38-55 win.

I'm going to buy a pw rifle for my Grand Daughter to hunt with this season. She is 11, and wants to go hunting with me. I have shot my friend's H&R 38-55 and it doesn't kick at all. But I have been told that the factory loads are low powder for cowboy shooting. If this is true, has anyone reloaded for deer and how much more does it kick? I'm looking for light to moderate kick so that she will not flinch when she pulls the trigger. I have worked her thru bb gun, 22, and she has shot my 410 a couple of times. If anyone has bullets and load reccomendations, I would appreciate it. All pros and cons will be welcomed.

I really don't like the H&R single shot rifles all that well

I started my daughter on a a marlin XL 7 bolt action in 243 Win about $350

243 gets my vote, I have an old M77 that my wife and kids have harvested no telling how many deer with.

If it has to be primitive weapon, .35 Remington would be another good choice and the factory loads are probably a little better suited to your purpose.

It has to be a rifle for primative weapon season, that is the reason for the caliber and rifle.

If the H&R you are referring to is the Buffalo Classic...... I understand those are oversized bores. My boss has one and had to order special oversized bullets to get is to shoot well.

That is my limited knowledge of the 38-55................


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My friend's 38-55 measures .377 bore. That would be a big problem for me. I planned on reloading, and did not want to use cast bullets. Maybe the best bet is the 35 rem, or the 44 mag. how is recoil on these calibers?

I haven't shot one in 35Rem but have in 44mag, 357mag, and 45LC almost no recoil in any of them.

If under 50yds...... I suggest the 44 Mag for performance vs recoil.

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I guess if it has to be a primative weapon 38-55 might not be too rough...Lots better than 45-70, 444 marlin and 35 whelen

During PW season, youth can hunt with any rifle. Caliber and action type don't matter.

.38/55's were made for accuracy. The factory loads take in to consideration that they may be shot in older vintage rifles. That caliber is a good one and if you shoot it much you will have to reload considering the cost of primitive weapon bullets.