Custom build for my Fiance

[Nikolakangrga]

I would like to have a rifle built for my Fiance. She is 105lbs and doesn't do too well with ALOT of recoil. Her current hunting rifle is a .243 and she LOVES it. I would like to have a rifle built for her that she can hunt out to extended ranges, maybe 800-1000 yds. Any Ideas on a caliber?

Prefer NO muzzlebrake if possible.
I will most likely start this build with a 700 SPS

Thanks,
Nick-

[rinodods]

Might help if you made mention of what game you plan on hunting. We talking medium game or large elk like creatures? Also what is your target on weight?

[Nikolakangrga]

Lighter the better for the rifle weight.... As far as game,she would be chasing, Deer, Hogs, and Black Bear. Would be nice if it were capable of taking any game species in the states. Never know if she will decide to go out of state and try for a elk.

[Chas1]

If I'm understanding correctly your criteria is a rifle capable of taking deer, hogs, black bear 800-1000 yards and any game species in the states would be nice, light rifle and no muzzle brake and not much recoil.

A light rifle and mild recoil can vary quite a bit from one individual to another. For me light is less then 10 lbs including scope and mild recoil would be no more than recoil similar to 308. So based on my individual preferences I'd be hard pressed to find a cartridge that would be capable of taking deer, hogs, black bear 800-1000yards efficiently.

As an example a 300winmag IMHO would be minimum cartridge...maybe, some would say yes and others no...but even then your talking about recoil that is quite a step up from a 243.

I guess what I'm trying to say is somethings got to give in the equation but, I'm sure others will hopefully jump in and offer their input.

[rinodods]

Honestly, no brake, light rifle, and good out to 1k isn't gonna happen. You could look at some of the 6.5's. With the heavier bullet weights you can stretch them out a bit without crazy recoil. I'm sure it's more than the old 243 but maybe not bad enough with a proper recoil pad to cause bad habits to develop. I'm not sure it is going to hold the energy you would need to turn a marginal shot into a sure thing though. Anything but the perfect shot might leave you with wounded game. Maybe someone will have a good idea for you but I just don't think you are going to get everything you are asking for on this one.

[cavtrooper94]

A 260 or 7-08 can be built in a rifle that will shoot 800 meters, however you probably shouldn't shoot at Elk or bear quite that far far out with it. IMO the heavier you could make the rifle the better you'll be for extended range. Get her a good Eberlestock pack. It'll make packing a heavier rifle easier.

[RockyMtnMT]

I agree. You will need to back off on the ranges, or increase the caliber. A braked rifle will change the equation significantly. If you go with a good brake I think you can make your weight and range goals by going with a larger cartridge.

Steve