Shooting

Rifle Recoil Table: Updated for 2022 with all popular cartridges

ByJim Harmer Updated onNovember 26, 2022

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!

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
7mm PRC	25.2	13.4	175	3,000
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	23.6	13	175	2,835
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

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)	500 Yard FPS
.378 Weatherby Magnum	60.68	19.38	2,188	1835
.30-378 Weatherby Magnum	45.78	18.39	2,501	2346
.458 Win Mag	55.57	17.95	1,489	1158
.416 Ruger	52.72	17.56	1,684	1399
.416 Rigby	52.49	17.52	1,573	1331
.416 Remington Magnum	50.46	17.18	1,556	1323
.338-378 Weatherby Magnum	45.40	16.95	2,338	2027
.300 RUM	34.97	16.07	2,179	2191
.375 Ruger	41.67	16.06	1,716	1625
.300 Weatherby Magnum	33.18	15.65	2,200	2201
.300 PRC	32.42	15.47	2,238	2193
.338 RUM	37.80	15.46	2,150	1944
.338 Lapua Magnum	37.70	15.44	2,237	1982
.375 H&H Magnum	38.28	15.39	1,664	1601
.340 Weatherby Magnum	36.88	15.28	2,138	1938
.30 Nosler	31.58	15.27	2,163	2182
.300 Winchester Magnum	29.99	14.88	1,996	2096
.325 WSM	28.95	14.80	1,760	1971
.28 Nosler	28.27	14.72	2,087	2374
.45-70 Govt	30.81	14.68	589	895
.33 Nosler	33.91	14.65	2,208	1962
7mm Weatherby Magnum	26.07	14.13	1,951	2287
7 STW	25.91	14.09	1,936	2278
.300 WSM	26.54	14.00	1,930	2061
.27 Nosler	25.28	13.93	1,797	2258
9.3 x 62mm Mauser	30.72	13.82	1,442	1531
6.5-300 Weatherby Magnum	24.72	13.79	1,919	2500
.338 Win Mag	29.90	13.75	1,883	1819
.270 Weatherby Magnum	23.25	13.36	1,628	2258
7mm Rem Mag	23.15	13.32	1,725	2183
7 WSM	22.50	13.13	1,813	2245
.35 Whelen	27.14	13.02	1,217	1561
.26 Nosler	21.45	12.85	1,764	2488
.270 WSM	21.24	12.77	1,614	2210
.300 Ruger (RCM)	21.60	12.63	1,486	1855
.30-06 Springfield	21.34	12.55	1,651	1907
7 SAUM	20.53	12.54	1,655	2145
6.8 Western	23.6	13	1,600	2106
6.5 Weatherby RPM	19.93	12.38	1,725	2330
.450 Bushmaster	22.22	12.27	421	842
.257 Weatherby Magnum	19.13	12.18	1,193	2200
.444 Marlin	22.99	12.16	467	889
.280 Ackley Improved	19.29	12.16	1,632	2122
.338 Federal	22.84	12.02	1,598	1736
.50 BMG	83.17	11.91	8,479	2296
.280 Remington	18.35	11.85	1,560	2098
.264 Winchester Magnum	17.68	11.66	1,526	2229
.270 Winchester	17.64	11.64	1,407	2064
.308 Winchester	18.27	11.62	1,401	1767
6.5 PRC	16.27	11.19	1,529	2204
7mm-08 Remington	14.88	10.68	1,283	1903
6.5-284 Norma Match	14.48	10.56	1,329	2044
7mm Mauser	13.24	10.07	1,194	1836
.25-06 Remington	12.69	9.92	973	1987
.260 Remington	12.56	9.83	1,213	1952
.240 Weatherby Magnum	12.06	9.70	937	2046
6.5 Creedmoor	11.87	9.56	1,191	1969
6mm Creedmoor	10.89	9.22	946	2016
6.5 x 55 Swedish Mauser	10.90	9.16	1,040	1834
6mm Remington	10.36	8.99	856	1931
.22 Creedmoor	9.15	8.60	724	2240
.30-30 Winchester	9.97	8.58	743	1434
.243 Winchester	9.22	8.48	862	1938
.220 Swift	8.54	8.30	421	1853
.22-250	7.73	7.90	384	1693
.204 Ruger	6.18	7.37	263	1766
6mm BR	6.92	7.35	548	1704
.22 Nosler	6.52	7.25	380	1623
7.62 x 39mm	7.11	7.24	579	1382
6.8 Remington SPC	6.79	7.22	603	1571
6.5 Grendel	6.18	6.89	707	1596
.224 Valkyrie	5.51	6.67	422	1631
.223 / 5.56	5.48	6.65	338	1483
.350 Legend	7.08	6.61	454	1088
.222 Remington	4.00	5.69	246	1436
.300 Blackout	4.02	5.45	427	1001
.22 Hornet	1.37	3.32	129	1075
.17 Hornet	1.23	3.31	83	1288
.17 WSM	0.76	2.60	51	1038
.17 HMR	0.25	1.50	21	750
.22 WMR	0.26	1.44	82	961
.22lr	0.12	0.96	26	545

