My wife, who is not a hunter, went with me to Africa last month and took a giraffe. She used a friend's 30-378 Weatherby and made a one shot through the heart kill. She is thinking about hunting plains game with me during our next Safari, and maybe some North American game as well, such as mule deer, antelope, elk, etc. I thought of the new .325 WSM, but thought that it might be too much gun for her. I want to surprise her with her own rifle and scope and wanted everyone's valued opinion on caliber, scope, etc. Thanks, and all suggestions will be welcomed.

Try a 7mm-08 with a good recoil pad. Easy recoil, great for for deer and acceptible for most plains game.

Best caliber for a woman is the same as best caliber for a man. It's a mistake to under-gun a hunter just because she's female. If she can handle recoil of the ridiculously over-bore 30-378 she can handle a 9.3x62 or .375 H&H loaded with real bullets.

I'd have to agree with the last. All the women I know who hunt seriously handle 270/7MM/3006's well for light rifles, and shoot 300/338/375's for heavys. My wife has taken everything here in Idaho with her 270 and 130-150 grain Barnes/TBBC/Noslers. My daughter-in-law is about 5'2" and 100#, and shoots the 45-70 in a Contender! Go figure.

I think there are several choices out there. I personally have done plains game to eland quite nicely with a 30-06. I mostly shoot a .375H&H now but my gun is heavy and fitted with a decelerator pad. No need for muzzle brakes.

Making sure the gun of choice fits is equally important. For some ladies they will need a shorter stock, a light trigger and the recoil pad. Factory triggers are crap as we all know.

Bench shooting is a bit rough so I like to add some practice off a set of nice shooting sticks at the range. I also use a Bob Allen shooting pad on my shoulder for practice.

My other rifles are a .300 WM and a nice 10/22 which I take to shoot at the range in between the big gun barrels cooling off. Helps going to the small caliber to work on trigger control and the flinch factor. Shooting form is important as well to retain interest to minimize the hurt factor.

If a .375 H&H is too much, why not a 9.3x62 or 35 Whelen? The Whelen will be easier to feed here in the US. My little-bitty wife does well with one of these.

quote:

She is thinking about hunting plains game with me during our next Safari, and maybe some North American game as well,...

FWIW, mainly thinking about African plains game, my suggestions:

.30-06, .35 Whelen, 9.3x62, .338 Win Mag





My friend Kate with her Ruger M77 MkII in .338 Win Mag.
Stainless M77 in a Ruger walnut stock. Timney trigger.
Load: 250 gr Nosler Partition handloaded to 2650 fps.
Scope: Leupold 2.5-8x Vari-X III
Length of pull: 12 1/2". She's 5' 3" tall so she is petite.
Northern (Limpopo) Province in South Africa in 2000.

-Bob F.

Let your wife try some light stuff and then move up. She will let you know where her tolerance level is. Sometimes woman don't know that a rifle is supposed to kick so they don't worry about it. My friend's wife started shooting a 338 WM right off and did very well with it. We never actually discussed recoil with her. We just told her how to hold the rifle etc.

Mark

A lot depends on the circumstances but I think it would be hard to beat a .308 that fits her.

There are a lot of different factory loads available...everything from "mild" to "wild" and I wouldn't be hesitant to take on any plainsgame with a 165gr Barnes loaded to a reasonable level. It wouldn't be "my" first choice but it would do the job.

*30-378W/9lb shooting a 220NOS @ 3000fps:
Taylor=29 Recoil=56

In order of the most power:

*416Taylor/9lb shooting 400NOS @ 2350fps:
Taylor=55 Recoil=53 (almost twice the power w/ a bit less recoil).

*404Jeffery/10lb shooting 400gr @ 2170fps:
Taylor=50 Recoil=41 (big power at the recoil of a 375HH).

*404Tembo/10lb shooting 350gr @ 2325fps:
Taylor=46 Recoil=41 (the co-inventor built this combo for his wife).

