what would be a good low recoil deer rifle?

Question

because i am looking for a good low kick rifle

Answer 1

it's got to be what i consider the best deer rifle: the .243...this gun has it all...speed, trajectory, penetration...everything...it's perfect

Answer 2

Better check the laws where you'll be hunting. Many states have restrictions on the caliber and energy of the ammo.
Consider a 12g shotgun. You can use light loads and "practice up" to the full power hunting loads. It's also very versetial, bird shot hunt small game -- squirrels, rabbit, duck. Bigger game bigger shot -- deer slug or buck shot.

30-06 and the 308 are probably considered high recoil (or at least medium recoil) DEER firearms The 243 is a 308 necked down to 6mm (.243 inches) and many of the others are variations on the 30-06 or 308. The 30-30 (isn't a modified 30-06 or 30/30)is about the minimum many people would recommend for deer, and the 223 ( which in many states is illegal to hunt deer with) and the 7.62X39 ( the Ak-47 round) fall below the 30/30.

Also consider the land. In Michigan, because of dense woods, a long shot is 150 yards (most shots are 75 yards or less), this is not the same is the Rockies where 300+ yard shots are not uncommon.
Also consider the action: bolt, lever, pump, semi-auto: some people have a perference. Not every bullet is made in every action.

Can you clarify?

see my other answer about ballistics also.

Answer 3

A 243 is based on the 308 case, and with a proper bullet selection can be a good deer rifle. However, with it's modest bullet weights it isn't the best cartridge for all deer hunting situations. A better alternative would be the 7mm-08, based on the same case as 243 and providing a heavier bullet with more margin of energy for more assured harvesting of deer. My 12 year old can shoot a 243 with 95 grain bullets all afternoon given the chance (40 plus rounds) and has shot my 30-06 with reduced recoil rounds, 20 in 30 minutes or so.The 7mm-08 would be between the 243 and reduced recoil 30-06 for recoil if you were using 140 or 150 grain bullets. You can expect 2 inch or less groups of 3 shots with any modern bolt action rifle with decent ammo,sometimes much better, and a 243 or 7mm-08 is capable of 300 yard shots or better easily with practice and good optics. Again, I recommend the 7m-08 over the 243 for better mass on target and greater energy, which is what you want. A similar case can be made for the 270, based on a 30-06 case and using a 130 or 140 grain bullet, you will get good velocities and knock down power with slightly less recoil than a 30-06. I always advocate using a good bonded core bullet in deer hunting for best terminal performance and penetration. There is no substitute for good shot placement with the right bullet, and the 7mm or 270 is going to trump the 243.

Answer 4

Bound's hubby here:

Low recoil is a relative term. Rememer, the heavier the rifle, the lighter the perceived recoil. You do not say what part of the country you are from, which could influence your type of hunting.

If you live in a wooded part of the country, where your typical shot on deer would be between 50 and 100 yards, I would recommend a Winchester or Marlin lever action in either .25-35, .30-30, .32 Special or .35 Remington ... easy handling carbines with proven deer cartridges, and they do not kick badly.

If you live in "open-country" and your average shot would be between 100 and 200 yards, I would recommend a decent bolt action rifle (the heavier you can tolerate, the better if you want less perceived recoil) chambered in either .243 Winchester of 6 mm Remington. Any cartridge smaller may not be legal and would be irresponsible ... any larger cartridge may mean more recoil.

As a footnote, unless there is a medical condition that precludes a slightly heavier or average recoiling rifle, I would suggest getting a .308 and practice, practice, practice ... you will overcome the effects of recoil!

Answer 5

Low Recoil Rifle

Answer 6

A great rifle to start Deer hunting with is a .243win. It is a necked down .308 which is also a great round, but the .243 is flat fast and accurate with low recoil.

Answer 7

A Marlin 30-30 is one of the best rifles made for deer, not much recoil but a lot of knock down power,and is lite and easy to carry in brush.

Answer 8

.243
25-06 or .257 Roberts

These would be my first picks for low recoil. The 30/30, 7mm-08 and .308 would be by back up to this list.

