And I bet that 50 you have has a brake on it? Brakes on big rifles do amazing work.
Ammo Recoil And You...Where Are You On This Recoil Table?
- Thread starter thegazelle
- Start date
And I bet that 50 you have has a brake on it? Brakes on big rifles do amazing work.
I'm really lucky. I didn't come from a shooting family so no stories or BS about recoil. It wasn't until med school when a classmate said he was going to shoot clay pigeons at his uncles farm. He routinely shot 100 clays on a weekend. Well that got me hooked. Two weeks later I bought my first gun. A pump Winchester 12 gauge with a plastic buttpad.
So I just thought that's what shooting a gun was supposed to be like. A 7 lb 12 guage with no recoil pad. I didn't know any better. Still don't. But I did learn how to hold a gun so it didn't beat me up. 5' 10" and 175lbs.
Now, 50 years later, I shoot 2-3 a week for fun. Last week I shot 20 rounds of 416 Rigby, 50 rounds 375 H+H and somewhere around 50 rounds of 45/70. This week I'll shoot even more because the weather is nicer. But I shoot standing, offhand, and I do a lot of dryfire and standing offhand with an Anschutz 22 while the big bore whatever is cooling down.
You can't change physics but you can change your technique and your perception. Memory plays a huge role in perception but that's an essay for another time.
So I just thought that's what shooting a gun was supposed to be like. A 7 lb 12 guage with no recoil pad. I didn't know any better. Still don't. But I did learn how to hold a gun so it didn't beat me up. 5' 10" and 175lbs.
Now, 50 years later, I shoot 2-3 a week for fun. Last week I shot 20 rounds of 416 Rigby, 50 rounds 375 H+H and somewhere around 50 rounds of 45/70. This week I'll shoot even more because the weather is nicer. But I shoot standing, offhand, and I do a lot of dryfire and standing offhand with an Anschutz 22 while the big bore whatever is cooling down.
You can't change physics but you can change your technique and your perception. Memory plays a huge role in perception but that's an essay for another time.
There is also a difference between a Pickup truck and a semi... but only you get to decide that you cannot drive the semi. I was driving Grain trucks before I had my learners licence. There is technique of course... has to be. But I see the term 'Kicks like a Mule!' used to describe WW2 K98's... really? Did someone tell you that and it sounded cool?
I have not had the chance to shot the larger calibers so cannot comment. I think in a bench situation we are more focused on different things and the recoil is more apparent. Hunting, I find it less of a concern.
I have a 243 and 308. The 308 is in a heavy chassis and that also helps to reduce the recoil. No brakes on any of my guns although certainly that would help with reducing recoil. But shooting at a range I find that the blast from others brakes can be a bit disturbing. So if there is space I just move further away.
I am 6'4" 210 lbs so tall and skinny. The 308 is fine. Good for 50 rounds at the range then call it a day. Not sore but feeling it. The 243 I can go all day.
I found my 270 in a light rifle had more recoil than the 308 so rifle weight matters on what you feel. Not terrible but would not be shooting it all day long at the range and enjoying it.
My 870 12 gauge I feel after a few rounds at the range. But hunting, do not seem to feel it until later in the day.
I have a 243 and 308. The 308 is in a heavy chassis and that also helps to reduce the recoil. No brakes on any of my guns although certainly that would help with reducing recoil. But shooting at a range I find that the blast from others brakes can be a bit disturbing. So if there is space I just move further away.
I am 6'4" 210 lbs so tall and skinny. The 308 is fine. Good for 50 rounds at the range then call it a day. Not sore but feeling it. The 243 I can go all day.
I found my 270 in a light rifle had more recoil than the 308 so rifle weight matters on what you feel. Not terrible but would not be shooting it all day long at the range and enjoying it.
My 870 12 gauge I feel after a few rounds at the range. But hunting, do not seem to feel it until later in the day.
Bench shooting is a major cause of recoil problems. A lot of guys would benefit from shooting their hunting rifles off of a standing support like shooting sticks or a camera tripod. Put a small piece of plywood with a bit of padding on top. Adopt a proper standing shooting position and rest the left hand on the tripod.
Even the largest calibers are comfortable this way. And the zeroing is probably more accurate for hunting than a big bore zeroed off a bench position.
Shooting benches are only really used for certain varmint hunting situations so don't really help a big game hunter.
