Difference in .308 & .300 Win. Mag.
How much more recoil does a .300 Win Mag have than a .308? I have a right shoulder problem and wondering about the difference.
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Without more specifics: 300 w/180 gr @ 3000 fps=26 ft/lbs. 308 w/165 gr @ 2730 fps=16.5 ft/lbs. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by TxCoyote
How much more recoil does a .300 Win Mag have than a .308? I have a right shoulder problem and wondering about the difference.
300 win mag packs a *LOT* more.
Exactly how much more is going to depend on the specific loads and especially the weight of the gun, but I think Ambrose has it about right (ie about 60% more recoil).
Here is a little more data to ponder, and I think it paints a more complete picture:
Rifles:
http://www.chuckhawks.com/recoil_table.htm
http://www.chuckhawks.com/rifle_recoil.htm
Shotgun:
http://www.chuckhawks.com/shotgun_recoil_table.htm
Of course recoil discomfort can be partially mitigated with a recoil pad. You can reduce recoil even more with a compensator, though that's a bit more expensive and increases noise. Well worth it, in my opinion, if you want to do a lot of shooting with the big cannons.
Personally, while I'm fine with two dozen .308s off a bench or just about any number offhand, even a couple of .300 win mags from a bench leave me with a bruised shoulder and wanting to quit.
Its probably not a good round for someone with a bum shoulder.0 -
What is it about 12Ft pounds or more rifles being the same weight? .300WM recoil is about twice that of a .308win 0 -
I have two Ruger M77's, one chambered in .308 and one in .300 WMag. Identical stocks, pads, actions, barrel length, etc.. I always felt the .308 was a ice creamcat to shoot after the .300 mag but preferred the .300 mag.
Without getting into comparisons of ammunition (which you must do to seriously discuss recoil and calibers) Its probably not a fair comparison but as I get older, I find myself shooting the .308 more frequently.
However, I don't consider either one to be an offensive kicker. I also shoot a .300 Norma Mag in a Parker Hale, supposed to be a harder kicker than the .300 Winchester but I don't find it so. The Ruger M77 in .338 Mag, now that's noticeably more stout than the others.
Dan R0 -
If you can handle 12ga loads, you shouldn't have any problems with a 300WM.
I have a 300WM and found that after shooting skeet the recoil was manageable.
You may also want to consider a muzzlebrake or Magnaporting. This will reduce the felt recoil somewhat.0 -
Without going into specific details of your "shoulder problems", I'd say stay away from the 300 WM. When I was younger, I shot 7mm and 300 mags for fun but it's not fun any more.The 30/06 is about my upper limit now. My bony shoulders don't like being pounded more than that. My 300 WM long range target rifle is long gone and my seldom fired elk rifle has a muzzle brake. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by rsnyder55
If you can handle 12ga loads, you shouldn't have any problems with a 300WM.
Not necessarily.
I have no problem going a round of 100 sporting clays with an over/under 12 gauge with target loads.
But 3-4 300 Win mags from a BENCH. . .and I'm DONE.
Because your upper body isn't quite as free to move backwards when firing, recoil is magnified from a bench compared to offhand/standing shotgun shooting.
Its not so much an issue if you're hunting. . .you're probably not going to be taking more than 2 shots anyway, and you're also probably not going to be shooting from the equivalent of a locked bench position. But practicing or zeroing the gun?. . .OUCH.
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You may also want to consider a muzzlebrake or Magnaporting. This will reduce the felt recoil somewhat.
+1 there if you NEED a .300 Win mag or want to do any significant amount of shooting with one.
Do you?
I can certainly see the utility for long range hunting of large game, or use on dangerous game, but I think realistically most hunters/shooters can get away with less.
I'd also question the wisdom of pushing things with a shoulder injury. You can always get another rifle, but finding a factory replacement for a shoulder is a lot harder [;)].0 -
Thanks for the info, I am going to shoot a 300 Win Mag this weekend, however, I believe the 308 will be the one I buy. My right shoulder was rebuilt after a motorcycle accident. More years ago than I want to remember I had a 300 H&H, loved that gun but it was not gentle to shoot. I know I could not handle it today. 0 -
Really depends on the weight of the rifle/recoil pad. I have an older Remington Model 700 in .300 Win Mag...it has a recoil pad and the rifle is close to 8lbs. It's recoil in a "hunting situation" is not too bad...on the bench however...multipule rounds would bother anyone.
On the otherhand, I have a 99 Savage Featherweight in .308 win. It will provide a fairly sharp recoil! ESPECIALLY IN 180 GRAINERS. Basically however these two calibers are like Night & Day. The 300 Win Mag is designed for Elk sized game, bigger bears etc... The 308 was designed for medium sized game...but is no slouch for Elk and black bear!0 -
There is always the option of wearing a recoil pad on your shoulder to help buffer the recoil.
I agree with most others here that if you have a bad shoulder, a .300 WM is not the go-to gun.0 -
I believe you have answered your own question better than any of us have, re: the .300 H&H that you used to have. There is virtually no difference in recoil between the .300 Win Mag and the .300 H&H. 0 -
I have shoulder and back problems and the .308 is good for me. 0
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