friendliest heavy caliber for the recoil sensitive?

[Boomer]

What about using Remington's 'Managed Recoil' ammunition (which,as advertized, provides 50% less recoil), say in .308, in a 7 lb bolt-action rifle with a Limbsaver recoil pad?

This would give very light recoil, equivalent to or less than 7mm-08 or 6.5x55 (at about $2.00 a round), in factory ammunition that costs only about $1.00 a round.

Typically, most of the ammunition that we go through in a year is fired at the rifle range. For example, at the range, one might fire 20-40 rounds a day, one or two days a week, for 10 months; whereas, during hunting season, one might only fire one to a few rounds. And, it is only at the range that one perceives the recoil. And increased perceived recoil can significantly reduce accuracy. Thus it is very useful to limit both the recoil and the expense of rifle range shooting.

However, there is another possible advantage of limiting perceived recoil using the Managed Recoil ammunition in .308 at the rifle range: .. you would have the option of switching to regular .308 ammunition during hunting season, again at only about $1.00 a round. The increased energy and flatter trajectory of the regular ammo would be advantageous, and the increased recoil will not be felt during the hunt.

Remington's Managed Recoil.30/06 loads employ a 125 gr cup and core bullet with a muzzle velocity in excess of 3000 fps. Given the potential high impact velocity combined with a relatively fragile bullet, the penetration might not be sufficient to produce the desired effect on moose sized game. A lower velocity combined with a tougher bullet would be better IMHO, if reduced recoil is the focus of the exercise.

 

[SuperCub]

being loose jointed, I'm finding myself to be recoil sensitive. biggest issue is when my back goes out (.308 recoil does that...)

I'm assuming that you have a 308 based upon the above statement. If so, why not try some Barnes 110gr TSX or TTSX @ std or reduced velocity in it?

I'm pretty sure it would be very easy to shoot.

 

[kevin9934]

284 winchester. Recoil is not so bad amd you can fit a brake if needed. Will kill anything in north america.
Here a nice article.
http://www.6mmbr.com/7mm284.html#284win

 

[lanis]

Make sure you go through this list too to take a look at all your options to manage recoil:

http://www.quora.com/Guns-and-Firearms/What-are-all-of-the-ways-you-can-reduce-recoil-on-a-rifle

There are a number of ways this can be achieved:

1.) Use a muzzle brake, though this can increase the noise of firing the gun.

2.) 3rd party recoil pads on the rifle

3.) Recoil absorbing pads you can wear over your shoulder

4.) Recoil absorbing shirts (they have a pad where the gun fits, can be slightly more comfortable than #3

5.) Change the stock of your gun to have a wide base, so the "felt recoil" is spread out over a larger area

6.) Increase the weight of your gun. Heavy scope, ammo belts over the stock, rebarrel with a heavier barrel etc.

7.) Action choice: semi-automatics can be easier on recoil

This post covers most of it, in addition to all the other useful posts that are in this thread already.
I would also add that you need to get heavier rifle, that fits properly, get it fitted professionally if necessary.


May I approach this problem from another angle.

Not knowing your age, and health situation... it may be good idea to get physician's advice and consider doing physical exercise to strengthen upper body, bench press and lat machine come to mind.
I would recommend military press as well, but perhaps later on.

Finally, Boomer is right on a money, as always- if you handload, you can make any rifle calibre perform up to your specifications.

 

[Tytalus]

This post covers most of it, in addition to all the other useful posts that are in this thread already.
I would also add that you need to get heavier rifle, that fits properly, get it fitted professionally if necessary.


May I approach this problem from another angle.

Not knowing your age, and health situation... it may be good idea to get physician's advice and consider doing physical exercise to strengthen upper body, bench press and lat machine come to mind.
I would recommend military press as well, but perhaps later on.

Finally, Boomer is right on a money, as always- if you handload, you can make any rifle calibre perform up to your specifications.

Neat advice. I'll add the idea of putting on some more muscle for padding.