Tikka, first rifle calibers-recoil

[damo_257]

Howdy folks,

my son turns 10 this August and it's time for a big boy rifle. He's dead set on wanting a Tikka T3X. Which is great and his two cartridge picks are 6.5 creedmmor and .308. He doesn't know he's getting the rifle. I'm leaning more towards the 6.5 as I have one for paper punching and have hunted with it. Its such a soft shooting round I think he will be able to get a lot more trigger time with that. Than the .308. Remember, he's 10. So we're not trying to throw down at 400 yds. Just always like to hear others opinions. Much appreciated.

 

[86alaskan]

Between those 2 cals, the 6.5 would be my choice. as much as I stray from the 6.5C crowd, it really is a good round with lots of ammo options. the tikka is an excellent rifle, I have 4. he'll be excited either way. maybe find a model with a threaded barrel and start shopping for a suppressor too. Recoil reduction coupled with sound reduction, can't go wrong.

 

[cohunt]

my 10 and 12 yo daughters shoot a 6.5cm tc compass-- we added a muzzle brake in the beginning to combat flinch, but have since taken it off

 

[Highvoltage]

260/ 6.5 creed for sure. I shoot a 308 and it's got some recoils due to the weight. My son shoots a 270 with a reduced recoil load 90 Speer gold dot and it's been great. He's 9 and slender lol. Best wishes to you

 

[Deleted member 103481]

Sounds perfect

 

[JMW67]

Howdy folks,

my son turns 10 this August and it's time for a big boy rifle. He's dead set on wanting a Tikka T3X. Which is great and his two cartridge picks are 6.5 creedmmor and .308. He doesn't know he's getting the rifle. I'm leaning more towards the 6.5 as I have one for paper punching and have hunted with it. Its such a soft shooting round I think he will be able to get a lot more trigger time with that. Than the .308. Remember, he's 10. So we're not trying to throw down at 400 yds. Just always like to hear others opinions. Much appreciated.

I think the 308 may be a little much as far as recoil the 6.5 creed would be a fine choice as would be a 7mm-08 with reduced recoil loads or a 243 win

 

[Montana'eer]

Boy have times changed. I wasn't allowed anything more than a .22 until I was 13, and then I was 'allowed' to use my Dad's old Bay State single shot 12ga with buckshot. No recoil pad, one bead sight and 3 shells in my pocket, lol.

6.5 is an awesome round for a beginner. My wife shoots a .257AI and kills stuff with ease.

 

[jebel]

I agree with you for all the reasons you list. Well thought out and the Tikka in 6.5CM will be an effective tool for all of its days. Should be a great gift!

 

[Sid Post]

What do you hunt? Don't discount a 257 Roberts or 243 Win as they work great on deer and are easy on the shoulder.

Shooting golf balls or shotgun shells with a 223 Remington or 204 Ruger is a lot of fun. They also work well on Coyotes!

My suggestions don't work for 'Walter Mitty' adventures but, they make easing a young shooter into the hunt easier. They don't work so well for bragging rights in the junior or high school parking lot though, Social media posts of dead predators lined up may or may not be a hit with his friends. Where I'm at predator and crop pest hunts are only limited by my freetime. Feral hogs really need a mid-bore though so, at least 0.25" bore with a larger option being even better.

I'm personally looking at a 257 Robert's with a 257 Weatherby Magnum Vanguard being very tempting.

 

[damo_257]

What do you hunt? Don't discount a 257 Roberts or 243 Win as they work great on deer and are easy on the shoulder.

Shooting golf balls or shotgun shells with a 223 Remington or 204 Ruger is a lot of fun. They also work well on Coyotes!

My suggestions don't work for 'Walter Mitty' adventures but, they make easing a young shooter into the hunt easier. They don't work so well for bragging rights in the junior or high school parking lot though, Social media posts of dead predators lined up may or may not be a hit with his friends. Where I'm at predator and crop pest hunts are only limited by my freetime. Feral hogs really need a mid-bore though so, at least 0.25" bore with a larger option being even better.

I'm personally looking at a 257 Robert's with a 257 Weatherby Magnum Vanguard being very tempting.

Agreed 100%. I've got two Winchester pre 64's in 257 Roberts. Offered him one as he shots them well. I think he is just looking for a rifle that's his and I respect that decision. By the way, I've killed elk, mule deer, coyotes, and a ton of deer with my Roberts. It's my pet caliber and great minds think alike! Kids these days!!!

 

[Montana'eer]

Agreed 100%. I've got two Winchester pre 64's in 257 Roberts. Offered him one as he shots them well. I think he is just looking for a rifle that's his and I respect that decision. By the way, I've killed elk, mule deer, coyotes, and a ton of deer with my Roberts. It's my pet caliber and great minds think alike! Kids these days!!!

That is my go-to whitetail rifle. I have an old 721 .257 Roberts and a Kevin Weaver built .257AI with a Shilen barrel that are pure joys to shoot. Accurate and frankly the 117gr round just hammers whitie's. I've taken a lot of WV deer with a .257.

 

[Tiny Tim]

Agree with others on the 6.5. Had a similar dilemma with my daughter a few years back. She went with the 6.5 in a Savage. Great choice. Girl shooting a box stock Savage and factory ammo, first time @ 300 yds, first round hit. Sent a young man shooting next to her with a $5k gun, $2k glass, and handloads whimpering home to his mama. lol Makes a dad proud.

 

[Lovellr653]

+1 for Tikka T3X, great rifles. I've been extremely pleased with mine in 260 Rem

+1 for 6.5 CM over 308.

The 260 and 6.5CM class cartridges give you tons of flexibility with bullet weights and are mild to shoot. My wife hunts with a .243 I load with TTSX, works great but, If I were to do it over again I'd go with a 6.5 mm something for her.

 

[Gibbshooter43]

I love the 260 in mine, and i think it out performs the 6.5 Creed for the first 400 to 500 yards. The 6.5's are a great caliber however you build them. (As are the .257's. Don't forget the sweet shooting 250 Savage)