I am wanting to get a new rifle and put into a backlight chassis. The requirements for the rifle are the be a light recoiling rifle that a new shooter/youth shooter would be able to easily learn to shoot with but also big enough that it I could use it to take a deer out to 300 yards. I have been thinking about 6.5 creedmoor, 22 creedmoor, or 243 win. I don’t hand load so I would lean on factory ammo availability. With this criteria in mind, what would you choose? Would you choose a different caliber than what is listed?
243 on deer to 300 yards is a killer. 3100 ft/sec and very little recoil. It’s a great first rifle or just a great rifle for anyone tired of taking a punch.
After 300 yard or on bigger game, 6.5CM is better.
Don’t think you can go wrong with any of these. I lean 22 creed because I like the flat shooting and as little recoil as possible, but any of them are going to be great to 300. Tikka also just released a 6 creed that you could look at as well. Only downside is depending on Hornady ammo which I keep hearing is really inconsistent right now, that’s probably a point in favor of the 243.
I like the 6.5 cm. I’ve shot steel out to 400 with one & it absolutely destroyed my Wyoming antelope. It is my brother’s Savage & there is hardly any recoil with a raw barrel, put a supressor on it & I would bet it is like shooting a bb gun. I plan to do the same thing for my next rifle.Tikka or Bergara on a Backlight chassis.
Have fun with it.
I built my wife a sig cross in 6.5 CM put a proof barrel on it to cut the weight.. Added a suppressor and backfire recoil pad it is very low recoiling
I’d consider 7mm-08 as well. Not as plentiful off the shelf options as 6.5 creedmoor, but nowadays it seems like there are various factory hunting options and there are even low recoil options.
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I like the 6.5 option, I like the option that allows you to shoot the largest possible grain projectile down range, as the bigger the bullet the more room for error on shot placement. I’d much rather take my chances on a 143 grain bullet then a 100 grain bullet
My vote is 7mm-08, 25 creed, 22 creed. Would not be afraid of a deer at 300 yards with the right bullet in 22 creed. 22 Creed definitely if you plan to coyote hunt more. 25 Creed if out west Mulies eventually. 7mm-08 if you ever plan on close range bear.
For me, I’d go immediately for a stiller barreled action in 22 creedmoor. Shop Build Your Rifle: Stiller Hyrax Barreled Action 22 Creedmoor | Stiller
This is a sister company of Horizon so you’re getting that same quality.
22 creedmoor is absolutely PERFECT for what you described, in my opinion. Such a fun cartridge. In a Backlight too, there won’t even BE any recoil.
22 creed or 6 creed are what you’re after I think! Take a listen to the hunt backcountry podcasts with Form discussing calibers. The 6 creed is a pretty happy spot I think. My 18 inch 6 creed is now my go to for everything up to and including elk and caribou. Very low recoil, in a chassis with adjustable LOP it’s ideal for a youth and won’t teach them bad habits.
I’ll throw this in ring. I had a 25 Creedmoor Proof barrel put on my spare Howa 1500 action. Loaded cartridges aren’t as plentiful but it is a tack driver. Been shooting ELD-X and Berger 133 from the box and looking forward to trying on deer hunting this fall. I may try to handload a before then and add in the Sierra GameKing. There are several companies now barreling their rifles in 25CM.
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6.5 prc for me
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With the new 6.5+peak coming out… I think that the 6.5 creedmoor ticket for a new shooter, as they say the recoil is the same… but regardless you can shoot the reg 6.5 creedmoor and move into the 6.5+ etc…. I still like the 6.5prc… also have a 22creedmore that’s a laser beam, too that’s a lot of fun… but ammo is definitely cheaper going 6.5 creedmoor and time behind the gun is priceless
Anything creed will be great! Some handle recoil better than others, so the larger you go, the more recoil.
I will say, my girls (ages 8 and 5 as the 2yo isn’t old enough yet) all shoot a 6 ARC in a Ruger American Gen 2 with a can and a backstop recoil pad, and LOVE it. not recoil shy at all!