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Youth Rifles

oneoldsaponeoldsap Member Posts: 563 ✭✭✭✭
edited May 2010 in Ask the Experts
Would the .250 & .300 Savage make good youth rifle calibers . They have a lot to offer , the 250 will handle heavier bullets than the .243 Win. . The .300 has less recoil than the .308 and gives up little in performance with the lighter bullets (150 & 165Gr.) . Just a thought !

Comments

  • ern98ern98 Member Posts: 1,725 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Along with the 6.5x55 & 7x57 mausers, the 257roberts and the 250 & 300 savages are the classic low recoil high enough performance cartridges used by the slight of body or recoil shy hunters. The only drawback is that these cartridges are best utilized if you are a homeloader as the factory offerings are limited at best these days.
  • drl50drl50 Member Posts: 2,496
    edited November -1
    I dont think the difference between the 300 Savage and 308 recoil is enough to make a difference. I second the 257 Roberts as a great caliber that he or she doesn't have to grow out of. Has a lot more energy than the 250 and a little more than the 243.
  • tsr1965tsr1965 Member Posts: 8,682 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    It is all dependant on the youth, and how much recoil he/she is tolerant of, to start things. If he or she can't handle more than a 243, then keep an eye on marksmanship, and limit the range of which they can shoot accordingly. I know as cartridges go the other's have more to offer than a 243, but at the expense of possible developing a flinch in the youngster, which could effect the pleasure of his/her experience, and turn them off. Remember...this is supposed to be for the youngster, not a second rifle, or back up for ones self.

    If the youngster can handle more than the 243, then there is the 250-3000, 257 Bob, 6.5x55, 260 Remington(actually these 6.5mm bores are soft shooter's with 100 grain partitions, or 120 grain ballistic tips), 7x57, 7mm-08, and then the 30 caliber's.

    Next, what weight a bullet is, or correspondingly the cartridge will handle is of little importance, unless the game is tough like a pig or bear. I have killed deer with a 40 grain 22 cal ballistic tip(shot in the lungs, BEHIND the front leg, on a quarting forward angle), and with a 20 grain bullet from a 17 Remington Fireball, in the back of the neck. It is important to teach the youngster's about bullet construction(all bullets are NOT created equal), and bullet placement, and to learn to place the shot.

    Lastly, it is important to stay within the laws. If your state/area will not allow 24 calibers for deer, then the smallest would be the 257 bore.

    I also know in some of the larger bore diameter's 7mm, and 30 cal, ammo maker's offer reduced recoil loads, that were designed around recoil sensative shooter's. That way a youngster can graduate to more power as they grow.

    Best

    EDIT:

    To answer the original question, the 250 is a great youth cartridge, and the 300 Savage can be, but to a much lesser extent, DEPENDING ON THE YOUTH, and recoil tolerence.
  • 22hipower22hipower Member Posts: 619 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Agree with all the responses; especially those about the 257 Roberts. Bullet placement and construction are more important than the caliber choice. One that you might want to consider in addition to those already recommended is the 6.8 Rem. Not sure who else manufactures rifles in that caliber but a Thompson Contender in 6.8 with Nosler Accubonds should make a great choice for smaller stature recoil sensitive deer hunters.
  • oneoldsaponeoldsap Member Posts: 563 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Does anyone ever read the original post ? I don't understand how the topic can be totally convoluted on the very first post . Would the .250 & .300 Savage make good youth calibers . I don't know how to make this question any simpler !!!!
  • drl50drl50 Member Posts: 2,496
    edited November -1
    .250 Yes
    .300 No

    I have both (in Savage 99) and the recoil difference is significant. The 300 recoil is not much different than 308 s that I have fired. The 250 recoil is very soft comparatively. Hope that answer is on track.
  • reddnekreddnek Member Posts: 1,552 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I just purchased a 250 Savage Model 1899 for my 11 yr old grandson, he's dying to shoot it on his next trip to South Carolina from Joisey.
  • rob87trob87t Member Posts: 35 ✭✭
    edited November -1
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