Same Table As Above, But Now at 300 Yards

Cartridge	Recoil Velocity (FPS)	300 Yard Energy (ft lbs)	300 Yard FPS
.378 Weatherby Magnum	19.38	3,356	2273
.30-378 Weatherby Magnum	18.39	3,238	2670
.458 Win Mag	17.95	2,423	1477
.416 Ruger	17.56	2,778	1797
.416 Rigby	17.52	2,594	1709
.416 Remington Magnum	17.18	2,569	1700
.338-378 Weatherby Magnum	16.95	3,216	2377
.300 RUM	16.07	2,845	2503
.375 Ruger	16.06	2,647	2019
.300 Weatherby Magnum	15.65	2,848	2504
.300 PRC	15.47	2,921	2505
.338 RUM	15.46	2,974	2286
.338 Lapua Magnum	15.44	3,085	2328
.375 H&H Magnum	15.39	2,550	1981
.340 Weatherby Magnum	15.28	2,960	2281
.30 Nosler	15.27	2,825	2494
.300 Winchester Magnum	14.88	2,619	2401
.325 WSM	14.80	2,374	2289
.28 Nosler	14.72	2,638	2669
.45-70 Govt	14.68	1,080	1212
.33 Nosler	14.65	3,047	2304
7mm Weatherby Magnum	14.13	2,481	2578
7 STW	14.09	2,463	2569
.300 WSM	14.00	2,537	2363
.27 Nosler	13.93	2,377	2596
9.3 x 62mm Mauser	13.82	2,227	1902
6.5-300 Weatherby Magnum	13.79	2,428	2812
.338 Win Mag	13.75	2,611	2142
.270 Weatherby Magnum	13.36	2,151	2595
7mm Rem Mag	13.32	2,206	2469
7 WSM	13.13	2,312	2535
.35 Whelen	13.02	2,010	2006
.26 Nosler	12.85	2,234	2801
.270 WSM	12.77	2,118	2532
.300 Ruger (RCM)	12.63	1,979	2140
.30-06 Springfield	12.55	2,171	2186
7 SAUM	12.54	2,121	2428
6.8 Western	13.0	2,083	2402
6.5 Weatherby RPM	12.38	2,199	2631
.450 Bushmaster	12.27	817	1173
.257 Weatherby Magnum	12.18	1,674	2606
.444 Marlin	12.16	944	1263
.280 Ackley Improved	12.16	2,076	2393
.338 Federal	12.02	2,173	2025
.50 BMG	11.91	9,971	2490
.280 Remington	11.85	2,011	2383
.264 Winchester Magnum	11.66	1,954	2522
.270 Winchester	11.64	1,894	2395
.308 Winchester	11.62	1,867	2040
6.5 PRC	11.19	1,960	2495
7mm-08 Remington	10.68	1,703	2192
6.5-284 Norma Match	10.56	1,718	2324
7mm Mauser	10.07	1,578	2111
.25-06 Remington	9.92	1,373	2360
.260 Remington	9.83	1,576	2226
.240 Weatherby Magnum	9.70	1,316	2425
6.5 Creedmoor	9.56	1,544	2242
6mm Creedmoor	9.22	1,330	2391
6.5 x 55 Swedish Mauser	9.16	1,362	2098
6mm Remington	8.99	1,212	2299
.22 Creedmoor	8.60	1,053	2700
.30-30 Winchester	8.58	1,103	1748
.243 Winchester	8.48	1,217	2304
.220 Swift	8.30	785	2529
.22-250	7.90	726	2330
.204 Ruger	7.37	534	2516
6mm BR	7.35	894	2176
.22 Nosler	7.25	716	2226
7.62 x 39mm	7.24	876	1699
6.8 Remington SPC	7.22	914	1934
6.5 Grendel	6.89	953	1852
.224 Valkyrie	6.67	733	2151
.223 / 5.56	6.65	650	2055
.350 Legend	6.61	760	1409
.222 Remington	5.69	487	2019
.300 Blackout	5.45	584	1171
.22 Hornet	3.32	258	1520
.17 Hornet	3.31	204	2022
.17 WSM	2.60	119	1589
.17 HMR	1.50	44	1079
.22 WMR	1.44	123	1177
.22lr	0.96	45	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%.

