Rifle Recoil Table: Updated for 2021 with all popular cartridges

I have spent literally hundreds of hours collecting the information in this blog post. I created it because other recoil databases I found online are dated and do not have the depth of research to truly compare cartridges apples-to-apples.

For those of you who are new to firearms, let’s discuss the basics of what recoil is before we look at the data.

Recoil is the force of a gun pushing back against the shooter when a bullet is fired. It is commonly called a gun’s “kick.” More recoil is created when more powerful powder loads and lighter-weight firearms are used. Recoil is measured by free recoil energy, and recoil velocity.

Selecting a rifle and cartridge combination which does not produce too much recoil for the shooters is critical to being able to shoot accurately without developing a flinch.

Without further ado, I give you… the rifle recoil database!

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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
.458 Win Mag	55.57	17.95	500	2,135
.416 Ruger	52.72	17.56	388	2,528
.416 Rigby	52.49	17.52	400	2,412
.416 Remington Magnum	50.46	17.18	400	2,401
.338-378 Weatherby Magnum	45.40	16.95	256	2,974
.300 RUM	34.97	16.07	205	3,017
.375 Ruger	41.67	16.06	293	2,713
.300 Weatherby Magnum	33.18	15.65	205	3,002
.300 PRC	32.42	15.47	210	3,021
.338 RUM	37.80	15.46	256	2,872
.338 Lapua Magnum	37.70	15.44	256	2,920
.375 H&H Magnum	38.28	15.39	293	2,650
.340 Weatherby Magnum	36.88	15.28	256	2,866
.30 Nosler	31.58	15.27	205	3,009
.300 Winchester Magnum	29.99	14.88	205	2,903
.325 WSM	28.95	14.80	204	2,817
.28 Nosler	28.27	14.72	167	3,152
.45-70 Govt	30.81	14.68	331	2,065
.33 Nosler	33.91	14.65	258	2,892
7mm Weatherby Magnum	26.07	14.13	168	3,055
7 STW	25.91	14.09	168	3,044
.300 WSM	26.54	14.00	205	2,861
.27 Nosler	25.28	13.93	159	3,157
9.3 x 62mm Mauser	30.72	13.82	277	2,555
6.5-300 Weatherby Magnum	24.72	13.79	138	3,325
.338 Win Mag	29.90	13.75	256	2,705
.270 Weatherby Magnum	23.25	13.36	144	3,154
7mm Rem Mag	23.15	13.32	163	2,937
7 WSM	22.50	13.13	162	3,008
.35 Whelen	27.14	13.02	225	2,805
.26 Nosler	21.45	12.85	128	3,312
.270 WSM	21.24	12.77	149	3,050
.300 Ruger (RCM)	21.60	12.63	195	2,613
.30-06 Springfield	21.34	12.55	205	2,646
7 SAUM	20.53	12.54	162	2,890
6.8 Western	20.44	12.53	163	2,888
6.5 Weatherby RPM	19.93	12.38	143	3,123
.450 Bushmaster	22.22	12.27	268	2,175
.257 Weatherby Magnum	19.13	12.18	111	3,294
.444 Marlin	22.99	12.16	266	2,278
.280 Ackley Improved	19.29	12.16	163	2,834
.338 Federal	22.84	12.02	239	2,510
.50 BMG	83.17	11.91	724	2,799
.280 Remington	18.35	11.85	160	2,848
.264 Winchester Magnum	17.68	11.66	138	3,002
.270 Winchester	17.64	11.64	149	2,944
.308 Winchester	18.27	11.62	202	2,491
6.5 PRC	16.27	11.19	142	2,972
7mm-08 Remington	14.88	10.68	160	2,672
6.5-284 Norma Match	14.48	10.56	143	2,782
7mm Mauser	13.24	10.07	160	2,565
.25-06 Remington	12.69	9.92	111	2,988
.260 Remington	12.56	9.83	143	2,673
.240 Weatherby Magnum	12.06	9.70	101	3,063
6.5 Creedmoor	11.87	9.56	138	2,695
6mm Creedmoor	10.89	9.22	105	3,022
6.5 x 55 Swedish Mauser	10.90	9.16	139	2,532
6mm Remington	10.36	8.99	103	2,919
.22 Creedmoor	9.15	8.60	65	3,500
.30-30 Winchester	9.97	8.58	163	2,320
.243 Winchester	9.22	8.48	103	2,922
.220 Swift	8.54	8.30	55	3,794
.22-250	7.73	7.90	60	3,515
.204 Ruger	6.18	7.37	38	3,963
6mm BR	6.92	7.35	85	3,011
.22 Nosler	6.52	7.25	65	3,342
7.62 x 39mm	7.11	7.24	137	2,303
6.8 Remington SPC	6.79	7.22	110	2,579
6.5 Grendel	6.18	6.89	125	2,283
.224 Valkyrie	5.51	6.67	71	3,095
.223 / 5.56	5.48	6.65	69	3,122
.350 Legend	7.08	6.61	173	2,231
.222 Remington	4.00	5.69	54	3,124
.300 Blackout	4.02	5.45	192	1,530
.22 Hornet	1.37	3.32	50	2,469
.17 Hornet	1.23	3.31	23	3,527
.17 WSM	0.76	2.60	21	2,903
.17 HMR	0.25	1.50	17	2,520
.22 WMR	0.26	1.44	40	1,761
.22lr	0.12	0.96	39	1,239

