12 Gauge Recoil VS 44 Mag

CMGibson · June 27, 2012, 05:54 PM

Is there much difference in recoil between these two? Im thinking about between a carbine size 44 and short barrel Shotgun. If the recoil is lighter I like the idea of getting a few more rounds in capacity over the Shotgun.

Brian Pfleuger · June 27, 2012, 06:00 PM

Well, yes.

Considering that a 12ga might fire a 385gr projectile at 1800+ fps, while a 44mag carbine might do a 240gr at 1800, the 12ga would have more than 50% more recoil.

If you want to know more exact, go here:

http://www.handloads.com/calc/recoil.asp

darkgael · June 27, 2012, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Considering that a 12ga might fire a 385gr projectile at 1800+ fps, while a 44mag carbine might do a 240gr at 1800, the 12ga would have more than 50% more recoil.

50% more in the same weight gun....probably an accurate appraisal since it is easy enough to find guns in both 12 ga. and .44 magnum at about seven pounds.
It may help to remember that the formulae will give you the figure s for "free" recoil. Just as important is "felt" recoil. Felt recoil is affected by even more variables - stock design and shooter anatomy are two important elements. Give both guns to a shooter who is six feet five inches tall and weighs 260 and then give the same guns to a five foot 100 lb shooter and they will probably report differently. Give them an eight and a half pound shotgun and a six pound Contender in .44 and you will have yet another set of differences.
If you use standard "pumpkin ball" slugs in the shotgun (450 grains at about 1400 fps) the difference is less (19ft.lbs vs 14ft.lbs); however, the lighter .44 will have faster recoil velocity and so it may "feel" like there is more recoil when there isn't.

Pete

jmr40 · June 27, 2012, 07:51 PM

The 12 will have more recoil, but you have to consider the guns weight and stock shape. Using the recoil calculator a 1 oz slug @1450 fps from a 7.5 lb shotgun you will get about 23.5 ft lbs of recoil. That is more than most 300 win mags.

Firing a 240 gr bullet @ 1800 fps from a 7.5 lb 44 mag only gives around 12 ft lbs. Problem is most 44 mag carbines are going to be much lighter than a shotgun. From a 5-6 lb gun the 44 mag is going to have around 15 ft lbs of recoil. About the same as a standard weight 308.

You cannot mathematically calculate felt recoil though. A 12 guage shotgun typically has a good recoil pad and a better designed stock. I've found that most leveractions have a bit more felt recoil because of the stock design hits you in the cheek as much as the shoulder. They also typically have no recoil pads. The 12 will recoil more any way you look at it. But what you feel may not be as great as the numbers would lead you to believe.

Edward429451 · June 27, 2012, 07:57 PM

So the answer is yes. You would have more capacity and less recoil. You would have more penetration also, which may or may not be a plus depending on how you look at it. IMO it would be a big plus.

CMGibson · June 27, 2012, 08:56 PM

Quote:

JMR

Firing a 240 gr bullet @ 1800 fps from a 7.5 lb 44 mag only gives around 12 ft lbs. Problem is most 44 mag carbines are going to be much lighter than a shotgun. From a 5-6 lb gun the 44 mag is going to have around 15 ft lbs of recoil. About the same as a standard weight 308.

44 Mag Carbine has the same recoil as a 308? Thats still a bit stiff for me.

zippy13 · June 27, 2012, 10:34 PM

Physics gives us the calculations required for determining comparative free recoil. Felt recoil, or kick, is a different story. As my friend, Pete, astutely observed, "...it may 'feel' like there is more recoil when there isn't."

June 27, 2012, 05:54 PM	#1
CMGibson Member Join Date: May 8, 2012 Posts: 28	12 Gauge Recoil VS 44 Mag Is there much difference in recoil between these two? Im thinking about between a carbine size 44 and short barrel Shotgun. If the recoil is lighter I like the idea of getting a few more rounds in capacity over the Shotgun.

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June 27, 2012, 06:00 PM	#2
Brian Pfleuger Moderator Emeritus Join Date: June 25, 2008 Location: Austin, CO Posts: 19,578	Well, yes. Considering that a 12ga might fire a 385gr projectile at 1800+ fps, while a 44mag carbine might do a 240gr at 1800, the 12ga would have more than 50% more recoil. If you want to know more exact, go here: http://www.handloads.com/calc/recoil.asp

June 27, 2012, 07:51 PM	#4
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,803	The 12 will have more recoil, but you have to consider the guns weight and stock shape. Using the recoil calculator a 1 oz slug @1450 fps from a 7.5 lb shotgun you will get about 23.5 ft lbs of recoil. That is more than most 300 win mags. Firing a 240 gr bullet @ 1800 fps from a 7.5 lb 44 mag only gives around 12 ft lbs. Problem is most 44 mag carbines are going to be much lighter than a shotgun. From a 5-6 lb gun the 44 mag is going to have around 15 ft lbs of recoil. About the same as a standard weight 308. You cannot mathematically calculate felt recoil though. A 12 guage shotgun typically has a good recoil pad and a better designed stock. I've found that most leveractions have a bit more felt recoil because of the stock design hits you in the cheek as much as the shoulder. They also typically have no recoil pads. The 12 will recoil more any way you look at it. But what you feel may not be as great as the numbers would lead you to believe.

June 27, 2012, 07:57 PM	#5
Edward429451 Junior member Join Date: November 12, 2000 Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado Posts: 9,494	So the answer is yes. You would have more capacity and less recoil. You would have more penetration also, which may or may not be a plus depending on how you look at it. IMO it would be a big plus.

June 27, 2012, 10:34 PM	#7
zippy13 Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 6,442	Physics gives us the calculations required for determining comparative free recoil. Felt recoil, or kick, is a different story. As my friend, Pete, astutely observed, "...it may 'feel' like there is more recoil when there isn't."