Jim Harmer

Jim Harmer is a host of the Backfire Youtube channel. He has managed multiple gun ranges, and has hunted around the world. He is a well-known entrepreneur, having started many successful online brands, and lives in St George, Utah.

72 Comments

Jim Harmer says:

at

I spent SOOOO long putting the data for this post together. Hope y’all enjoy it!

Reply
1. Stuart says:
  
  at
  
  Thank you for all the work! It’s nice to have an updated chart with modern calibers!
  
  Reply
2. Ken B says:
  
  at
  
  Thanks a million Jim! Very nice!
  
  Reply
3. Gary R. says:
  
  at
  
  I like it! I see sportsman’s guide pulled down the plagiarized article from their site. I hope they pay you your due. You earned it for running down this rabbit hole in such beautiful detail.
  
  Reply
  1. Joshua says:
    
    at
    
    Thanks Jim! Appreciate the hours of hard work 🙏🏻
    
    Reply
4. Blake says:
  
  at
  
  Thanks Jim. Your time and efforts are appreciated. It’s fun to compare cartridges in a compact, informative way.
  
  Reply
5. Jeron P says:
  
  at
  
  Does this data base take into consideration muzzle breaks/compensators, or are these numbers of just the weapon its self with no muzzle break/compensator?
  
  Reply
  1. Jim Harmer says:
    
    at
    
    These are with no muzzle brake nor suppressor.
    
    Reply
6. Daniel delpapa says:
  
  at
  
  Great info. as a person that cant have more the 15 foot lbs recoil going into my shoulder ( medical thing ) i find this very helpfull.
  Are you ever going to do a recoil table on muzzle loaders, inline rifles, percussion cap, flintlocks, i moved away from cartridge rifles to front stuffers to tailor loads to be light but there is almost zero info about black powder and recoil. most is oh it feels like a ( insert rifle caliber here) i know im shooting a inline with 60 grains of pyrodex and a 250 grain bullet out of a 10 lb rifle, it feels like my 3030 but i have no way of knowing if im risking my life with the recoil. ( and yes i mean my life, medical thing ) if you ever do one on black powder in inlines, or even cartridges, like the 45-70, 44-40 etc that would be great. i know its different, i used to shoot 45-70 and id shoot black powder loads and modern powder loads and the black powder loaded ones felt alot better, way less recoil. any ways. loved the info was very helpful, literally a life saver. look forward to black powder list one day. there is a ton of ppl that would love that info.
  