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How Rifle Recoil is Calculated

The formula for determining the free recoil energy of a firearm is (Rifle Weight in Pounds/64.34) *(Recoil Velocity in FPS^2). This formula relies on the formula for recoil velocity, which is simply (Bullet Weight In Grains * Muzzle Velocity in FPS + Powder Charge in Grains * Muzzle Velocity * 1.75)/(7000 * Rifle Weight in Pounds).

The trouble with this formula is that most people don’t know the powder charge unless they hand load their own ammunition, and all of the other number depend on several factors. This makes it tough to figure out the recoil of a rifle unless you look up a lot of other information first.

After shooting a lot of different rifles and cartridges, I have found that recoil velocity number accurately predicts how much pain you’ll feel, and the recoil energy predicts how much you’ll get rocked back and thrown off your target in the scope. Why? I’ll explain.

Suppose a giant, heavy semi-truck is parked in front of you with your shoulder on the bumper. Now that truck creeps forward and pushes your shoulder at a speed of 2 inches per second. Because it’s giant and heavy, it’s going to move you significantly, but it won’t really hurt at all since it’s moving slowly.

Instead, imagine a baseball traveling at 25 inches per second that hits your shoulder. It would hurt much more than the semi-truck.

The same is true with guns. Some people look at the recoil energy of a 50BMG and think they will be KILLED by 83.17 ft-lbs of free recoil energy; however, the 50BMG is a physically heavy gun (usually over 30 lbs), so the recoil moves slowly (also because of the muzzle brake). People who have actually shot a .50BMG usually report mild recoil similar to a .308 Winchester. The recoil VELOCITY number of the .50 BMG is similar to a .308. Just recognize that it’s going to push you a lot–even though it won’t be painful.

About Backfire’s Rifle Recoil Table: How we perform calculations

• Analyze over a dozen models of rifles chambered in each cartridge to determine the average rifle weight to put in the formula. If you’re shooting a particularly light or heavy firearm, you’ll need to do a separate calculation, but this will be a fair comparison of what the rifle weight normally is. Most recoil tables simply use a 9 lbs firearm for all calculations, but this leads to crazy results for the lightweight 22lr and the heavyweight 50BMG. Also, we include scope and other common accessories to get a realistic field rifle weight.
• Normalize powder charges within each caliber to make a fair comparison. You can load a 7 Rem Mag with Retumbo or H4350, but the amounts will be different. We keep powder charges consistent to reality within each caliber of firearm.
• Average over 6 common loads for each cartridge to determine realistic muzzle velocities to include in the formula. Most recoil tables take the muzzle velocity on the box at face value, but we all know that’s rarely accurate–especially if you shoot a shorter barrel length. If you see our recoil numbers are usually just a little less than what you see elsewhere on the web, it’s likely because we’re using more precise averages of muzzle velocities across a variety of common loads for each cartridge.
• Consider multiple loads for each cartridge to determine a fair average of bullet weights for that cartridge, and caliber.

