Please note; new to the forums/rifles/hunting.
I’m getting my shopping list together for the first rifle I will take on my first hunt. North East whitetail. I’m new to shooting and firearms in general, although I have a buddy from work helping me out. He took me to the range today to test fire some of his rifles. One a .308, one a 30-06 and the other a 22-250 (I believe).
I had intended to purchase a .308 from Howa but now am second guessing the caliber. After 15 rounds through a Mossberg Patriot my shoulder was feeling it. 20 rounds and I was done. I’d also like to point out it’s winter and I had three layers on including a Carhartt. So I’m feeling a little emasculated. It wasn’t exactly pleasurable to shoot and 99% of my shooting will be from a bench. I was hoping it would be a good “all purpose” round because I’d like to pick up target shooting as a little side hobby (nothing too serious) or at least grow confidence in my ability to shoot.
I’m not exactly a small guy either 5’9” medium build. The ammunition itself was 150 gain and for some reason I just couldn’t get with it. To me it feels no different than a 30-06. The 22 was fine. Super light recoil could shoot it all day. My buddy was checking for form, everything was choked up nice and snug and was hitting plates at 300 yards. That rifle shouldn’t have been putting out more than 15lbs of recoil right?
My buddy tells me everyone reacts different and no one really likes felt recoil. That I shouldn’t feel bad. He basically suggested to go as light as I’m comfortable with and we’re playing with the idea of a 6.5 Creedmoor. 7mm-08 was on the list however the 6.5 ammo has flooded the shelves and the 7mm is hard to find.
Still set on the Howa 1500 platform. Should I give their .308 a shot? Step down to 6.5, or just settle with .243?
Anyways, sorry for the long post but thanks for reading.
I’m getting my shopping list together for the first rifle I will take on my first hunt. North East whitetail. I’m new to shooting and firearms in general, although I have a buddy from work helping me out. He took me to the range today to test fire some of his rifles. One a .308, one a 30-06 and the other a 22-250 (I believe).
I had intended to purchase a .308 from Howa but now am second guessing the caliber. After 15 rounds through a Mossberg Patriot my shoulder was feeling it. 20 rounds and I was done. I’d also like to point out it’s winter and I had three layers on including a Carhartt. So I’m feeling a little emasculated. It wasn’t exactly pleasurable to shoot and 99% of my shooting will be from a bench. I was hoping it would be a good “all purpose” round because I’d like to pick up target shooting as a little side hobby (nothing too serious) or at least grow confidence in my ability to shoot.
I’m not exactly a small guy either 5’9” medium build. The ammunition itself was 150 gain and for some reason I just couldn’t get with it. To me it feels no different than a 30-06. The 22 was fine. Super light recoil could shoot it all day. My buddy was checking for form, everything was choked up nice and snug and was hitting plates at 300 yards. That rifle shouldn’t have been putting out more than 15lbs of recoil right?
My buddy tells me everyone reacts different and no one really likes felt recoil. That I shouldn’t feel bad. He basically suggested to go as light as I’m comfortable with and we’re playing with the idea of a 6.5 Creedmoor. 7mm-08 was on the list however the 6.5 ammo has flooded the shelves and the 7mm is hard to find.
Still set on the Howa 1500 platform. Should I give their .308 a shot? Step down to 6.5, or just settle with .243?
Anyways, sorry for the long post but thanks for reading.