  Reply
7. Terry says:
  
  at
  
  Have a lightweight granddaughter to test a few rifles recoil tomorrow, your time gathering this information is greatly appreciated and will definitely keep her from going into recoil shock. Instead of 65cm will start with 762 x 39 or 223. I was wondering about the average weight you listed for 308 Winchester , 202 gr ? And also 30-06 , 205 gr . I thought 150 to 180 was most popular weight on the store shelf. Thanks a million for your time and unbiased information
  
  Reply
8. Philip Jones says:
  
  at
  
  I’m curious Jim. Your chart says 6.8 Western produces 20ft/lbs of recoil but a couple other sites I’ve read say it’s around 30…
  
  Reply
  1. Jim Harmer says:
    
    at
    
    Double checked my info and I can confirm it’s correct. Thanks for checking.
    
    Reply
bARTHOLOMEW IN IOWA says:

at

This was helpful and interesting! It was put to use in picking which caliber to get a new rifle. With the recoil data, I opted for 6.5 creedmoor as one my wife could be able to use comfortably to protect her animals from predators.

Reply
1. Jim Harmer says:
  
  at
  
  Glad it was helpful! 6.5 Creedmoor is a great choice for many unexperienced or small bodied shooters. My kids both shoot 6.5 Creedmoor for hunting deer-sized game. There are other good options as well, but 6.5 Creedmoor has such good bullet availability (during normal times) and rifles to select from that it’s a no brainer.
  
  As mentioned, though, there are other good options that are similarly situated for light recoil hunting capabilities. Some that come to mind are the .243, 25-06, and 7mm-08.
  
  Reply
brad says:

at

You have the 300 Weatherby as having less recoil than the 300 Win mag. It should be other way around. The Weatherby drives a similar bullet at least 200 fps faster and thereby has to have more recoil

Reply
1. Jim Harmer says:
  
  at
  
  I have gone in and fixed the error. Thank you for pointing it out. I want this to be perfect.
  
  Reply
2. David King says:
  
  at
  
  I believe this is one of the best recoil tables I have seen. I am no expert but I would say I’m at least more experienced than the average bear. One thing I did learn from this is how light the 6.5 creedmoor’s recoil was. It’s a round that I was never really interested in until now because it seems to be the only ammo I can find these days. I love y’all’s videos and articles keep it up guys!
  
  Reply
  1. Steve Phillips says:
    
    at
    
    The article states “and at last 1,900 fps of velocity” recommended for deer, same as elk? Don’t you mean “900 fps” for deer?
    
    Reply
    1. Jim Harmer says:
      
      at
      
      1,900fps is a minimum speed needed for reliably expanding most bullet types. So it would apply to deer or elk.
      
      Reply
AZNative says:

at

Why are the numbers in the “HOW MUCH RECOIL IS TOO MUCH RECOIL?” area different than the corresponding calibers on the chart?

Reply
1. Jim Harmer says:
  
  at
  
  Thank you for noticing. We updated a few numbers in the chart but forgot to update the text. It’s fixed now.
  
  Reply
  1. Lu Timdale says:
    
    at
    
    The table seems to be messed up. I tried Chrome and Firefox. I am interested in this, but your cartridge column seems to have values for velocity (fps), muzzle energy. If you send me your email, I can send you some screenshots.
    Thanks.
    Lu
    
    Reply
    1. Jim Harmer says:
      
      at
      
      Thank you. I fixed it.
      
