Deer Rifle for a 11-12 year old

[BoilerUP]

Because of the need for super critical shot placement I would avoid the .222, .223, .22-250, and even the .243 for deer.

"Super critical shot placement"?

Bullet into heart/lungs = dead deer....especially using a modern design hunting bullet.

But if you don't have shot discipline and want to do hard quartering, "Texas Heart", gut or rump shots yeah a bigger caliber might be helpful.

A 62gr TSX through a shoulder will anchor just as well as the venerable '06 ...

 

[FiveInADime]

I received a Winchester Model 70 .243 youth model for my tenth birthday. It's one of my nicest rifles and I wouldn't trade it for a nicer rifle in an adult configuration. My point is, I wouldn't buy a budget youth rifle because a first rifle is a special thing and with a quality gun they'll want to keep it forever and give it to their kids. I have thought about putting a featherweight stock on my .243, but I shoot the youth stock just fine especially with a thick jacket on out coyote calling.

 

[Uncle Mike]

The HandiRifle is a good choice if your leaning towards a single shot, I would suggest a minimum caliber of at least .243.

If it were me...7mm-08, my kids started with that caliber at the ripe ol' age of 13, a Remington model 7 though, and never looked back. The 243, 260,
6mm Remington, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5x55, 257 Roberts.

The 6.5 Creedmoor is nice.

or...maybe the .500 Nitro Express! Just kidding!

 

[DRYHUMOR]

I've been doing some load development with a M70 Featherweight in 7mm Mauser over the past week.

I'd throw that caliber in the mix as well.

Just to see what I had before I started, I went cheap and not cheap. PPU 139gr, and Hornady Superferformance 139gr. They patterned reasonably well....5 and 3 inches respectively at 160 yds.

However, the Barnes 150gr TTSX over VV N550 seems to be the deal. 1.6 inches... so far.

If you don't reload, I'd recommend it. Something else you and your son can do together. Lot of ah ha moments to be sure.

 

[lwolford]

Well, I'm thinking of looking at a .243 in a compact bolt gun (he wants one like mine). I'd like to get it by Spring so he had plenty of time to get familiar with it. Thanks everyone for your help.

 

[wch]

257 Roberts.

 

[dprice3844444]

if you want to use a single shot like you wanted.add a pachmeyer magnum decelerator butt pad and a gentry muzzle brake http://www.gentrycustom.com/muzzle-brake

what calibers are standard that you are using?
also,how big is the kid?