243 vs 270

[recycler]

I'm looking for a quality rifle.

I was thinking of a 243 or 270. I have a 30-06 for deer season. I'm looking for a light weight (6-7 lbs), flat shooter, without a lot of kick (my 13 yr old will use this as his deer season gun). It will mainly be used for coyote at 300 + yds.

I'm open to suggestions on other models. I looking for the best quality under $1,000.

I've read tikka is accurate out of the box?

Any suggestions?

[dfaugh]

I had a lightweight (7+or- lbs. w/ scope) .270...And it kicked the cr@p outa me...So I think the .243 makes more sense for a young shooter...My .02

[k in AR]

a 270 is just a necked down 30-06 and normally uses between 120 and 150 gr bullets for deer, not much of a recoil reducer there...

the 243 is a necked down 308 case and most deer loads are between 85 and 100 grs. I know a lot of people ( both recoil sensitive and not ) who swear by it for deer and have the results to back it up.

[hivel37]

This agrees with previous posts. Go with the .243. A light .270 would be too much for your young'un. Sometimes it's too much for me.

[g_gunter]

Got one for my 10 year old and he got his first deer this past season. He's a little guy and recoil was a concern but the .243 fit the bill. Dropped the doe in her tracks.

g_gunter

[mete]

A 7mm-08 might be a better option. The Tikka garantees 1" groups.A stock that doesn't fit will magnify recoil .Depending on his size you might get a youth model .A good recoil pad will help also www.limbsaver.com or the Pachmyer Decelerator.

[bill k]

I made a simlar post earlier for my 13 year old neice. A 25-06 had too much recoil, the 243 was just right. The standard remington was too large for her to shoot comfortably. It was sugested to me from this forum to try the H&R single shot youth gun in 243. The size is perfect for her, the cost is under $250.00. We pick it up in about a week.
From the research I done the rifle shoots about 2.0 inch groups at 100 yards.

[cntryboy1289]

I hope she gets some good use from the Handy rifle Bill. Both of my sons learned with it and I hope to teach my daughter with in a year or two. She's a lefty as well and all I need to reverse the cocking extension for her. Hope your neice kills a big un.

BTW, I handloaded for my son with a 85gr Barnes triple shock using H4350. It comes in with about an inch group with that load and the recoil is a little milder than the 95 or 100 grain bullets. I also used the 95grain Winchester BST with the same powder and had even better groups. Good luck

[JKump]

Here is another view. Take a look at a NEF single shot rifles. They have a youth model and an Ultra light version in .243. I think the .243 is the way to go. Put a good scope on the rifle and with the money you save (buying the NEF rifle) get plenty of ammo. He will have fun shooting all that extra ammo and he will develop into a better shot knowing he has one shot to make it count. Hunting with a single shot is a blast.

[Greg R]

If those are my only choices, I would choose the .243.

However, I think the .260 is a much better choice. I have had great luck with the .260 on deer and hogs. Downloaded to 2,150 with 130 grain Barnes Triple Shocks, my 33 pound, 5 year old daughter shot her first buck with it this season (See the inside cover of Superior Ammunition's 2005 catalog for a pic). It does not kick much more than a .243 (less with hand loads), yet it performs far better on game. Just my .02.