Recoil of semi-auto vs. bolt action

[mhcv]

After three shoulder surgeries, I am left with a permantly sensitive shoulder. I enjoy my annual elk hunts, normally using my .338 KDF rifle with muzzle break. However, it is too painful for me to use this caliber anymore. Even my trusty 30'06 causes pain in my shoulder with 180 gr. loads. I was thinking about an accurate and reliable semi-auto,Browning?) in .338/300/or? I was wondering if anyone had any experience with semi-autos and if this type of action does reduce actual or felt recoil? What about installing a muzzle break on a semi-auto? Your inputs and recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Bobs243Ackley]

Hello,

I can understand your situation since I am very recoil sensitive due to severe Scoliosis due to Polio. I had to give up my M-1 Garand when I had Arthritis diagnosed for my "shooting shoulder". I can tell you that it recoiled enough that it hurt to the point that I sold it. I do use muzzle brakes on several of my lighter bolt guns & some of my long range target rifles. You can use muzzle brakes, recoil pads, and the mercury filled recoil reducers that install in the butt stock. I have shot trap guns with the recoil reducers in them and you can feel the difference. I hope that this information will give you some ideas on how to proceed.

Cordially,
Bob Blaine

 

[LRCampos]

All the semi auto rifles I shot has less recoil than the same caliber bolt action rifles.
So, a semi auto rifle or a lighter bullet on the bolt action rifle, may help you a lot.

You can check the new Benelli semi auto rifle. I read on magazines that they are designed to reduce the real and felt recoil.

 

[M700]

Also consider a smaller cartridge - with the new "wonder bullets" like the Barnes TSX - a lot of killing power is on tap with light kicking cartridges. The 7mm-08, .260 Rem, .25-06, .270 Win and .280 Rem all come quickly to mind.

Another alternative might be to dump the 180's and shoot a lighter 150 Barnes TSX from your .30-06 rifle. From the limited experience I've had with them,from my own rifles and from seeing the results of others) I'm convinced that a traditional hard-kicking "elk rifle" is no longer necessary.

BTW - am recovering from shoulder surgery myself and at this point only my .25-06 feels good to me. I used to think the Limbsaver recoil pad on it was pretty silly. Now I appreciate it. Don't know when, or if, I'll get back to shooting my harder-kicking rifles.

Regards, Guy

 

[JayIdaho]

My "go to" rifle for years was a BAR 300 Win mag, always performed well. Have also had them in '06 and .270. A 270 with 130 gr. bullets would probably fit the bill for you.
I put brakes on about everything, now, just because I can,do it myself) but would hesitate to shoot any of them w/o hearing protection.

 

[Twud]

Can't speak much for rifles, but I do considerable waterfowl hunting with heavy loads. I love to shoot my old doubles, but early in the season without heavy clothes on they can be brutal. My go to waterfowler is now an 11-87. Being a gas operated gun the difference is night and day. 3" loads are no problem, whereas 1-1/4
oz loads in the doubles will rattle your teeth.
I think those before me have given you good advice.

 

[rasp65]

How about a muzzle break on your 30-06. There are some very effective designs out there now. I shot a 366 DGW which is a 9.3mm bullet in a 416 Rigby case,250 gr Nosler @ 3250 fps) and the recoil was no worse than a 30-06. The JP Howitzer brake was tested by the designer on a 30-06 by holding it against his groin and lived to tell about it.