The recoil is nothing ands it can be shot easily. The 243 will drop deer (I have killed two this past friday with one) however, the deer will probably have to be tracked by the blood trail. I would go with something with a little more power, check out 7mm-08 or even possibly a 308 or 270.

Brett · « **Reply #7 on:** November 08, 2005, 02:56:52 AM »

Of the calibers mentioned the .243 has the tamest recoil and it is capable of taking deer with out trouble provided premium ammunition is used. I would avoid a compensated gun, I think that the noise level would be a big turn off to most women and there really is no need for it in a .243. The recoil is about on a par with your .410 using 3" loads, mabe even a little less. The 7mm-08 would be your next lightest kicker but I'm not sure if ammo is as readily available as for the .243. The .270 is very popular and there is lots of ammo available but recoil is nearly double that of your .410. The .280 is a great caliber but as mentioned recoil is approaching that of the 06.

If I was buying a deer rifle for my wife I would probably go with a .243. You may even consider a youth model with a shorter length of pull for a better fit when GF is wearing her bulky cold weather hunting cloths.

.308 · « **Reply #8 on:** November 08, 2005, 04:31:47 AM »

My vote is for the .280. Felt recoil in my Handi is not a problem.

Brett · « **Reply #9 on:** November 08, 2005, 05:20:48 AM »

Quote from: .308

My vote is for the .280. Felt recoil in my Handi is not a problem.

Yah, but I bet your not 5'5" and 110 lbs either. I love my .280 Handi and the recoil does not bother me but If my wife ever did shot it it would probably be the first and last time. Keep in mind who the gun is intended for and what her experience level is. 22rimfan's GF is just getting accustomed to the kick of a .410 shotgun which is a far cry away from the kick of a .280.

Mac11700 · « **Reply #10 on:** November 08, 2005, 05:50:56 AM »

Women aren't the same as men when it comes to recoil.I have taught quite a few on how to shoot trap,skeet & sporting clays...and also how to shoot rifles accurately...and the majority of them have complained when the stock slapped them in the face...How it fits them is the main thing to consider when outfitting them with a rifle,shotgun or pistol...whichever rifle you choose...put a neoprene shell holder on the stock...or a adjustable cheek piece..or one of the sorbathane stick-on ones found with most trap shooting supplies...they will enjoy shooting it more with it..than without out...and also put a Limbsaver recoil pad on it...it don't matter if it's a 223 or 45-70...doing this will help.My daughter was 10 years old when she shot her first centerfire rifle...it was a Handi 30-30...she handled it quite well and never had a problem with it once I put a cheek piece on it...she had no problem shooting my 270 after that...the face is the first place that gets smacked and has more nerve endings in it than the shoulder...and most women have high cheek bones which get bruised quite easily...and so it needs to be padded for them to shoot properly..other wise they start pulling their face off the stock because it is hurting...also..most women have thinner collar bones and need good protection there...so..a shooting shirt with a recoil pad in it like those made by Past,Winchester,Browning,10X, help spread the recoil out over a larger area...couple that with a good Limbsaver recoil pad...they can comfortably shoot the largest rifles quite easily...

There's more to it when setting a little lady up to hunt than for us...we know how to roll with the punch from the recoil...they will instinctually tense up...quite a few guys do the same thing...and this will help them too...

Mac

myarmor · « **Reply #11 on:** November 08, 2005, 06:06:07 AM »

Good post :agree: .
Don't know why I didn't think about a 30-30, perhaps cause I don't have one I suppose. But would be great for a woman, especially with the padding you mentioned.

Brett · « **Reply #12 on:** November 08, 2005, 07:53:50 AM »

Good tips for outfitting the ladies Mac. :agree:

Thanks.

.308 · « **Reply #13 on:** November 08, 2005, 08:31:55 AM »

I give up.:-D :-D :-D :roll:

Mac11700 · « **Reply #14 on:** November 08, 2005, 06:20:29 PM »

Myarmor:

The 30-30 isn't what he was asking about...I was just using that as a point of contention...and of those that he wants...I still say go with the 280...just outfit it correctly for her...and she will do fine...and...if she doesn't like it...he gets a really great barrel... :agree:

Mac

22rimfan · « **Reply #15 on:** November 08, 2005, 07:15:52 PM »

Guys, thanks for your replies! Mac, thanks for the post, great info I hadn't thought of there. As of now she's found a 243 Ultra Hunter that she likes. It comes with a pink/purplish stock that she's just fallen for. I guess I may just end up with a pink rifle :eek: :shock:

, but hey if it makes her happy it's worth it. Thanks guys. Now maybe it won't be too long before I get the 280 barrel you guys have had me wanting for about a month now! :grin:
Aaron

myarmor · « **Reply #16 on:** November 08, 2005, 07:57:50 PM »

Quote from: Mac11700

Myarmor:

The 30-30 isn't what he was asking about...I was just using that as a point of contention...and of those that he wants...I still say go with the 280...just outfit it correctly for her...and she will do fine...and...if she doesn't like it...he gets a really great barrel... :agree:

Mac

I know my friend, your posting about padding and outfitting was the real topic of you reply. And much appreciated too. Just saying that the 30-30 would be a decent choice. Thats all. Sounds like she has found a winner though with the 243..good deal :grin: However the stock sounds a little creepy to me :?

Mac11700 · « **Reply #17 on:** November 10, 2005, 05:47:41 AM »

Rimfan...please post a picture of her rifle for us...sounds to me you found a variation of the red/mahoganies stocks floating around...I would still go with a good Limbsaver and soft neopreane shell holder on it for her...when the temps drop of...and the stock is cold...it sure feels better having it on there...I recommend this to everyone..it just plain helps take all the face slap out of any rifle..or shotgun...it also adds some weight to the stock as well...and this helps too....

As too ammo for it...have her try some of the new Federal Fusoin ammo...it has done real good for those here that have tried it...if not it...then some of the 95 grain Winchester Supreme ammo..or the Federal 95 grain Partitions...all shoot exceptionally well from most of the 243's..

myarmor...yup...the 30-30 would be another good one...and is often over looked for those just starting out...with the right loads it is a easy 200 yard deer gun...nothing fancy...just one that will get-err-done...more often than not...

Good Luck

Mac