Youth - 260 Rem or 25.06??

[Country Bumpkin]

As the title suggests, which would you choose for a youth cartridge? I've found a savage in either option.

He's almost 9 and can technically hunt big game in two years when he's 10. He's made a very mature decision in asking for his first "big game" rifle for his birthday this year, in lieu of toys (I want to reward that). He wants time to practice.

My long term plan is for this to be converted into something with more oomph as he grows. I like the modularity of Savage. Big plans for an upgraded CF stock, premium barrel and quality scope.

With these two choices, assuming he will primarily be hunting mulies... what is your pick?originally I was going to get him a .243 but can't seem to find one.

Eventually he will get to hunt elk with me but I'm hesitant to say that I'd let him use either of these on an elk (but possibly under ideal circumstances).

 

[sturner]

260

 

[Trooper1]

Are you handloading? If so, I'd lean towards the 260...wider range of bullet weights. Both are fine cartridges, and a 25/06 is hard to beat for deer/antelope size game. I know - that wasn't much help!

 

[Pmacc60]

260 all the way, your young son will be able to handle it and also grow into it.

 

[SamuelBerryhill308]

I would go with 260 rem between the two

 

[jimbires]

I bought a 260 for my grandson .

 

[KyCarl]

I've hunted with a 25-06 for years and killed a bunch of deer.
It's fun to shoot. I like 100Gr Partitions and they work!

 

[logman48]

260 Rem.

 

[Gunpowder]

I also like the 260, but if it's a short action it somewhat limits your selection when/if you rebarrel. Nothing wrong with the 25 either.

 

[Another Casual]

Another 260 vote. Less recoil and powder ($$ and heat), cheaper bullets = more practice. Shouldn't have any problem taking all kinds of game at reasonable ranges with it. Longer barrel life too.

 

[moziyimorin]

Honestly, if he's nine get the kid a 243. When he is 15 or 16 then get him a 260. The recoil difference between the two rounds is significant, and that is one of the top things that turns kids off to the sport, parents saddling them with too much gun.

Either way he is your kid. It's great he has an interest in hunting.

 

[Country Bumpkin]

Thanks everyone. I appreciate the input.

 

[jimbires]

if recoil is a concern , make some reduced recoil loads with H4895 . as he gets used to it you can up the recoil .

 

[Tiny Tim]

While I like the 260, I would consider the future as to what cartridge you would be going to that has a little more "oomph". 25-06 will be a long action whereas the 260 will be a short action. Same bolt face. I guess the future cartridge selection would likely make the current selection clearer.