*375HH/10lb shooting 300gr @ 2500fps:
Taylor=40 Recoil=37 (classic, smooth recoil).

*9.3x62/9lb shooting 286gr @ 2360fps:
Taylor=35 Recoil=31 (great round for a lighter rifle).

*338WM/9lb shooting 250gr @ 2660fps:
Taylor=32 Recoil=35 (sharp recoil in my opinion).

*35Whelen/350RM/8.5lb shooting 250gr @ 2400fps:
Taylor=30 Recoil=26 (great power in a light package w/ not too much recoil).

*30-06/8lb shooting 180gr @ 2700fps:
Taylor=21 Recoil=20 (universal benchmark).

Just as a note, a woman from Japan took the second largest bear from Phil Shoemaker's camp w/ the 350Rem Mag.

Hope this is of some use,
Gary

UEG,

Proper stock fit and recoil pad are very important in reducing the effects of recoil. So get her to shoot a few different rifles so she can tell which one fits properly, then get the appropriate caliber.

I would think something in the 30-06, 300 WM or 300 WSM would fit her needs nicely IMO.

BigBullet

It'd be hard to go wrong with either a .270 or an '06. My wife uses her .270 with 150 gr bullets for all her hunting, both here and in Africa. She's a bit slower than a guy might be in getting off that first shot, but when she does squeeze the trigger, she knows exactly where that bullet will hit. She isn't all that interested in gun arcana; figuring that if she concentrates on her shooting, I'll take care of the 'preamble.'

Early on, she asked about shooting something or another (I forget what) with the .270. I told her that "No, the bullet will bounce off." She grinned, made her shot and has never worried about it since.

I am on with that 7mm-08 thoughts. I also think the 25-06, 257 Roberts, 7x57, 280, 270, 6.5x55, 6.5x57, 6.5x65, 7x64, 308, and of course the 30-06.

My little Doctor lady girlfriend whos is 5'7 and 120 shoots a 30-06 that fits her fine. But it fits her and we cut it down and moved the scope foreward, and the stock is very thin but super light.

Take a look at our photos. My wife is 5' 4" and 130 pounds, she has taken everything in her photos with a 270win. Although I have bought a 35 whelen and if I'm not careful she may just take it away from me.

and took a giraffe. She used a friend's 30-378 Weatherby and made a one shot through the heart kill

Sounds like it would be hard for her to improve on the 30/378.

Mike

If you handload and therefore have the ability to produce loads that will do the job but not pound her AND she is only intrested in plains game and North American game my vote goes to the 300 win mag.
Get a model 70, put a 2.5 x 8 on it and you have a gun that can take ANY animal in the North American continent and in Africa the only animals that you need a larger gun for legaly and practally are Buffalo, Elepahant, Rhino and perhaps Bongo and Eland.

Some of you might say "HOW ABOUT LION???"

I have seen 3 lions killed cleanly in Zim and one in Tz with a 300 Weatherby. It isn't a "stopper cartrige" but if you are shooting a lion off bait a nice hole through heart and lungs and he will die just as quick as with a cannon that most people can't shoot well.

My fav load is a 200 grain Barnes X behind 70.5 grains og H4831, it does 2850 fps and everything I shoot with is falls down.

I think a good standard cartridge is tailor-made for most women. I can't help but think of Eleanor O'Connor and her 7X57, and that cartridge would do very well today, or its modern counterpart, the 7mm-08.

Others: 284 Win., 308 Win., 270 Win., 280 Rem., 30-06.

If I were building my wife a rifle today, I'd have it done in 284 Win., perhaps from New Ultra-Light Arms. If I were to hand her one of my rifles out of the safe, I'd give her my Echols-built Model 70, 270 Win...........

