Overthinking kids first rifle; .223 or bigger is better

[voltage]

Disclaimer haven’t read all thread but I don’t like 223. Tried that recently with my kid and not good. Got a 350 legend with suppressor and been crazy happy. He 9 and killed 3 this year.


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Tons of dudes with beards and substantial 401(k)s are super pleased with their 223, so can you please tell us what issue you have with your 223?

 

[dreamingWest]

Based on my experience, the only reason to pick 243 over 223 for a deer gun or kid's first rifle is to simply avoid arguing with deer camp Fudds. (And this is a valid reason.)

223 with 77 TMK is incredibly effective. (And I love 243. My first rifle was a 243.)

 

[ncstewart]

Tons of dudes with beards and substantial 401(k)s are super pleased with their 223, so can you please tell us what issue you have with your 223?

Mainly cause animal recovery isn’t good in my experience. I get they can do it but why with a kid if there something better. Kids don’t like losing animals and then they don’t wanna go.


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[ncstewart]

What bullets did you try in the .223? It is super effective with the right bullets but can def be underwhelming with the wrong ones. 77TMK'S produce more tissue damage than any .350 legend loading I'm aware of (disclaimer, I've never personally used .350 legend, but know guys that have and I have seen quite a few photos of .350L wound channels).

I don’t claim to have killed a lot with a 223. We shot one that should have been a slam dunk. We didn’t recover the deer. With a 243 it would have been for sure. I have killed a lot with those and like a 243. The 350 man for kids is sweet. I’m sold on it. It’s not sexy and range ain’t its thing but sub 100 and for a young kid that enough in my opinion. 180 grain bullet and 4 deer now… haven’t tracked one. All exits except one quartering to


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[Kaleb]

Mainly cause animal recovery isn’t good in my experience. I get they can do it but why with a kid if there something better. Kids don’t like losing animals and then they don’t wanna go.


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Good on you for having your kid out killing stuff. That's awesome. I totally agree with what you're saying we've just had different experiences with 223's is all. They have worked great for my group but we might be using different bullets or something? Glad y'all have something working well for you.

 

[ncstewart]

Good on you for having your kid out killing stuff. That's awesome. I totally agree with what you're saying we've just had different experiences with 223's is all. They have worked great for my group but we might be using different bullets or something? Glad y'all have something working well for you.

Ya man I get that also. I got buddies that swear by 223. Regardless of caliber for kids I can’t say enough to suppress!! Man I got nieces that never shot before cause of being scared that love shooting with by boys rifle. I think noise scares a lot of kids as much as fear of recoil.


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[Kaleb]

That's exactly right. It's great the things we have available now. Stuff just seems to keep getting a little better too.

 

[gbflyer]

To follow up, the new generation of plastic magazine has cured the Axis 6ARC feeding issue. Bad news is that it is even harder to load than the metal one. As an adult, I was wanting help loading it. Lol.


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[2rsquared]

It's been a while (almost 20 years) but started my 8 year old son out with Remington 700 in .308.

It was the only rifle I had.

No muzzle brake or suppressor.

Changed out the adult stock for a youth stock I got off eBay for $40.

He used the Remington Reduced Recoil 125 grain bullets. Recoil felt less than a .243 out of a 10 pound rifle.

He could have been shooting a .300 WM and not known the difference when he shot his first buck because he was so full of adrenaline and smiling from ear to ear.

He still shoots the same .308 to this very day as his primary.

A lot of things have changed since then. Kids have a lot more options.

I would go with an AR-15 with an adjustable stock.

If .223 is not legal in your state or you want something in a larger caliber, plenty of low recoiling options that will fit in AR-15 magazine.

 

[jmez]

350 Legend. Same case as 223 with 180gr bullet. Basically no recoil and great on deer 150 yards in. Started all 4 of my boys with one and have been very happy. Boys love shooting it.

I got it in a Ruger compact Ranch rifle. Fits kids well and they shoot it well. They started shooting it at 8 and no recoil issues.

It absolutely hammers deer.


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[Dave0317]

I don’t claim to have killed a lot with a 223. We shot one that should have been a slam dunk. We didn’t recover the deer. With a 243 it would have been for sure. I have killed a lot with those and like a 243. The 350 man for kids is sweet. I’m sold on it. It’s not sexy and range ain’t its thing but sub 100 and for a young kid that enough in my opinion. 180 grain bullet and 4 deer now… haven’t tracked one. All exits except one quartering to


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What bullet was it and any idea on where the shot placement was?

 

[4570neal]

After 55 years of hunting and seeing and learning alot . Give a kid the 243 win.
With the mild recoil and flat shooting I plan on getting the grand kids each one of their own.

 

[Rock’N Tacos]

Another vote for the 6 ARC. Mine is a howa mini and I love it.

 

[207North]

Another here for 6 ARC.