I finally decided to start the grandaughter out with a single shot and picked the Encore. I read and read and most posters said the recoil would be ok.

I know have the equipment and was told by my 'smith would be like that from my pre 64 22" 280. He suggested paying him an additional $250ish for a muzzlebreak! Just how much less recoil should I expect? 223? 22-250?

Damn, I will have more in this single shot than in most of my beloved pre 64's.

I appreciate your comments since several of you got me into this problem to begin with!

You dont need a muzzle brake. You need a good recoil pad, if you want tap the stock and add some weight, get the reloading dies, go with a light load, light bullet set. Hell you can get the reloading equipment you need to do it all for under 150.00. Including a cheap reloading press.

While I don't know if 7-08 is one of the offerings (I don't use factory fodder), Remington recently introduced its low recoil ammunition, which they claim to be effective to 200 yards. A brake would make that rifle unbearable to shoot without full hearing protection.

Certainly I agree with the problems of the muzzlebreak and have convinced myself to get a 243 barrel (damn I hate that caliber for deer, hogs) but the price for the second barrel would be the same as a muzzlebreak for the '08.

I have looked at all the mfg's and find no one doing the low recoil ammo for the '08.

I have put off for years the reloading eqpt but it just may be the time.

Thanks for each of your input.

I would stay w the 7-08 as the grand daughter is more likely to get bang flop than w the 243.
Heavy coat w a recoil pad should take care of her and a good set of ear guards for practice.

If all else fails, get some NBTs, or the SSP bullet from one of the other manufacturers and donload using Seafires Blue Dot method.

I did it last week for a friends 9 year old son and luckily a little buck fed all the way accros a field and FINALY turned broadside at 40 yards. ONE well placed shot with downloaded 30-30 and the deer ran 20 yards and fell dead.

Double lung with complete penetration.

The Young Man deserves biggest congratulations for patience and well placed shot!!