The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Yikes. Is .308 recoil a surprise for all rifle noobs? (or just me?)

jmr40 · August 12, 2012, 02:05 PM

A 308 generates around 16-18 ft lbs of recoil in most rifles with most loads. About double a 30-30 which is around 10- 12 ft lbs. A 30-06 is in the 19-20 ft lb range, 300 mags are around 23-25 ft lbs. A hot loaded 45-70, 40-45 ft lbs. If you are used to a 223, at around 4 ft lbs, a 308 can be quite a bit.

Those numbers are for "actual" ft. lbs of recoil and do not reflect "felt" recoil which can be worse. Many guns have much better stock designs that make recoil feel much lighter than it actually is. CZ's and most 30-30's stock designs are older designs that amplify felt recoil and actually hurt worse than the numbers would indicate. More modern designs with straight combs, wide buttplates, and a more forward balance don't hurt nearly as bad. I have a 5 lb. Kimber in 308 that does not hurt to shoot as bad as my 7 lb. 30-30. Stock design is the reason.

August 12, 2012, 02:05 PM	#23
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,809	A 308 generates around 16-18 ft lbs of recoil in most rifles with most loads. About double a 30-30 which is around 10- 12 ft lbs. A 30-06 is in the 19-20 ft lb range, 300 mags are around 23-25 ft lbs. A hot loaded 45-70, 40-45 ft lbs. If you are used to a 223, at around 4 ft lbs, a 308 can be quite a bit. Those numbers are for "actual" ft. lbs of recoil and do not reflect "felt" recoil which can be worse. Many guns have much better stock designs that make recoil feel much lighter than it actually is. CZ's and most 30-30's stock designs are older designs that amplify felt recoil and actually hurt worse than the numbers would indicate. More modern designs with straight combs, wide buttplates, and a more forward balance don't hurt nearly as bad. I have a 5 lb. Kimber in 308 that does not hurt to shoot as bad as my 7 lb. 30-30. Stock design is the reason.