AD

A standard calibre sounds a good idea. It can always be loaded down a bit if necessary. Recoil tolerance, within reason is largely a state of mind, so it may be possible to build the loads up and progress to larger calibres later. If plains game a 7mm or .30 calibre sounds good to start off with.

quote:

Best caliber for a woman is the same as best caliber for a man. It's a mistake to under-gun a hunter just because she's female. If she can handle recoil of the ridiculously over-bore 30-378 she can handle a 9.3x62 or .375 H&H loaded with real bullets.

As a woman hunter, my favorite African gun is a .375 H&H, but I also am comfortable shooting my .416 Rem. My favorite North American game rifle is a .308. The key is, just make sure whichever rifle you get her is custom fit to her!!!!!

Best Regards. D. Nelson

I agree with Ann.

I use a 30-06 Ruger with 220gr Nosler Partitions for plains game. I've recently acquired a 375H&H for my buffalo. And on occasion have shot my husband's 416 & 458. Fit & form make all the difference.

I am not interested in handloading, but have a husband that is very happy to load up or down for me at my request. I'm not particularly fond of bench shooting as it can be rough on a body, but like shooting off sticks. Go figure!

Melody
http://www.long-grass.com

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This discussion has motivated me to work harder at including my wife as a Hunter and Equal participant in the future.

My wife enjoys the outdoors and has been more than supportive of my hunting passions and efforts to introduce our children to the same. When I hunt w/ friends, I think of them as equals in the endeavor. When it comes to my wife, I'm guilty of thinking of her as a tag along to support my efforts.

I believe the future of hunting depends on participation by not only men, but women, couples and youth. I'll work harder at this...Thanks!

Bob F., those are great photos! Ladies, I enjoy your input on this or any discussion.

Thanks Again!
Gary

GaryVA,

On thing you forgot is that Weatherby rifles chambered in .30-378 are sold only with muzzle breaks from the factory. Therefore your recoil comparison is somewhat flawed. Like them or not, Weatherby breaks are the most effective on the market and the actual felt recoil of the 180 grain load is about the same as a .270 Winchester without a break.

DC,

It is correct for raw recoil at that weight. One could apply recoil reduction regardless of cartridge to further reduce the felt recoil.

Gary

9.3 x 62

My wife started with a 308 and wanted a little more gun for some of the hunting we do. I built her a nice 35 Whelen. She practices at the range with 180gr bullets and hunts with 280 grainers. When hunting, she cannot feel the difference. Even on the 308, 110gr to practice and 180gr to hunt. Each of the rifles is fitted to her as well (another tiny one). She has, however, shot my 375H&H working rifle (7.5lb scoped) and not flinched. She draws the line at my big bores, but my mom shot a 500 Jeffery's for years in Africa.

30-06, 338-06, 9.3x62

.375 loaded properly would be my suggestion.

I know of 2 local ladies out here in West texas that have hunted successfully all over the world with this caliber - and I mean SUCCESSFULLY!

Niether one is "petite" nor are they large by any stretch of the imagination.

Both are friends of mine and the have said that they appreciate that little extra confidence that shooting the .375 gives them. They also are seasoned travellers and understand that .375 ammo is amongst the easiest to find.

Just some things to consider.

JW

My wife is a small frame woman and can shoot the 375 well its more a matter of want than phisical ability if you try to scare them with tales of recoil they will be afraid.

Three things: Fit, Fit and Fit. Make sure the rifle actually fits her. Be prepared to modify the stock, scope position, trigger, whatever until it does. My wife hit a marrmot at 400 yards from a sitting position this last weekend with her, properly fitted, 270.

Interesting point, her rifle Does Not fit me well at all and I find it rather nasty to shoot, especailly from the bench. My rifle Does Not fit her and she fired it once and asked why does it hurt to shot since both our rifles are 270's? Fit.

IMO, the only limitation a woman has where shooting is concerened is her ability to hold a rifle that is heavy enough to dampen recoil. Otherwise she can shoot anything a man can shoot!