Answer 9

If your only going to buy one gun , I would say the 308 win would be you best buy. WHY ?? Because like the 30-30 you can get ammo just about anywhere,even in little one horse towns.Its very accurate ,with the correct bullets it will handle any big game except maybe the dangerous species in this country. It might be a tinge heavier on recoil than smaller calibers and you might flinch the first time you fire it but you will never feel it the first time you shoot at standing meat.(deer,elk,ect.) Remember alot depends on the gun and size weight of bullet.
There is a very large selection of bullets weights from 90grs to 220grs. just match the bullet to the type of game hunted. To me it will take anything I'll ever get to hunt in this lower 48 states.
One gun for ever. (this is my opinion)

Answer 10

When reviewing answers, remember that recoil is relative. To me, a 30-06 is pretty low recoil yet many inexperienced shooters would find the recoil quite terrible.

That being said...

Here is a link that shows some data for a number of cartridges. One of the items shown in the table is recoil energy The table also shows recoil velocity (recoil velocity can be important...the higher the velocity, the more the recoil feels like getting hit rather than the rifle pushing on you...however, I tend to focus more on recoil energy).

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

Assuming that you are a teenager, you are buying the rifle for a teenager, or you are new to hunting, I'd recommend the following:

243 Win (95 grain bullet or higher...great ammo availability, very low recoil)

257 Roberts (a great round, but ammo and rilfes can be hard to find)

6.5x55 Swede (a great compromise between power and recoil...ammo availability is a little lacking but it can still be found pretty easily)

7mm-08 (This is an all around great round. The recoil is starting to get on the higher side for a beginning rifle, but still very tolerable. Ammo is widely available and the cartridge can be used on anything up to about elk sized game...and even elk of you are careful)

30-30 Win (a tried and true deer round. Rifles are abundant and can be bought used for cheap. Effective range is limited due to the flat point bullets required, but that is now changing with a new type of ammo called Leverelution (I think)...a great beginner round)

7.62x39mm (a round mainly known for use in the AK-47. Sport rilfes are a little hard to come by, but they are out there. The round is on the low end for deer, but for shot out to 100 to 150 yards, I'd feel comfortable with it. Just make sure you have a good clean shot to the vitals...I wouldn't trust this round to penatrate much bone)

35 Remington (this is getting to the higher end of the recoil spectrum for a beginers rifle. The round is slow and something I'd recommend for short range only. This isn't something I'd recommend, but if you can find one for cheap, it may be one to consider)

There are some companies that make rifles for pistol rounds:

357 Magnum (I'm not sure if they make new rifles for these anymore. If you can find a used rifle, this is definately one to consider. Rifles tend to be light and easy to handle. The round is on the low end for power. I wouldn't take a shot at a deer with a 357 Mag rifle much farther than 50 yards. Ammo is common and not too expensive.)

44 Magnum (Ruger makes a semi auto in this that can be special ordered from Wal-Mart for about $500. Several other companies make lever actions including Henry, Marlin, and Puma. Out to about 100 yards, it is a very effective deer rifle. Recoil is moderate, but still very managable (very light in the semi-auto). Ammo is very common and not too expensive.)

454 Casull (Puma makes a lever action in this round. The recoil is getting on the high side for a beginner, but it is very, very deadly on deer under 100 yards. While the rifle is affordable, the ammo is expensive and can be difficult to find in some areas).

Before buying a rifle, you should consider what your long-term hunting goals are and what your finances will be in the future. If you can afford several rifles, buy something on the low end of the recoil range as you can buy a bigger rifle later. If you are probably going to only buy one rifle, you may want to opt for something a little bigger.

Another website I also recommend to people new to the world of hunting and firearms is http://outdoorsbest.zeroforum.com/

The shooting forum is excellent for gun questions and the hunting forum is great for questions on hunting. The website has the biggest collection of hunters and gun freaks I have found on the web.

Happy hunting

Answer 11

Get at least a .243 or larger. .22 caliber bullets aren't all around game rifles, they can cleanly kill a deer only if your shot is spot on. 25-06, 270 Winchester, 7mm-08, and 6.5x55 Swede are all calibers that kick lightly yet can handle deer at longer ranges.