      Reply
Jay Williams says:

at

Sooo Glad that you’ve decided to Bypass these Anti-Second Amendment Attacks . By Continuing Your Rights Under a Free Society . Great Channel , Great Content , Great Nation . Hopefully you’ll include an Old Redfield Widefield Scope to the mix . The Old Timers will get it right away . The Younger Generation Not So Much .
Here are a couple of Cartridges that would make for some Interesting Video’s in the Future . The 257 Roberts , 7 x 57mm Spanish , 7.5 x 55mm Swiss . Cheers To All of Those that Support Your Channel , the Second Amendment and Our Freedom Loving Nation ..!!!!!! God Bless America , The Constitution , Bill Of Rights & The U.S. Warriors & Veterans Of The United States Of America

Reply
Steve says:

at

This is fascinating. Your YouTube video used a 500 yard range in selecting the lightest recoiling cartridges for deer and elk. Is there somewhere we can adjust the ranges? I would not need 500 yards – I’d need more like 300, and I’d be curious to see how the reduction in range would affect the cartridge selection. It would seem like you could get away with even less gun if you limited your shots to closer in. Regardless, thank you for all your work.

Reply
Bobby Bessette says:

at

Hey Jim just wanted to tell you that I love the channel.. very informative about not only what rifle options are best for our budget but what caliber might be best for our needs. I was wondering why I never see anyone do videos on one of the greatest calibers of all time.. the 8 x57 Mauser. Just wish it would get more respect. Without the 8 mm Mauser there would be no 30-06 or 308 or any other cartridges that have that head size. Thank you again Jim for your excellent channel

Reply
Mark Scarboro says:

at

Just curious of your thoughts on the 6mm Remington I have a Mohawk that is chambered in that as you know the Mohawk has an 18 inch barrel. What are the capabilities of that rifle at distance and is there a more popular round that is comparable to the flight path of that round that I could get a BDC scope for that would work or is there one for the 6mm

Reply
Gene Greiner says:

at

Wow!! I have no idea where you sourced all of this information but, this is very impressive and extremely helpful. I love learning about these types of topics – your videos and presented data are very well done!

Just because I am curious for the <5% that might take an animal greater than 500 yards, did you happen to extrapolate FPS and ft. lbs of energy out to 1,000 yards?

Reply
Kolte Breck says:

at

This is rad, but would be even sweeter if you allowed visitors to sort by columns of their choice.
🙂

Reply
Steve says:

at

Jim, love your blog and YouTube channel. Why not offer Patreon support since YouTube demonetized your channel? I would support you.

Reply
Marty says:

at

Where does the recoil of a 12 gauge shotgun fit in?

Reply
David Jow says:

at

Great data! How can we calculate wind drift for these calibers? Is there a formula for it?

Reply
1. Jim Harmer says:
  
  at
  
  You mean like this? 🙂 https://backfire.tv/wind-deflection/
  
  Reply
Frank Kibbon says:

at

Did a wonderful job but forgot the 250 & 300 savage

Reply
Todd says:

at

Great info! Thanks Jim

Reply
Beau Tanner says:

at

This is a really epic resource! One item I remain curious about is where the 12 gauge shotgun cartridge fits.

Reply
Mark Williams says:

at

Howdy Jim…………I noticed on your recoil chart……….that you have the 300 Win mag 11 notches higher on the totem pole…………than the 338 Win mag………..can this be true ????………..Mark in Cypress, TX

Reply
1. James Willmus says:
  
  at
  
  Mark,
  
  If you take a look at the first table, the cartridges are NOT sorted by ft-lbs of energy, but by velocity (feet per second). Both cartridges kick fairly hard, but the 300 win mag has more velocity behind it. The 338, with a heavier, wider bullet, exhibits lower recoil velocity as a result.
  
  That being said, the two cartridges are very similar and whether felt recoil is more in one cartridge or the other is more about rifle design than cartridge design. That’s why we are using more objective stats such as free recoil energy and velocity.
  
  Reply
  1. Mark Williams says:
    
    at
    
    Thanks for that James………God bless from Cypress, TX
    
    Reply
Larry Hemmert says:

at

Is there any possibility you can provide the spreadsheets themselves?