Lightest Recoiling Firearms for Deer and Elk Hunting

After surveying the Backfire audience, we found that 96% of shots on big game are taken within 500 yards. So in the below table, we look at the rifles and their recoil sorted by recoil velocity (the pain it will inflict) from most to least.

Then, look in the three right columns to make sure it has enough power to kill the animal you’re hunting. For deer-sized game, it is recommended that you have at least 1,000 ft-lbs of energy, a Hornady HITS formula ranking of at least 500, and at least 1,900 fps of velocity.

For elk-sized game, it is recommended that you have at least 1,500 ft-lbs of energy, a Hornady HITS score of at least 900, and at least 1,900 fps of velocity.

Cartridge	Free Recoil Energy (Ft-lbs)	Recoil Velocity (FPS)	500 Yard Energy (ft lbs)	Hornady’s HITS Formula at 500	500 Yard FPS
.378 Weatherby Magnum	60.68	19.38	2,188	1,595	1835
.30-378 Weatherby Magnum	45.78	18.39	2,501	1,478	2346
.458 Win Mag	55.57	17.95	1,489	1,971	1158
.416 Ruger	52.72	17.56	1,684	1,734	1399
.416 Rigby	52.49	17.52	1,573	1,757	1331
.416 Remington Magnum	50.46	17.18	1,556	1,748	1323
.338-378 Weatherby Magnum	45.40	16.95	2,338	1,664	2027
.300 RUM	34.97	16.07	2,179	1,380	2191
.375 Ruger	41.67	16.06	1,716	1,413	1625
.300 Weatherby Magnum	33.18	15.65	2,200	1,386	2201
.300 PRC	32.42	15.47	2,238	1,450	2193
.338 RUM	37.80	15.46	2,150	1,596	1944
.338 Lapua Magnum	37.70	15.44	2,237	1,628	1982
.375 H&H Magnum	38.28	15.39	1,664	1,391	1601
.340 Weatherby Magnum	36.88	15.28	2,138	1,591	1938
.30 Nosler	31.58	15.27	2,163	1,374	2182
.300 Winchester Magnum	29.99	14.88	1,996	1,320	2096
.325 WSM	28.95	14.80	1,760	1,123	1971
.28 Nosler	28.27	14.72	2,087	1,169	2374
.45-70 Govt	30.81	14.68	589	669	895
.33 Nosler	33.91	14.65	2,208	1,637	1962
7mm Weatherby Magnum	26.07	14.13	1,951	1,143	2287
7 STW	25.91	14.09	1,936	1,139	2278
.300 WSM	26.54	14.00	1,930	1,298	2061
.27 Nosler	25.28	13.93	1,797	1,059	2258
9.3 x 62mm Mauser	30.72	13.82	1,442	1,253	1531
6.5-300 Weatherby Magnum	24.72	13.79	1,919	979	2500
.338 Win Mag	29.90	13.75	1,883	1,493	1819
