Rifle Recoil Table: Updated for 2022 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!
| 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 |
.
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%.
I spent SOOOO long putting the data for this post together. Hope y’all enjoy it!
Thank you for all the work! It’s nice to have an updated chart with modern calibers!
Thanks a million Jim! Very nice!
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.
Thanks Jim! Appreciate the hours of hard work 🙏🏻
Thanks Jim. Your time and efforts are appreciated. It’s fun to compare cartridges in a compact, informative way.
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?
These are with no muzzle brake nor suppressor.
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.
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.
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
I have gone in and fixed the error. Thank you for pointing it out. I want this to be perfect.
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!
Why are the numbers in the “HOW MUCH RECOIL IS TOO MUCH RECOIL?” area different than the corresponding calibers on the chart?
Thank you for noticing. We updated a few numbers in the chart but forgot to update the text. It’s fixed now.
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
Thank you. I fixed it.
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
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.
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
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
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?
This is rad, but would be even sweeter if you allowed visitors to sort by columns of their choice.
🙂
Jim, love your blog and YouTube channel. Why not offer Patreon support since YouTube demonetized your channel? I would support you.
Where does the recoil of a 12 gauge shotgun fit in?
Great data! How can we calculate wind drift for these calibers? Is there a formula for it?
You mean like this? 🙂 https://backfire.tv/wind-deflection/
Did a wonderful job but forgot the 250 & 300 savage
Great info! Thanks Jim
This is a really epic resource! One item I remain curious about is where the 12 gauge shotgun cartridge fits.
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
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.
Thanks for that James………God bless from Cypress, TX
Is there any possibility you can provide the spreadsheets themselves?
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
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!
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.
Really simply great information, many thanks, did you consider looking at the .303?
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.
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!
Thanks Jim.
Greatly appreciate not only your brain of knowledge but more so, your heart of sharing.
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.
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
Thanks Jim. You explain yourself very well . It makes so an old man can understand it.
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
Thank you Jim for your awesome videos and all the hard work in compiling this table!
Thank you!
Appreciate and enjoy all the the content you put out. These charts have been eye opening and informative, thank you.
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!
What is your rationale for momentum of powder charge = mass X 1.75 X muzzle velocity?
Hi,
Can you add the .257 Roberts?
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?