Best deer caliber for 10yr old son?

[G-Man WC]

I'd say whatever one he can shoot well at the range.
Practice
-g

[damon1272]

It really depends on the type of rifle you plan on getting him and where you plan on hunting. if an AR and short rang (under 200) I would say 300 bulk out (30-30 equivalent) or 6.8 SPC or Grendel. Reason I mention this is that the AR is light and these rounds do not recoil hard at all.

If a bolt action, then I would go with .243 or 6.5 swede. A little more recoil but great rounds. It depends on what your son can handle as opposed to the round itself.

[muzzle_flip]

My vote would be for a .243

[MrElectric03]

Have no hunting experience yet but most of my family in PA start kids out around 10 yrs old with a 7mm or 30-06. I think it will depend a lot on the child, my son is 8 years old and has trouble handling my 20" AR15 off the bench.

[fritztkatt]

Have him shoot the guns before you just buy one? I'm sure he will be super excited to get a rifle for his birthday or xmas next year, but finding out it doesn't fit or is too much/little caliber is no bueno.

I'd try to get him to a rental range or call all your buddies to see what they have to lend... before you buy.

Otherwise, anything that fits in a AR mag should be controllable...

[fighter4cage]

I am speaking from experience, I have raised two daughters that both have taken MANY deer. Get your son a .243

[MJB]

He has a few years before he can deer hunting in this state.....270

[2761377]

He has a few years before he can deer hunting in this state.....270

12 years old to hunt big game in this state.

my son was 15 when he killed his first deer. with a .243. dropped the 3x3 buck where he stood.

[sacrvrrat]

.243 or 7mm-08.

[ADAM]

if you have 223 let him try it, it is effective deer round with good ammo,243 might be strong for 10 year old

[Dano3467]

For deer don't they have to be 12, it's been a while so maybe I'm wrong.

[jschuff32]

Thanks for all the input!

Yes, he does have to be 12, but I'm thinking ahead and want him to work with the rifle for a year before his first actual hunt. Thinking a gift for his 11th bday. And his 12th bday is a few weeks before deer season.

I do have an AR, and he shoots it well and enjoys it.

It's looking like .243 is standing out above the rest.


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[j15w]

I vote .243 for the fact that it's a lot more common and easy to find than some of the others.

[ucsdryder]

257 Roberts is the perfect gun. Shoots flat, low recoil. Plenty of pop for mule deer.

[SevenSixTwoNATO]

6mmx45 maybe, if its legal,
start off with squirrels and small game before even thinking about deer