Reply
Wes Kuhn says:

at

I was hoping that you might be able to help me on a recoil question if you have the same weight gun at 8.25lbs or 10.25 lbs with scope on one is a weatherby 300 mag and the other is a weatherby 30-378 what would there recoil numbers be I know that the 30-378 would be higher but didnt know the exact difference and both guns would be shooting 180gr ammo 300 mag muzzle velocity would be 3250fps and the 30-378 muzzle velocity would be 3450 fps. Thanks for any help

Reply
Rob Anderson says:

at

I shoot a 340 Weatherby and have always said that it doesn’t kick as bad as a 300 WBY. It’s more of a push. I could never explain or prove this until I saw your video and recoil charts. Now it all makes sense. Great job Jim!

Reply
Tom Sells says:

at

Jim I heard on one of your videos that you were going to upgrade your kids rifle. I am interested in buying your kids Ruger American in 6.5 Creedmoor with the scope. I am more of a prepper than a hunter and this seems to be a good starter rifle. I wouldn’t mind hunting but not sure how to start. Thanks in advance.

Reply
M. Smith says:

at

Really simply great information, many thanks, did you consider looking at the .303?

Reply
Dan Kosek says:

at

Jim, so much work is summarized in what you have built. I just wanted to say thanks. I would love to see a Googlesheets or Excel version where you can turn off cartridges (many of which I will never use/have) to slim down the table. Also, how hard would it be to add a 12 and 20 gauge sabot slug to the work? I’m still on the fence about using Hornady’s values instead of straight ft lbs of power. I listened to your Youtube explanation of why but I think its a little bit of “I like apples and don’t like your oranges.” Kinda talk. I also think it rules out a lot of fine cartridges that I have seen people use very effectively. I do agree that people won’t keep their own rules when their personal trophy walks into view at an unreasonable range for what they are toting. When you have to hike a mile to close 200 yds, will you? Overall, thanks again for the work and please publish the data with straight ft lbs instead of the Hornady math as well. Sorry, I love Hornady ammo, but marketing is still marketing.

Reply
Chuck says:

at

I’d like to see more AR calibers listed. IE 450 Bushmaster, .458 SOCOM, etc. but this was a crazy amount of work even without adding more calibers to it. Thanks!

Reply
Vince says:

at

Thanks Jim.
Greatly appreciate not only your brain of knowledge but more so, your heart of sharing.

Reply
Greg says:

at

Your table says that the 6.8 Western has 20 ft lbs of free recoil energy. Multiple sources that I’ve read say it is around 30 ft/lbs.

Reply
Jerry Oliver says:

at

Jim,

I find that a good recoil pad also makes a significant difference in recoil. I had an older Ruger model 77 in 7mm-08 (shooting140 grain bullets at about 2800 fps) and the recoil was pretty sharp because the recoil pad was hard rubber and no more than 1/4″ thick. On the other hand, my Howa in .308 Winchester (shooting 150 grain bullets at about 2800 fps) had very little recoil because it had a much thicker recoil pad (about 1″) that was also much softer than the one on the Ruger. I believe both rifles weighed about the same.

Jerry

Reply
Norm Langevin says:

at

Thanks Jim. You explain yourself very well . It makes so an old man can understand it.

Reply
Wallace rose says:

at

Booking hunt in Yukon, hunted with rifle’s up to 30.06 .280 the most , in your opinion what would be the best caliber and scope for Moose . Grizzly, caribou. You mentioned Weatherby rifles because of stock design helps with recoil! Looking at mark v hunter. Weight of gun + caliber + scope = animal / 300 yds Looking forward to 7mm08 discussion. Thanks

Reply
Omar says:

at

Thank you Jim for your awesome videos and all the hard work in compiling this table!

Reply
1. Jim Harmer says:
  
  at
  
  Thank you!
  
