Rating Felt Rifle Recoil...

[Big joe]

I have always been intrigued by recoil. I have looked at the math and it all makes sense... but when you squeeze that trigger, sometimes your rifle seems to have its own math. I remember being surprised that my 30-30 Win was a little uncomfortable to shoot compared to my 270 Win. Also, I had heard how brutal the 300 Win recoil was and I finally shot a freinds out of curiosity. I was really surprised at how easy it was to shoot for me. So much so, I ran out and bought one. Maybe I was just built up too much for the recoil. I realize their are a lot of other factors.. but its just odd how the math doesnt always seem to be supported by your shoulder. So, just for fun... if you have shot any the following cartidges... rate them in order of least to most "felt" recoil! Remember... this is "FELT" recoil, not withstanding the math ...here they are...

.270 Win, 30-30 Win, 308 Win, 30-06 Sprg, 7mm Rem mag, 300 Win, 338 Win

Feel free to add to the list if you have shot different calibers than those listed...


look forward to seeing your opinions....


Thanks

[gregarat]

My .30-30 rifle is a mule. Not only do you consider the math, but also how the rifle "fits" is another huge factor. I have long limbs. My A.K 47 als is abit rough for the same reason. I put a recoil pad on the A.K. and it did wonders. Now my .30-30 will be put back into action, Im going to do the same with it.

My .30-30 Contender handgun with a "14 barrel. Isnt nearly as bad as some .44mags I have fired. I heatr the "10 .44 for the Contender is a monster!

[Evan03]

.270 Win, 30-30 Win, 308 Win, 30-06 Sprg, 7mm Rem mag, 300 Win, 338 Win

least to most recoil.
204 ruger 7.5lb rifle
22/250 ruger m77 vt
220 swift, 9lb something ruger
22/250 vs sf 8.25lb
2506 8.25 lb ruger
3030win dads old mull kicker
270win 7.5lb same as wsm
270wsm7.5lbsame as win
3006 7.5lb alittle more than the 277 rifles of mine
300win. 8.25 ruger. feels alittle firmer than the 3006. but not by much

thats about all the rifles ive ever fired

[gd357]

The truth is that it all depends... How much does the rifle in question weigh? What is the projectile weight? Are the rounds full power or reduced loads? You see what I'm getting at. On average, I'd have to rate them the same as Evan.

gd357

[jon lynn]

Am I a wimp for really not liking the recoil of a .416 Rigby? Had the chance to shoot a few (very few) rounds before I left Germany, and I flat out did not like it

[Andy L]

My experience in order is:

17 Rem
22 Hornet
204 Ruger
222
223
22-250
243
25-06
240 Gibbs
280
30-06
7mm Rem
7mm Wby
270
300 Win
338 Win
460 Wby

I skipped a few that were kinda redundant. And, no rimfires or shotguns listed. I have an old single shot 12ga that kicks with the best of them.

Rifle weights or shapes were not taken into consideration either.

Andy

[muledeer]

I've got one for the list but I haven't shot it yet. I purchased a Barrett M-99 50BMG. As soon as the weather warms up I'll be touching it off. I'll post the results from my hospital bed
muledeer

[Bill Allen]

Originally posted by Andy L
My experience in order is:

17 Rem
22 Hornet
204 Ruger
222
223
22-250
243
25-06
240 Gibbs
280
30-06
7mm Rem
7mm Wby
270
300 Win
338 Win
460 Wby

I skipped a few that were kinda redundant. And, no rimfires or shotguns listed. I have an old single shot 12ga that kicks with the best of them.

Rifle weights or shapes were not taken into consideration either.

Andy

Andy, are you sure you have the 270 sandwiched in there where it really should go?

[Andy L]

Well, the ones I shot sure kicked like a mule. I guess putting them in front of the 7mm Wby may be harsh, but not too far off. Given the only 7mm Wby I have ever shot was a target rifle and the 270s were either Winchester or Remington sporters.

They dang sure seem to me to kick harder than any 280 or 30-06 I have ever shot......

BTW, you can insert 30-30 in there around the 30-06 level. The lever gun I had wasnt bad at all. But, my first rifle was an old bolt action 30-30, cant even remember the brand. Maybe a JC Higgins or something? It KICKED, especially on my 10 yr old shoulder. ( And it wouldnt hit the same place twice out of twenty.)
Andy

[M.T. Pockets]

muledeer, I shot my buddy's .50 BMG a couple years ago. Pushed me back a bit but wasn't a sharp recoil, I think it would hurt more to drop it on your toe, it must have weighted 25 lbs.

Give us the report after you fire it & make sure everyone around has hearing protection.

[ghost stalker]

was wondering the same bill. i owned a 270 and it was a dream.
just bought a 300win mag. and i don't recall the 270 kicking like that.. just hackin on ya andy. i'm sure it was just a mix- up in the filing dept.

[Hi Ball]

I will put those calibers in order that you gave in your post!

However, the lever gun in the 30-30 is much lighter verses the other centerfire rifle calibers, which are usually in a 8.5 pound rifle sporting a rifle scope. This conditions results in more felt recoil than one would be lead to believe.

1.*** 30-30 recoil using a 170 grn bullet. 11lbs recoil @ 2200fps

2.** 270 Winchester with factory 130 grain bullet = 17 lbs @ 3100fps

3.** 308 with factory 150 grain bullet = 17lbs recoil @ 2800fps

4.** 30-06 with factory 150 grain bullet = 20lbs recoil @ 3000fps

5.** 7mm magnum with factory 150 grain bullet = 24lbs recoil @ 3000fps

6.** 300 Win magnum with factory 180 grain bullet = 28lbs recoil @ 2950.

7.** 338 Win magnum with factory 225 grain bullet = 35lbs recoil @ 2850fps.

[Cal Sibley]

I've always found this to be a difficult topic. Much will depend on the weight of the rifle, the shape of the stock, the weight of the bullets being fired, how you're holding the rifle. The list goes on.
For example, my most fierce kicking rifle is not my 7mm Rem. Mag. or the 8x57. It's a little .308Win. It's in a light 6.0lb. Browning Micro-medallion with a pencil thin 20" barrel. That damn rifle will knock you silly. It's not made to handle any degree of recoil. There are formulas out there though that take some of this into consideration. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

[M.T. Pockets]

I know this is a rifle topic but here's a comparison from a day at the range last year.

My buddy brought a slick little .45-70 out and I got to fire it. It got your attention, but was quite managable.

Then he brought out his 12 guage and wanted to sight in with 3 inch slugs. It didn't recoil, it KICKED. Much harder than any rifle I've ever fired. No comparison to a .300 Win. Mag.