Lightweight .40 caliber build

[wmrike]

I am probing an area where I have little experience.  I want to copy a boy's rifle sitting here on the desk.  It's a cute thing built on the lines of a late Pennsylvania rifle, originally flint, but now percussion.  The .32 caliber barrel is 36.5" long, and 0.75" across the flats.   

The issue is this:  First, I will never shoot the new gun, as it will be scaled for a boy or small lady.  I really don't want a .32.  I could build the new gun as a .36, but I have a .36 cal. rifle that I have never really enjoyed.  I can't put my finger on it, but it just has never been enough of anything for me. That makes me wonder about a .40 cal., my thinking that it might be more versatile than a .36.  So, would the recoil from a working load in a .40 cal. gun be too much in a 5.5# rifle?

[utseabee]

I don't believe you will notice any recoil in a .40.

[Scota4570]

40 is my favorite for target shooting. Smaller is fiddley to load.  Larger uses more powder and lead with no gain on targets.  40 uses a regular 3/8" ramrod. 

[Kevin Houlihan]

My son started his shooting with a Thompson Center Seneca in .45. Small, very light rifle and recoil a small boy could handle. A .40 would be even lighter recoiling.
Kevin

[Prairie dog shooter]

My Lancaster is a .40 cal.  It's a joy to shoot, you won't notice recoil even with heavy load.  With an A weight swamped barrel it makes a light, well balanced rifle.

[mikeyfirelock]

I built a half stock, percussion .40 cal for club matches last year and thoroughly enjoy shooting it. It’s pleasant to shoot, accurate, and economical.   I’m now building a .40 cal flinter to complement it..I do not hunt anymore, but if you do, you may be restricted to small game in many locations.

[smylee grouch]

In most instances any recoil problem you would have in a 40 would be because of stock style/dementions and butt plate style IMHO.

[wmrike]

Thanks for all your replies.  Moving ahead with the .40.