Thread: First Rifle For Lad

I reckon with a suppressor on, all of the above calibres (other than .338 Edge) would feel the same recoil-wise, and none of them would be an issue even for the recoil shy. I'm a pussy when it comes to noise/recoil but suppressed .270's and .308's both feel like .223 to me. I honestly don't think recoil factors into it if you have decided to suppress it anyway, just consider ammo availability (which will also effect resale value/desirability) and terminal ballistics. I don't think you can go wrong with 7mm08, .308, 6.5x55 or (god forbid) .270, the animal isn't going to know the difference. Probably wouldn't go as small a pill as .243, I know people will disagree but if you don't think you'll have perfect shot placement (I know I wouldn't) then I'd rather hedge my bets with something with more mass. Of course .243 is capable, especially with handloads, but I don't think it's fair on the young shooter, or the animal to expect him to make a headshot when he could smack it in the shoulder with a .308, for example. How the rifle behaves while pointing and shooting with it ought to be a big consideration too, most decent hunting rifles will shoot 1-1.5 moa these days if you find ammo they like, it might be a good idea to head to the gun store with him and let him fondle the usual suspects; Remington, Winchester, Tikka, Savage, Howa, Ruger etc.