.270 Weatherby Magnum	23.25	13.36	1,628	869	2258
7mm Rem Mag	23.15	13.32	1,725	1,027	2183
7 WSM	22.50	13.13	1,813	1,044	2245
.35 Whelen	27.14	13.02	1,217	881	1561
.26 Nosler	21.45	12.85	1,764	839	2488
.270 WSM	21.24	12.77	1,614	910	2210
.300 Ruger (RCM)	21.60	12.63	1,486	1,057	1855
.30-06 Springfield	21.34	12.55	1,651	1,201	1907
7 SAUM	20.53	12.54	1,655	997	2145
6.8 Western	20.44	12.53	1,600	1,035	2106
6.5 Weatherby RPM	19.93	12.38	1,725	977	2330
.450 Bushmaster	22.22	12.27	421	421	842
.257 Weatherby Magnum	19.13	12.18	1,193	586	2200
.444 Marlin	22.99	12.16	467	489	889
.280 Ackley Improved	19.29	12.16	1,632	1,001	2122
.338 Federal	22.84	12.02	1,598	1,237	1736
.50 BMG	83.17	11.91	8,479	6,614	2296
.280 Remington	18.35	11.85	1,560	946	2098
.264 Winchester Magnum	17.68	11.66	1,526	873	2229
.270 Winchester	17.64	11.64	1,407	850	2064
.308 Winchester	18.27	11.62	1,401	1,086	1767
6.5 PRC	16.27	11.19	1,529	908	2204
7mm-08 Remington	14.88	10.68	1,283	858	1903
6.5-284 Norma Match	14.48	10.56	1,329	860	2044
7mm Mauser	13.24	10.07	1,194	827	1836
.25-06 Remington	12.69	9.92	973	530	1987
.260 Remington	12.56	9.83	1,213	821	1952
.240 Weatherby Magnum	12.06	9.70	937	503	2046
6.5 Creedmoor	11.87	9.56	1,191	771	1969
6mm Creedmoor	10.89	9.22	946	535	2016
6.5 x 55 Swedish Mauser	10.90	9.16	1,040	729	1834
6mm Remington	10.36	8.99	856	498	1931
.22 Creedmoor	9.15	8.60	724	269	2240
.30-30 Winchester	9.97	8.58	743	570	1434
.243 Winchester	9.22	8.48	862	500	1938
.220 Swift	8.54	8.30	421	161	1853
.22-250	7.73	7.90	384	175	1693
.204 Ruger	6.18	7.37	263	88	1766
6mm BR	6.92	7.35	548	298	1704
.22 Nosler	6.52	7.25	380	195	1623
7.62 x 39mm	7.11	7.24	579	388	1382
6.8 Remington SPC	6.79	7.22	603	354	1571
6.5 Grendel	6.18	6.89	707	511	1596
.224 Valkyrie	5.51	6.67	422	237	1631
.223 / 5.56	5.48	6.65	338	203	1483
.350 Legend	7.08	6.61	454	363	1088
.222 Remington	4.00	5.69	246	118	1436
.300 Blackout	4.02	5.45	427	556	1001
.22 Hornet	1.37	3.32	129	77	1075
.17 Hornet	1.23	3.31	83	31	1288
.17 WSM	0.76	2.60	51	23	1038
.17 HMR	0.25	1.50	21	10	750
.22 WMR	0.26	1.44	82	44	961
.22lr	0.12	0.96	26	24	545

