Guides - Page 2 of 4 - Mack Robertson

Most people only understand recoil as the power they feel immediately after firing their gun, but few actually realize the control they have over what they are feeling. It isn't just the caliber of the firearm that determines the recoil, but everything from the weight of the rifle, grain weight of a specific cartridge, caliber bullet differences, and the type of muzzle device you have will affect the felt recoil. We’ve compiled an explanation of what recoil is, the factors affecting what you feel, and ways to help reduce this energy kickback to keep you on target shot after shot. Our rifle recoil chart highlights some of the more popular rifle caliber kickback factors so you can adjust as needed. What, Exactly, is Recoil? In layman's terms, recoil is the term used to describe the backwards movement felt upon the discharge of the bullet from the barrel. For many, recoil can create bad habits when it is anticipated, causing added muzzle lift, jerks, or flinching - all of which will take you off target. Even when it isn’t a problem for an experienced shooter, it can create a delay between getting on target during subsequent firing sequences. Luckily, there are ways to offset this force to help new shooters gain confidence, young or lightweight shooters handle larger caliber rifles, and competitive shooters require zero more efficiently. Recoil vs Kick Recoil, as used properly, is defined as rearward forces produced when firing a gun. It is often used synonymously with the terms kick, or kickback. Neither is incorrect if you are referring to what you feel, but keep in mind that the technical definition of recoil is describing the energy transfer into the components of the gun, while the transfer of this energy to you can be defined as kick. How is Recoil Created? In scientific terms, the felt recoil is a result of a physical law of motion that states every action has an equal and opposite reaction, otherwise known as momentum conservation, first recognized by Sir Issac Newton. This law explains an object’s resistance to change in motion, which is then applied to the movement of the bullet through the barrel after the force of the combusted gunpowder takes place. Since the bullet is still within the gun at this point, the power of this force is conserved. Technically, this initial firing sequence creates one of two recoils, and the second recoil occurs upon the exit of the bullet from the muzzle. This is due to the gas pressure momentum leaving the barrel after driving forward the bullet. This secondary recoil is what we feel when we shoot, although we can garner some control over the primary recoil and its effects on the secondary recoil using various cartridge weights. Mainly, however, muzzle devices are what helps to release muzzle gasses in a controlled manner to reduce and control this force. How to Prepare Yourself for Recoil Although recoil isn’t very problematic for the majority of shooters, the effects of recoil can be an annoyance at best, or a distraction at worst. If you, or somebody you shoot with, has an issue with the kick their firearm creates, there are a few things to help offset that and learn to work through it. This is especially true for new, or youth shooters. Have them shoot different handguns, focusing on heavier options to help absorb some of that energy.Work on proper hand placement, arm extension, and stance for body control.Consider the use of a muzzle brake or compensator to help offset the energy and stabilize the barrel. Practice dry firing, or cartridge laser firing to perfect stance and trigger pull. This is also a great way to determine if you flinch or move when you pull the trigger. Reduce Recoil Tips As mentioned multiple times, there are ways to reduce recoil - and although many popular caliber rifles are designed to control the release of gasses for a more comfortable shooting scenario, reducing recoil is still ideal. Muzzle brakes and compensators are by far the most popular muzzle devices to use for reduced recoil. Brakes are designed specifically for this reason and used to be popular with harder-hitting hunting calibers, such as the .30-06 or .308. But they have become more and more popular with lower recoil rifles, especially AR platform options, to create a scenario where almost no kick is felt during firing. Recoil pads and specially made buttstocks are also solutions to help lessen the effects of a strong rifle recoil. Measuring Recoil In order to measure and provide an accurate comparison of various cartridge weights and caliber choices, you need a controlled environment (an indoor shooting range is ideal) and a device that both stabilizes, and fires your gun for you. The reasoning behind this is that a person will hold a firearm slightly differently each time, and any inadvertent movements when firing will produce inaccuracies in the readings. Ideally the device should measure two perpendicular components of recoil force versus time: