Zack Doyle

.243 is a great caliber for deer size game and smaller. Flat shooting for long distances, but still with enough energy to hunt most popular North American animals. Some other options that have a bit more recoil, but are great long range calibers are .308, .257 roberts, .260, .270, 6mm, 7mm-08, and the list goes on. The .308 is a great trusted choice in the medium recoil range. Another option you can explore is reduced recoil ammunition. Remington makes several reduced recoil loads for popular calibers. While it won't give you the long distance capabilities of a full power load, it will allow you to shoot comfortably to 250 yards or so, which I consider fairly long range for most shooters. Also, you can sight in and practice at the range with reduced recoil loads, and move to full power loads when hunting. Remington advertises same point of impact between the two loads. I have my girlfriend shooting reduced recoil loads out of my .30-06. They do impact the same as full power core-lokt bullets at 100 yards. Calibers like the .243 are also easy to find in smaller rifles, suitable for youth and smaller statured female hunters.

Hunt Man

I have a semi-automatic .308 that has little recoil. It's very accurate over a few hundred yards. Someone correct me if I'm wrong but I believe semi-automatic rifles generally have less recoil than their bolt or lever action counterparts.

Zack Doyle

Yes they normally do. However, due to regulations in most states, semi-automatic weapons are not allowed for use in hunting situations.

Olivia St. James

Well thanks, for the info. I'll check to see if anyone has one that I can try. P.S. I live in Vermont, so there is no regulations on it. Because I usually use a .44 Carbine.

Mike Richardson

i am a die hard 30-06 guy but they do have a little kick to them. A 270 is nice as well. I would have to say if i were to buy a new rifle today it would be a .308 or 280. The .308 is the best of both worlds. Lower recoil and decently flat shooting. The .280 is a great flat shooting gun with knock down power

John Jackson

I've been a .308 shooter for a very long time and I love it. I use a Remington model 700 VSS bolt action with some pretty good optics. It is incredibly accurate at 100 yards and just as accurate at 500 yards and farther. With good technique and practice, there is no reason you can't make just one ragged hole in a target with three rounds at 250 yards. The .30-06 has slightly better ballistics but it does have a little more kick.

Valerie Allgrove

I have a Rossi .223 that I can shoot at the range for over 100 rounds and my shoulder is just fine. I'm in the process of mounting a scope on it and hopefully will get out to sight it in this weekend. The one thing I'm considering with the Rossi is cutting down the stock, it's a bit big for my 5'4" frame.

Alan Arnsdorff

If your not strapped with your money the Ruger Rancher 30 7.62 x 39 with a little work is the ultimate gun for up to 100yrds. I have personnaly been shooting this gun since 2004. I will only take neck shots and production 99%. I did have a sholain Bull barel installed, Bedded, Trigger job, and installed a Nikon Buckmaster. I would not let go of this gun for nothing, recoil Very min. with factory butt plate. Perfect bush gun, don't know what else to say, love it. 53 yrs old can not chase them anymore.

Matt Erickson

I've got a tikka t3 on .270 Winchester which would be very good for what you need, it's flat shooting with low kick. I have taken many deer and elk with it and some moose. It might not have the "knock-down" power of a 30-06 but with a well placed shot it is adequate for most big-game animals

rich schaefer

I took a 375LB black bear with one shot from my 243. Great caliber, flat shooting, little recoil a far more plesant gun to shoot than my 30-06

ADAM HOPWOOD

I hunt New Zealand with a Browning 7mm-o8 have shot deer,tahr,wllabies,goats and chamois with it my wife is happy to hunt with it as well it will let you know you have fired a shot but the recoil is much slower than a 243 if that makes sense (not so sharp but more progressive but a definite shove) and it is surprisingly quiet its much more accurate than I am using federal 180 grain powershock ammo couldnt be happier with an off the shelf combination

Christopher Wilson

.260 Remington

Dave Dennie

I use a Browning .308 semi automatic and it does the trick just fine. You cant go wrong with it...