I saw a young guy at the range last month practicing with his 300 win mag. Shot 10 rounds kneeling and then 10 rounds standing and then 10 rounds around a post and 10 rounds sitting in the dirt on a bit of a slope.
Now there's a kid that's going to get his moose with one shot.
Even the largest calibers are comfortable this way. And the zeroing is probably more accurate for hunting than a big bore zeroed off a bench position.
Shooting benches are only really used for certain varmint hunting situations so don't really help a big game hunter.
I saw a young guy at the range last month practicing with his 300 win mag. Shot 10 rounds kneeling and then 10 rounds standing and then 10 rounds around a post and 10 rounds sitting in the dirt on a bit of a slope.
Now there's a kid that's going to get his moose with one shot.
nowarningshot
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
One of my first centerfield rifles was horrible. Stock design was the issue. Recoil tolerance can be.acquired.and.trained. I am of average size but slim and muscular and pushing 60. Most of.my rifles are magnums, I routinely shoot 338wm, 300 wm, 308 nm. Other larger calibers I shoot less, but because components are rare and expensive, not recoil. ( 375 rum, 416 Rigby....etc)
This is a really good point. Best to shoot the gun while bearing its weight if for no other reason to be accustomed to the feel and heft when it has to be fired for the maximum benefit and to simulate a more likely real life situation in hunting, etc..
nowarningshot
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Double
Well i have shot a scoped 460wby off the bench. It was ported not braked. Still a handfull. I am happier with 375 Ruger now. Mybiggest to shoot offhand is 510 wells with 570gr bullets at 2400 and something fps. I like a good solid kick of a big gun over a 300 mag.
you should do just fine with a 6.5 Creedmoor . if it shoots anything like the 6x5x55 Swedish I used to have it won't be any problem for you . I'm 5.9 to 5.10 and 170 and I'm sure a lot older than you . I can shoot a 270 no problem and I have health issues . back neck etc . one of the worst things you can ever do is wait for the firearm you are shooting to go off . you have to concentrate on your trigger pull and you sight picture and not even think about when the firearm is going to shoot . and keep it on target . and don't put a red dot on the 6.5 . put a quality scope in it . also the heavier the rifle the less recoil so I have noticed .
you won't have any problems with the 6.5 . what do you mean you like the gun but it doesn't come in anything else ? is someone in a store telling you that's all he can get in that model of rifle ? if so and you want a specific rifle and that store doesn't have it than move on or order it from a sponsor on the above page . good luck . ps if you like the 243 go for it . order the rifle you like in that caliber and be done with it .
Thanks for the advice. I actually never considered the possibility that just because the store only carries the gun in that caliber, but that doesn't mean from a manufacturer's perspective in only comes in that caliber. I shall have to check around more and consider other options. 6.5 CM seems to have much better ammo availability and variety than 243...
It is very true what you say about the mental waiting game of waiting for the gun to go off. I guess it's like my kids when they were younger, they were so afraid of needles, they told the doctor they could count and then the doctor can insert on 3. Of course the doctor always inserted the needle early when the kids were not expecting it. And 100% of the time, the experience was better than they thought. How's that old saying go - anticipation of fear is worse than fear itself. Well, I will have a chance to try out my new 12ga in the next 2 weeks, and will try it with different ammo configs and different stocks so I shall report back at that point.
Recoil is more of a fit and perception thing... there was a study done years ago where the 30-06 is the level of recoil that can be handled by an average person acceptably. From the recoil table that puts the 7 rem mag and 270 Weatherby in the same range, which to me makes sense.
Funny thing is rifle stock design. Some of the European style rifles the stock kicks up and into my face. Compared to a Weatherby type where it recoils away from your face. A Kimber stock is designed very well for recoil also. I have shot on both spectrums of the list, and some stout ones when I was 165 pounds. Height is 6’2” and weight is now 200. I found recoil better when I was lighter as I would roll with it more, now I have more resistance and the body takes more.
10 gauge 3.5” magnums I am good for about 5, then need a break. The 458 win mag I never did get to find out, I fired a handful, then the stock split... had a 8mm rem mag with a cheap plastic stock, and it was out of this world recoil. 375 Weatherby was manageable when I was lighter, it would push me back about 2’ on the bench and rise about 2’ at the same time. I likely couldn’t do it now that I’m older and have more injuries that would get aggravated. I had 2 lever guns much less powerful than most mentioned here and they literally beat me because they just didn’t fit.
