Deer cartridges with minimal recoil

[MallardSX2]

The 7mm-08 is what you want.

 

[flathead#2]

25-06??

 

[Macintosh]

If recoil is a legit problem due to medical issues i would take 7-08 off the table—its +\- the same thing as a 6.5cm just with 150-200fps more velocity, which is not functionally relevant inside 300 yards. Of those two a 6.5cm would be my choice, and has plenty of factory ammo options, a LOT more than 7-08 does.

Hard to argue with a 243 shooting heavier ballistic tips, sst’s or a bullet like that, and seems like a proven solution for what you want. If you’re worried about a 243 being enough gun, then make sure to get a faster barrel twist so you can shoot slightly heavier bullets, and that should make up the difference. 6cm less common but would do the exact same thing. Ive never played with a 6arc but on paper it seems picture perfect for what you described.

 

[Jim1187]

Given your criteria 6.5 creedmoor beats the 7mm08, less recoil and way more available factory ammo.
I'm not sure if the get along with the no AR cartridge specification but the 6.5 Grendel 6 arc are well worth considering, a howa mini action in a Boyd's stock is a lot of deer killing with very little recoil. The 7.62x39 is pretty useful inside 300 yards too though if I'm stuck with 123ish grains in a factory load I do prefer the Grendel.

 

[02sedona]

I think this chart of rifle cartridge recoil weights could be worth a look. Not a cut and dry chart on all the factors going into calculating the numbers, but it’s a good general guide to recoil weights

Rifle Recoil Table: Updated for 2024 with all popular cartridges – Backfire

backfire.tv

My opinion on the lightest recoiling rifle in my safe that I would personally be comfortable using as a deer rifle would be my 6.5 Grendel. Plenty of good bullet options available and good results out to 300 yards, which is in the wheel house of most hunters.

Being that we are on rokslide, it will only be about a year before guys here start shooting a .17hmr at deer as long as it’s as tikka in a rokstok.

 

[keystone112]

Browning BAR in 243?

 

[06 SB]

I think the 6ARC is a great choice unless you believe it to be a niche cartridge. I personally think it is. The easy choice is a 243 and would be perfect. Couple its reduced recoil with a lighter bullet (80gr TTSX) and it will be joy to shoot AND do everything you want it to do. There is no down side. Get a rifle that has a threaded barrel because you will want to suppress it eventually. Once you shoot a rifle with a suppressor, you will get past its hideous looks.

 

[TaperPin]

All across the country, if someone was recoil shy, the 243 was the obvious choice and it still is a great way to go. There’s also reduced recoil loads that make it even easier on the shoulder.

 

[RodgerB]

I'm in a similar situation, 81 years old, cancer twice, chemo, several surgeries, and now a torn rotator cuff, I can't handle the recoil of a .308 any more. I've decided to try a 6.5 CM. I'm going to load some 127gr bullets at around 2200fps and give that a try. If that turn out to be too much I guess I'll have to drop down to .223.

 

[kota]

243 is a solid choice. My family has killed truck loads of critters with one. I would seriously look at a suppressor too.

I'm in a similar situation, 81 years old, cancer twice, chemo, several surgeries, and now a torn rotator cuff, I can't handle the recoil of a .308 any more. I've decided to try a 6.5 CM. I'm going to load some 127gr bullets at around 2200fps and give that a try. If that turn out to be too much I guess I'll have to drop down to .223.

RodgerB- If those are the 127 Barnes you are going to load, I would advise against using that load on deer because you will be pretty close to minimum velocity thresholds for that bullet to perform properly. If you need to go with copper, the 100s at a faster velocity will still be really mild and work just fine on deer.

 

[RodgerB]

243 is a solid choice. My family has killed truck loads of critters with one. I would seriously look at a suppressor too.


RodgerB- If those are the 127 Barnes you are going to load, I would advise against using that load on deer because you will be pretty close to minimum velocity thresholds for that bullet to perform properly. If you need to go with copper, the 100s at a faster velocity will still be really mild and work just fine on deer.

I mis-spoke. I'm going to use the Nosler Accubond Long Range 129 gr, which is advertised to expand down to 1350fps.

 

[Teodoro]

I'd say buy a barreled Howa action in 6.5 Grendel or 6 ARC, don't go lightweight when you scope it, and stick it in a Boyd's stock. Between the lightness of the cartridge and the weight of the rifle, it's darn near as little kick as you can get above a .223. I'd go Grendel for ammo choices, personally.

 

[dog]

I like the 7mm08 with 120 ballistic tips with a moderate powder charge. Great deer killer and mild recoil

 

[AZ_Hunter]

Suppressor’s reduce recoil while greatly reducing sound and blast. It makes shooting so much more pleasurable. If you have to use a 24cal (though I think you should be open to 22 cal) then a suppressed 243 is the easy answer. You don’t even need the heavy for caliber bullets or anything fancy. Just run of the mill cup and core will be fine in 80-100gr range.

 

[Unckebob]

6 arc would also be a great choice

This ^^^. The 108 ELDx is a killer and the recoil is absurdly light.

 

[roadrunner]

Had I not bought a .25-06 as a crossover for elk, I'd have a .243.

 

[Lou270]

243 Win.

 

[wildwilderness]

To the OP Why the self imposed limits on proven recoil reducing strategies? Muzzle breaks work amazingly well. A suppressor over a break is even better. Reduced loads through less powder, lighter bullets in combination with above and you won’t even notice the recoil.

 

[MT-nuffgun]

Problem with factory 6arc ammo, it is anemic in a bolt action. .243 win would be top choice for your situation.

 

[Deere_Man]

Problem with factory 6arc ammo, it is anemic in a bolt action. .243 win would be top choice for your situation.

Doesn’t it shoot faster in a 20” bolt action barrel than in a 16” ar barrel? It’s plenty capable in factory, at least to 300 yards.