Same Table As Above, But Now at 300 Yards

Cartridge	Recoil Velocity (FPS)	300 Yard Energy (ft lbs)	Hornady’s Hits Formula at 300	300 Yard FPS
.378 Weatherby Magnum	19.38	3,356	1,975	2273
.30-378 Weatherby Magnum	18.39	3,238	1,682	2670
.458 Win Mag	17.95	2,423	2,515	1477
.416 Ruger	17.56	2,778	2,227	1797
.416 Rigby	17.52	2,594	2,257	1709
.416 Remington Magnum	17.18	2,569	2,246	1700
.338-378 Weatherby Magnum	16.95	3,216	1,952	2377
.300 RUM	16.07	2,845	1,576	2503
.375 Ruger	16.06	2,647	1,754	2019
.300 Weatherby Magnum	15.65	2,848	1,577	2504
.300 PRC	15.47	2,921	1,656	2505
.338 RUM	15.46	2,974	1,877	2286
.338 Lapua Magnum	15.44	3,085	1,912	2328
.375 H&H Magnum	15.39	2,550	1,722	1981
.340 Weatherby Magnum	15.28	2,960	1,873	2281
.30 Nosler	15.27	2,825	1,571	2494
.300 Winchester Magnum	14.88	2,619	1,512	2401
.325 WSM	14.80	2,374	1,304	2289
.28 Nosler	14.72	2,638	1,314	2669
.45-70 Govt	14.68	1,080	906	1212
.33 Nosler	14.65	3,047	1,923	2304
7mm Weatherby Magnum	14.13	2,481	1,289	2578
7 STW	14.09	2,463	1,284	2569
.300 WSM	14.00	2,537	1,488	2363
.27 Nosler	13.93	2,377	1,218	2596
9.3 x 62mm Mauser	13.82	2,227	1,557	1902
6.5-300 Weatherby Magnum	13.79	2,428	1,102	2812
.338 Win Mag	13.75	2,611	1,759	2142
.270 Weatherby Magnum	13.36	2,151	999	2595
7mm Rem Mag	13.32	2,206	1,162	2469
7 WSM	13.13	2,312	1,178	2535
.35 Whelen	13.02	2,010	1,132	2006
.26 Nosler	12.85	2,234	944	2801
.270 WSM	12.77	2,118	1,043	2532
.300 Ruger (RCM)	12.63	1,979	1,219	2140
.30-06 Springfield	12.55	2,171	1,377	2186
7 SAUM	12.54	2,121	1,129	2428
6.8 Western	12.53	2,083	1,181	2402
6.5 Weatherby RPM	12.38	2,199	1,103	2631
.450 Bushmaster	12.27	817	587	1173
.257 Weatherby Magnum	12.18	1,674	695	2606
.444 Marlin	12.16	944	695	1263
.280 Ackley Improved	12.16	2,076	1,130	2393
.338 Federal	12.02	2,173	1,443	2025
.50 BMG	11.91	9,971	7,173	2490
.280 Remington	11.85	2,011	1,074	2383
.264 Winchester Magnum	11.66	1,954	988	2522
.270 Winchester	11.64	1,894	986	2395
.308 Winchester	11.62	1,867	1,253	2040
6.5 PRC	11.19	1,960	1,028	2495
7mm-08 Remington	10.68	1,703	988	2192
6.5-284 Norma Match	10.56	1,718	977	2324
7mm Mauser	10.07	1,578	951	2111
.25-06 Remington	9.92	1,373	629	2360
.260 Remington	9.83	1,576	936	2226
.240 Weatherby Magnum	9.70	1,316	596	2425
6.5 Creedmoor	9.56	1,544	878	2242
6mm Creedmoor	9.22	1,330	635	2391
6.5 x 55 Swedish Mauser	9.16	1,362	834	2098
6mm Remington	8.99	1,212	593	2299
.22 Creedmoor	8.60	1,053	325	2700
.30-30 Winchester	8.58	1,103	695	1748
.243 Winchester	8.48	1,217	594	2304
.220 Swift	8.30	785	220	2529
.22-250	7.90	726	241	2330
.204 Ruger	7.37	534	125	2516
6mm BR	7.35	894	380	2176
.22 Nosler	7.25	716	268	2226
7.62 x 39mm	7.24	876	477	1699
6.8 Remington SPC	7.22	914	436	1934
6.5 Grendel	6.89	953	593	1852
.224 Valkyrie	6.67	733	312	2151
.223 / 5.56	6.65	650	281	2055
.350 Legend	6.61	760	470	1409
.222 Remington	5.69	487	166	2019
.300 Blackout	5.45	584	650	1171
.22 Hornet	3.32	258	109	1520
.17 Hornet	3.31	204	49	2022
.17 WSM	2.60	119	35	1589
.17 HMR	1.50	44	15	1079
.22 WMR	1.44	123	54	1177
.22lr	0.96	45	32	725

How Much Recoil Is Too Much Recoil?

Just seeing a list of recoil numbers is helpful, but it can still be difficult to know what that feels like in reality. Hopefully, the following comparison of some of the most popular cartridges today will be helpful.