The trick I have found is to shoot a bunch of things and try out different designs. Also practice.. you can build up your tolerance. A few rounds on the 10 and the 12 gauge is no longer something to be scared of. Just have to be careful to not develop a flinch.
Funny thing is rifle stock design. Some of the European style rifles the stock kicks up and into my face. Compared to a Weatherby type where it recoils away from your face. A Kimber stock is designed very well for recoil also. I have shot on both spectrums of the list, and some stout ones when I was 165 pounds. Height is 6’2” and weight is now 200. I found recoil better when I was lighter as I would roll with it more, now I have more resistance and the body takes more.
10 gauge 3.5” magnums I am good for about 5, then need a break. The 458 win mag I never did get to find out, I fired a handful, then the stock split... had a 8mm rem mag with a cheap plastic stock, and it was out of this world recoil. 375 Weatherby was manageable when I was lighter, it would push me back about 2’ on the bench and rise about 2’ at the same time. I likely couldn’t do it now that I’m older and have more injuries that would get aggravated. I had 2 lever guns much less powerful than most mentioned here and they literally beat me because they just didn’t fit.
The trick I have found is to shoot a bunch of things and try out different designs. Also practice.. you can build up your tolerance. A few rounds on the 10 and the 12 gauge is no longer something to be scared of. Just have to be careful to not develop a flinch.
So....I finally had a chance to get out and try my Mossberg 12ga with bird's head grip yesterday.
Loaded it up with an OpSol adapter, and used 1 3/4" Aguila minishells, size 7 1/2.
I did not feel ANY recoil. Very, very pleased. My teenage daughter, for whom I was teaching her how to shoot (she shot better than me overall) used the Mossberg and had a hoot with it. She said she felt slight recoil, but it wasn't bad in the least.
Very happy to report this as I am going to try to load it up with regular 2 3/4" shells next time @ 7 1/2 and then if that is still manageable (I can't see why it wouldn't be), I will try #4 buck. At the very least, I know at the absolute worst, I can always use those Aguila shells with the Opsol adapter since those worked out fantastic. I would highly recommend to a new shooter with shotguns who are leery about recoil.
Now I just need to work on my accuracy.
Loaded it up with an OpSol adapter, and used 1 3/4" Aguila minishells, size 7 1/2.
I did not feel ANY recoil. Very, very pleased. My teenage daughter, for whom I was teaching her how to shoot (she shot better than me overall) used the Mossberg and had a hoot with it. She said she felt slight recoil, but it wasn't bad in the least.
Very happy to report this as I am going to try to load it up with regular 2 3/4" shells next time @ 7 1/2 and then if that is still manageable (I can't see why it wouldn't be), I will try #4 buck. At the very least, I know at the absolute worst, I can always use those Aguila shells with the Opsol adapter since those worked out fantastic. I would highly recommend to a new shooter with shotguns who are leery about recoil.
Now I just need to work on my accuracy.
That is impressive. This is my predicted outcome:
45/70 from the bench - broken clavicle, possibly broken jaw/missing teeeth.
45/70 free hand - private room in hospital please.
45/70 shooting at game - slow-mo descent from tree stand to my derriere, ala the Matrix, with the above two other outcomes taking place shortly thereafter.
wife shoots 6.5CM out of browning xbolt. with muzzle break.
could shoot that gun all day long and not feel a thing.
it also comes factory with a very soft recoil pad.
i definitely have a recoil flinch/reaction. but am practicing lots on keeping my cheek on the rifle thru the whole shot and seeing target thru scope after shot
could shoot that gun all day long and not feel a thing.
it also comes factory with a very soft recoil pad.
i definitely have a recoil flinch/reaction. but am practicing lots on keeping my cheek on the rifle thru the whole shot and seeing target thru scope after shot
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I thought my 45-70 with 480gr hammer heads at ~1700fps out of my 1895CB used to be my bone rattler, until I started hand loading 325wsm with 220gr at 2950fps; that put the fear in me.
Of course, shooting a full box of 180gr out of my first 30-06 when I was full of piss and vinegar and hung to the gills after a night of tequila put me off shooting for about 6 months
It's all relative
Of course, shooting a full box of 180gr out of my first 30-06 when I was full of piss and vinegar and hung to the gills after a night of tequila put me off shooting for about 6 months
It's all relative