  Reply
Kyler says:

at

Appreciate and enjoy all the the content you put out. These charts have been eye opening and informative, thank you.

Reply
Charles Dang says:

at

Jim,
Your posts and YT are so accessible that someone like me who has never hunted wants to hunt even more. Now I am better informed and will make better decisions regarding what to buy and stock up on. Thanks, buddy!

Reply
Olin Yancey says:

at

What is your rationale for momentum of powder charge = mass X 1.75 X muzzle velocity?

Reply
Dan Hendrickson says:

at

Hi,
Can you add the .257 Roberts?

Reply
Boog says:

at

Great info…Are these figures based on bolt action rifles and pump shotguns? If so, how much recoil reduction might be realized by using semi autos?

Reply
Scott says:

at

You’re 308 load data at 202 grains seems really heavy. I would assume about 168 is the average load for a 308.

Reply
Barry Dahlbeck says:

at

Hi Jim,
Have you, or could you , review rifle availability for left handers? I watch your videos, get stoked about a cool products, like the 2020 waypoint, then research it for a lefty an “Nope!”, not available. If you had to choose from left-handed choice, what would be good, better, best picks? Any input is appreciated. Best regards,

Reply
Harold Preston says:

at

Thanks a lot this really helped me out with picking a starting deer rifle for my son.

Reply
Jeremy Maass says:

at

Thanks so much for this! I am looking at expanding my rifle collection and this info is so helpful.

I want to clarify though, that the .300 win mag and .338 win mag have exactly the same free recoil energy, with the .300 having a higher velocity and therefore a higher felt recoil? Is that accurate?

Other sources I look at say that it should be pretty strongly the opposite, that the .338 should be staunchly heavier recoil. Just want to make sure I’m reading it correctly.

Thanks again!

Reply
Larry Loreth says:

at

What is the “felt recoil (recoil velocity)” of a reduced recoil Hornady 125 grain SST (Custom Lite) load? How does it compare to a 130 grain 6.5 Creedmore cartridge?

Larry

Reply
Terry says:

at

Fantastic information thank you for your work. I really like your YouTube channel

Reply
Jonathan says:

at

This got me started, but I found your formula confusing because of the way it is written out. It doesn\\\’t seem to follow the order of operations for math. I rewrote it this way for my own clarity:
Recoil Velocity = (Powder charge in grains * 1.75 + bullet weight in grains) * muzzle velocity in FPS / weight of gun in lbs / 7000gr

Reply
mike morgan says:

at

Great information. Appreciate the podcast.

Reply
Mike richter says:

at

There’s a lot of data here that I don’t agree with like a 243 having more killing power than a 25_06 at 300 yds,ain’t gonna happen I’ve owned both have shot deer at that distance with both 25_06 is supperior, in my experience and I’m a great shot,ill back that up if you come to my personal shooting range!I shoot 416 Rigby with modern loads 400 trainers to 2650 fps no sweat!

Reply
Victor carter says:

at

Thank you for your hard work…very much appreciated.
I would have liked to see more on the average deer shot ranges. Probably inside 75 yards and 175 yards. Looking more at the averages of most likely. In golf, there is a saying…if you have to hit the best shot of your life with the club in your hand to make the shot….you have the wrong club in your hand( in other words it is most likely not gonna be a good shot so dont take that shot. That’s the way we should feel about humanely taking deer.

Reply
Mike says:

at

Do you keep current data on updates to the recoil table? I’m specifically comparing 7prc, 6.8 western, and 277 fury.

Also, just curious, are you gathering these w/ basic common variables? Like same gun weight and/or powder weight charge?

Thank you!

Reply
Kai Hillecke says:

at

Hi Jim,

can you include the 7PRC in that list ?

BR from Germany Kai

Reply
1. Jim Harmer says:
  
  at
  
  Got it added.
  
  Reply
Philip Jones says:

at

Just curious why do you use a 205grain for you 300weatherby recoil calculation?

Reply