Thinking about working up a light recoiling load for my son to begin learning and training with for his first deer hunt (2013 season). I figure the 85gr TSX will offer plenty of penetration on our small east Texas deer without as much recoil as my tried and true 100gr @ 3000 load, but can I de-tune the 85gr TSX down to reduce the recoil even more AND still get a reliable deer killer? Or does the bullet need to run at high velocity for it to perform?

Or should I stick with a cup/core bullet, like the 100gr Interlock, and just reduce it down to 2700-2800?

Rifle will be an H&R single shot with a 20" barrel. Shots limited to under 100yds.

If you are going to be slowing it down alot, I would stick with a cup and core bulit. If you are going to be just loading the light end of the spectrum of normal published loads I would get some 85 grain nosler partitions, they should work great.

If you are truely going to make some reduced loads like in the 2000 fps range I would recomend you go to a standard cup and core in 85 grain, like a sierra. If you reduce the barnes or partitions they will not expand well. If your not running max velocity I wouldnt run a monolithic bullet like barnes, etip, gmx etc.

matt

Agree with redchevy


But your not going to seem much difference in recoil though from 3000-2700

Since it's just for practice, I guess it wouldn't really matter how the bullet performs at impact. There are quite a few weight options in the 70 - 85gr range. By the time he's ready to hunt with it next year, he should be plenty confortable to go ahead and increase the load up, or stick with 80-85gr factory loads.

Ok, thanks. I will first gauge his recoil tolerance with a 223 and then work up to his max by increasing bullet velocity and weight in the 243. I think the muzzle blast may be more an issue than anything, but I don't want to exacerbate it with recoil.

Get him some really good ear muffs.

Kids get more "loud" scared the recoil sensitive

I know many will not like it, but there is nothing wrong with shooting a 223. If he cant put the bullet where it counts then a 243 isnt going to make a difference. 223 rem with 60 grain NP's at 3000 fps is nasty medicine on deer under 100 yards, neck, head, shoulder, or behind the shoulder, it doesnt matter it has always passed through and done great on deer and hogs for me with as close to zero recoil as you can get.

Need good shot placment, but you need that with a 243 or anything too.

matt

Since you already have 100gr Interlocks on hand, I'd just load them down to 2600ish, and drive on. Cheaper and just as effective as anything you would use.

Thx again. Right now he's learning on his Henry 22,and we use ear plugs and ear muffs.

My other thought was to refit my Marlin 1894 357mag with a youth stock and let him try that, but I think the H&R will be lighter and more effective with just the noise as the tradeoff.

Every ounce you take off the gun makes it kick more.

I would rather cary the gun for him and have him enjoy shooting it.. heavier is better!

The Winchester 95gr XP3 is the greatest 243 bullet ever invented. It will go slam through an Elk at 200 yards, bone and all, while exploding his heart like a grenade hit it. I can't imagine recoil reduction but happy hunting to the little fella whatever you go with. Any other caliber is for amateurs.

http://www.imrpowder.com/PDF/Youth%20Loads.pdf

here is some youth data the only 243 load listed there is with a Hornady 80gr SSP and H4895

I would just bet some 55 or 58gr varmint loads from Hor or Win light fast bullets kill stuff

and +1 on earpro for the offspring

I shot a doe last season with my 20" heavy barrel ar. I used a 60 gr nosler partition running right at 3000 fps. She was about 125 yds away and dropped her right where she stood. Exit wound was pretty big considering the bullet size so the expansion looked good. It also shattered 2 ribs on exit. This round works very good on hogs also! You might let him try some of these.