the rearward force exerted by the butt of the firearm, and the vertical force created by the moment associated with muzzle jump. Generally, each rifle will be shot multiple times using various charge weights. Rarely will only a single shot be measured in order to provide the best accuracy possible. For example, a 140-grain projectile will have a differing velocity and energy upon leaving the barrel compared to a 250-grain projectile of the same caliber. Therefore, it is important to offer differing measurements for shooters to choose from for their own shooting needs and comfort. Good recoil tables will offer a list of rifles, the weight of the rifle, the recoil energy, and the recoil velocity. However, it is INCREDIBLY important to note that magnitude of these forces will differ from one shooter to the next as it is impossible to take into account the physiology and shooting style of each shooter - but they do create a good standard to go off of. Recoil Chart The following chart provides direct comparisons between popular rifle calibers and respective cartridges in reference to bullet weight. The felt recoil of a rifle is dependent on the rifle weight itself and the various components - all of which can absorb some of the created energy. Heavier bullets will have more force behind them than a lighter option, changing the muzzle velocity and energy created. These are measured on the charts as FPS of recoil velocity and lbs of energy respectively. Please note, the measurements in our chart are an average independent of specific brand manufacturing and grain weight and are not exact. They are included to provide an average of what each cartridge is capable of in the event you need a quick reference point, or are in need of numbers to determine if a muzzle device may be necessary. it also happens to be interesting data if you are a numbers nerd! Winchester Cartridge Free Recoil Energy (Ft-lbs) Recoil Velocity (FPS) Avg Bullet Weight Avg Muzzle Velocity .300 Winchester Magnum 29.99 14.88 205 2,903 .264 Winchester Magnum 17.68 11.66 138 3,002 .458 Win Mag 55.57 17.95 500 2,135 .338 Win Mag 29.9 13.75 256 2,705 .270 Winchester 17.64 11.64 149 2,944 .308 Winchester 18.27 11.62 202 2,491 .30-30 Winchester 9.97 8.58 163 2,320 .243 Winchester 9.22 8.48 103 2,922 .325 WSM 28.95 14.8 204 2,817 .300 WSM 26.54 14 205 2,861 7 WSM 22.5 13.13 162 3,008 .270 WSM 21.24 12.77 149 3,050 .17 WSM 0.76 2.6 21 2,903 6.8 Western 20.44 12.53 163 2888 Creedmore Cartridge Free Recoil Energy (Ft-lbs) Recoil Velocity (FPS) Avg Bullet Weight Avg Muzzle Velocity 6.5 Creedmoor 11.87 9.56 138 2,695 6mm Creedmoor 10.89 9.22 105 3,022 .22 Creedmoor 9.15 8.6 65 3,500 Ruger Cartridge Free Recoil Energy (Ft-lbs) Recoil Velocity (FPS) Avg Bullet Weight Avg Muzzle Velocity .416 Ruger 52.72 17.56 388 2,528 .375 Ruger 41.67 16.06 293 2,713 .300 Ruger (RCM) 21.6 12.63 195 2,613 .204 Ruger 6.18 7.37 38 3,963 Remington Cartridge Free Recoil Energy (Ft-lbs) Recoil Velocity (FPS) Avg Bullet Weight Avg Muzzle Velocity .416 Remington Magnum 50.46 17.18 400 2,401 7mm Rem Mag 23.15 13.32 163 2,937 .280 Remington 18.35 11.85 160 2,848 7mm-08 Remington 14.88 10.68 160 2,672 .25-06 Remington 12.69 9.92 111 2,988 .260 Remington 12.56 9.83 143 2,673 6mm Remington 10.36 8.99 103 2,919 6.8 Remington SPC 6.79 7.22 110 2,579 .222 Remington 4 5.69 54 3,124 .300 RUM 34.97 16.07 205 3,017 .338 RUM 37.8 15.46 256 2,872 Weatherby Cartridge Free Recoil Energy (Ft-lbs) Recoil Velocity (FPS) Avg Bullet Weight Avg Muzzle Velocity .378 Weatherby Magnum 60.68 19.38 293 3,040 .30-378 Weatherby Magnum 45.78 18.39 205 3,205 .338-378 Weatherby Magnum 45.4 16.95 256 2,974 .300 Weatherby Magnum 33.18 15.65 205 3,002 .340 Weatherby Magnum 36.88 15.28 256 2,866 .270 Weatherby Magnum 23.25 13.36 144 3,154 6.5 Weatherby RPM 19.93 12.38 143 3,123 .257 Weatherby Magnum 19.13 12.18 111 3,294 7mm Weatherby Magnum 26.07 14.13 168 3,055 6.5-300 Weatherby Magnum 24.72 13.79 138 3,325 Nosler Cartridge Free Recoil Energy (Ft-lbs) Recoil Velocity (FPS) Avg Bullet Weight Avg Muzzle Velocity .30 Nosler 31.58 15.27 205 3,009 .28 Nosler 28.27 14.72 167 3,152 .33 Nosler 33.91 14.65 258 2892 .27 Nosler 25.28 13.93 159 3,157 .26 Nosler 21.45 12.85 128 3,312 .22 Nosler 6.52 7.25 65 3,342 Mauser Cartridge Free Recoil Energy (Ft-lbs) Recoil Velocity (FPS) Avg Bullet Weight Avg Muzzle Velocity 9.3 x 62mm Mauser 30.72 13.82 277 2,555 7mm Mauser 13.24 10.07 160 2,565 6.5 x 55 Swedish Mauser 10.9 9.16 139 2,532 Conclusion Well, there you have it. What recoil actually is, why it is created, and how you can work to lessen its effects on your shooting style. Although a rifle recoil chart is never going to be universal in nature, they do provide a great foundation to start from when looking for an option that isn’t as strong, or as a means to determine if you want to consider a muzzle device. We’d love to have a chance to answer any questions you may have, so please leave them in the comments below. And, as always, please share!