I was shooting a 10 ga shotgun, and my dad's 30-06 when I was only 9 yrs old, and weighed only about 80 lbs,Not many women I know weigh that little. The key to anyone shooting anything is to balance the rifle's weight, and dimentions to the person shooting it! The sex of the shooter only matters to his/her life partner! All my girls shoot what ever I shoot, that is light enough for them to hold it up!

Give your wife a 375 H&H in an 8.5 lb rifle, dry, without scope,fitted to her, and go hunting. The loaded weight will be in the area of 9.5/10 lbs loaded, and scoped.

quote:

Originally posted by MacD37:
IMO, the only limitation a woman has where shooting is concerened is her ability to hold a rifle that is heavy enough to dampen recoil. Otherwise she can shoot anything a man can shoot!
.............

Mac,

A very good point.

-Bob F.

quote:

Originally posted by Use Enough Gun:
..... I want to surprise her with her own rifle and scope and wanted everyone's valued opinion on caliber, scope, etc. .......

Use Enough,

While a surprise gift is more fun to give, I would highly recommend that you take her to the gun store and let HER pick out HER rifle. Weight, fit, feel, will play a big part in her selection. As far as fit is concerned, explain to her that the length of pull can be adjusted later (if she's not up on such things). But, the other factors will be important in her deciding upon which rifle she likes. It's going to be her rifle and I just think, IMHO, it would be a good idea if she picked out which one (model) she likes best.

Just a suggestion....
-Bob F.

I recommend a 308, and a 9,3x62, or even better a 9,3x74R double rifle.
In the 9,3's either the 286 Nosler Partition or the 286 Woodleigh RN, will do it all from small game to the big stuff, with 286 Woodleigh Solids where necessary.
Both rifles need to fit her and not be too heavy for her to carry.
Also the 308 and 9,3x62 look enough different that she will not get them mixed up.

Bob F, you are a very smart man! I like the way you think!

Melody
http://www.long-grass.com

quote:

Originally posted by TexasZebra:
Bob F, you are a very smart man! I like the way you think!

Melody
http://www.long-grass.com

-Bob F.

When in RSA my wife "got into the spirit" and decided she would like to shoot a bushbuck. With the PH's 7X57 she was successful and since I wanted to encourage her interest in hunting, I had her check out the Kimber booth at SCI in Reno earlier this year. She is now shooting her 8400 Super America in 308 with 130 gr hollow points at about 2000fps. As she gets more comfortable with the rifle, I'll start increasing the load until she gets to 150gr at 2750fps for hunting. My personal prejudices are:
1. Make sure she likes it
2. To accomplish 1, Make sure it's "pretty"
3. Nothing under 308 cal
4. Make sure it fits her

quote:

Originally posted by interboat:
Best caliber for a woman is the same as best caliber for a man. It's a mistake to under-gun a hunter just because she's female. If she can handle recoil of the ridiculously over-bore 30-378 she can handle a 9.3x62 or .375 H&H loaded with real bullets.

That is the best advice you will get.

The next best advice is to get the stock to fit her.

Bad stock fit = more felt recoil. Whatever the calibre.

The 7x57 takes care of all the plainsgame IMO, including Eland.....

For Dangerous game I suggest a 9.3x62 or better yet a 10.75x68...I have been playing with the 10.75x68 for about a year now, and it's an awesome light buffalo gun that has very little recoil, I'm certainly impressed with it and just started stocking one today for myself....Shoots a 350 gr. Monolithic bullet at 2375 FPS, that's a buffalo killer...or a 400 gr. Woodliegh at 2140 FPS, and thats a proven load with the exact balistics and bore diameter as the 404 Jefferys original load...Mine will weigh 8 lbs. with a receiver sight and a thin Holland and Holland pattern stock...

Y'all should pay attention to what both Ann and Darin have to say about rifles for women. D.Nelson shoots both a 375 and a 416 and Ann shoots a 375. A rifle has to fit to make it shootable and enjoyable. As somebody has posted, let your wife choose for herself.