In general, most large-bodied and experienced adult shooters can comfortably shoot a rifle with a recoil velocity of under 13.5 fps without developing a flinch. Many smaller-bodied or inexperienced adult shooters begin to experience flinch at approximately 11.75 fps of recoil velocity.

• The.243 Winchester’s recoil produces 9.22 ft-lbs of energy at a recoil velocity of 8.48 fps. That amount of recoil is low enough that even youth shooters have no problem shooting the cartridge. It feels more like a sudden vibration than actual kick.
• The 6.5 Creedmoor produces 11.83 ft-lbs of energy at a recoil velocity of 9.54 fps in an average-weight rifle. It is considered to have very mild recoil, which many youth shooters and all adult shooters can generally shoot without any flinch or pain.
• The 6.5 PRC generates 16.27 ft-lbs of energy at a recoil velocity of 11.19 fps. Its recoil is noticeable, but most adult shooters consider it sufficiently mild as to not require a muzzle break or suppressor. It has very similar recoil to the 7mm-08, and slightly less than the .270 Winchester.
• The .270 Winchester’s recoil produces 17.64 ft-lbs of energy and 11.64 fps of recoil velocity. Most people consider the .270 a moderate-recoiling cartridge that can push the shooter off target during the shot, but is not enough to cause pain in the average adult shooter.
• The 7mm-08 Remington’s recoil produces 14.88 ft-lbs of energy at a velocity of 10.68 fps. Because of its mild recoil, it is often recommended as a good hunting cartridge for youth and small-framed shooters.
• The 7mm Remington Mag generates significant recoil of 22.15 ft-lbs at 13.32 fps. Smaller-framed or young shooters generally consider the cartridge as having high recoil, but its recoil is manageable for experienced large-framed shooters to be able to shoot it regularly.
• The .28 Nosler produces a sharp, powerful recoil which most shooters find to be too much unless they shoot with a muzzle break or suppressor. It produces 28.27 ft-lbs of recoil energy at a velocity of 14.72 fps. Because of its recoil, a .28 Nosler should generally only be shot out of heavier rifles, coupled with a brake or suppressor.
• The .30-06 cartridge has a strong but not particularly sharp recoil. It generates 21.34 ft-lbs of energy at 12.55 fps. In a well-designed rifle and stock, the .30-06 recoil is acceptable for most adult shooters, but in many older rifles with poorly-designed stocks, the recoil can feel too powerful.
• The .50BMG produces a tremendous amount of recoil, measuring at 83.17 ft-lbs of energy. Although the recoil energy is significant, it moves relatively slow at 11.91 fps. Additionally, the .50 BMG is almost always shot with a massive muzzle brake which can reduce the recoil by 50%.

Reducing the Recoil of Your Rifle

I have tried many different methods for reducing the recoil of cartridges that are too powerful. The most common method that shooters choose is to simply add a muzzle brake. This can reduce the recoil between 20% and 50% depending on the size and effectiveness of the brake. Personally, I hate muzzle brakes and don’t use them at all anymore.

The problem with muzzle brakes is that they increase the volume of the gunshot significantly. Even with foam earplugs or earmuffs, the sound can still be loud enough to make ears ring. When I shoot muzzle brakes, I use both earplugs as well as muffs in order to protect my hearing.

Muzzle brakes come in two basic varieties: radial port and side-port. A radial-port brake has holes all around the sides which can make it more effective, but sends out a blast of dust when shot near the ground because it blasts down and not just to the sides.

My preferred method for reducing recoil is using a silencer (suppressor, if you will). A silencer can reduce a firearm’s recoil up to 45% while also making the gunshot quieter. While I still use hearing protection with a silencer, it makes the sound more tolerable.

An additional method to reduce the recoil of a firearm is to use “downloaded” rounds. Handloaders can simply put less powder in the cartridge, but even those who purchase factory ammunition can often find “reduced recoil” loads which can reduce the recoil by approximately 10%.