Noticeable recoil difference using lighter wt bullets

[ptf18]

I've got a 40X in .308 that I might try using in NRA XTC events. Have a real good for for it BUT I would like to make up some "practicing" ammo that would be more....recoil friendly...and a bit cheaper to produce.

Question is... would I really notice a reduction in recoil simply by going to a lighter weight bullet? I think the math would say there would be a reduction in recoil BUT would I really notice it. Maybe also need a reduction in velocity being that I'm only "practicing" at 100 yards.

Thanks

 

[Oso]

Yes… the larger the weight change the more noticeable. However, if you drop the bullet weight but then increase powder charge then you’ll negate some of the recoil reduction.

Easy & fun range test: use same powder charge on your heavy bullet and then load up a 125gr bullets and see what you find.

Another thing that will effect recoil is the material that bullet is made from. For the same weight bullet a solid copper bullet will have more recoil then a cup core bullet. The copper bullet does not squeeze/deform as easily a copper jacketed lead core bullet. The solid copper bullet has tighter fit creating more barrel friction resulting in increased recoil.

 

[Orr89rocz]

It does. Even with fairly hot loads. 300 gr vs 400 gr in my 458 win mag, despite the 300’s being 200-250 fps faster its a big difference to me.

Play around with the recoil calculators. They can give an idea what to expect

 

[ptf18]

Gentleman.. Thank you. I'll give the calculator a try (back to math) and also some 125ish grain bullets.

 

[Oso]

Gentleman.. Thank you. I'll give the calculator a try (back to math) and also some 125ish grain bullets.

125gr SMK is nice an accurate.

 

[DShortt]

I would it also matters what the weight of the entire rifle is.
The lighter the rifle, the more felt recoil irregardless of the loads used.

 

[64Rambler]

Basic physics; F=ma

 

[sneakboxer]

The 125 Speer TNT bullets work great for CMP wood guns at 200. That's with a 30-06 and light loads of h4895. I would think something similar would be fine in your 308.

 

[NDSU]

I had a friend get interested in long range shooting. Everyone on the internet told him he needed a 300 win mag. I advised him to start with a 308. So he dropped some big coin on a 300 but was bothered with the recoil. I loaded up some 125gr Nosler BTs with H4895 for him. He loved them! His 100 yard bullet holes started touching each other and he could concentrate on his trigger control and breathing instead of bracing for recoil.

 

[Oso]

The 125 Speer TNT bullets work great for CMP wood guns at 200. That's with a 30-06 and light loads of h4895. I would think something similar would be fine in your 308.

I shoot a lot of 125gr TNT’s out of AR15 as plinking loads for 300BO and 300HAM’R. They have good accuracy at a great price.

Another option is 110gr VMax.

Just depends how light you want to go and how much accuracy you need.

 

[snert]

The Winchester 88 with 180 grain round points (a common round back then) made that gun kick like a mad mule. I shoot it now with a 130 grain Barnes TTSX. Pussycat and in my mind much more effective deer bullet.

 

[wkdickinson]

I shot a 308 for years across the course. There is a world difference in recoil between 155gr bullets at 200yds and 200gr bullets at 600yds.

 

[209jones]

With my Ruger #1 in 450-400NE 3", the 400gr @2050 Hornady factory load was painful in 15 rds with the std Ruger recoil pad, a 400gr @1800 cast bullet was good for about 20 rds w/Ruger pad, 30 with a Limbsaver pad, a 320gr @ 2050 was good for 40 rds with either pad.

 

[FNSafari]

If by lighter bullets your mean 108 to 125 on a max 1" long jacket, you might have very little of the bullet in the case if you like to shoot with the bullet on or in the lands, depends on your freebore length.

 

[ptf18]

Thanks all. I'm going to try some 150gn BT Speer bullets that I've had laying around for years. That and a REDUCED H4895 load (60%).

I'd like an accurate load out at 100 yards and I'm only using it for a practice XTC load (Off hand and the Bull is pretty "generous")

 

[Steve Donlon]

If you want less recoil and budget bullets , like Oso said , the Speer 125 gr. TNT's are very accurate and jump tolerant. Or the 125Gr. Sierra MK. If you are only shooting 100 yards, it is all you need.

 

[gpoldblue]

I agree with a Hall of Fame shooter that once said...."Practice with the same equipment(rifle and load) that you'll be shooting in the match...that way there are no surprises" When shooting "light" loads in practice and when you go "heavier" loads for the match....you ain't gonna like it.
Good luck and stay safe.

 

[Evan]

I have never noticed a significant difference from bullet weight. For example a full pressure 150 vs 180 in a 30-06 feel very similar to me. Reduced loads were the best way to bring down recoil (and muzzle blast) but the point of impact is way different.

Have to agree that if you’re practicing for competition, you need to practice with your match equipment and ammo for it to improve your performance.

 

[wedgy]

Maybe get a muzzle brake ?

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[Fire Dog]

Maybe get a muzzle brake ?

Muzzle Brakes and More

Home of the Beast series brakes. We produce some of the most effective muzzle brakes on the market.

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If you are shooting in a competion I imagine that they will not allow a muzzle break due to the blast factor effecting other shooters on the line…
Certainly true where I shoot.