Recoil/reloading question

[Prof]

Because of my eyes (glaucoma), I have to be very careful about recoil. I am usually restricted to .223 caliber or less. However, I was wondering if handloading, say a .308, to lower power would significantly reduce the recoil of that round? Or, is recoil a result of other factors? Also, if that is possible, loading down would reduce performance at longer distances, right? Thanks.

 

[Art Eatman]

Weight and fit of the rifle are very important factors. And, some of the modern recoil pads are 25% to 40% more effective than those of even just 20 years ago.

Loading a .308 down to low recoil characteristics would (to me) mean velocities down around 2,000 ft/sec. This would still be adequate to kill Bambi at closer ranges. Say, around 100 yards.

For instance, I've long used 20 grains of 2400 in my '06, with the 169-grain lead gas-check bullet. This gives a muzzle velocity around 1,900 ft/sec.

(I've also used this powder charge in .30-30; .30-40, and .308. with 150-grain jacketed bullets. Works, although it's a bit more than "mid-range" in the .30-30.)

PROBABLY a mid-range load in .308 from an eight+-pound rifle, one which fits properly and has a very good recoil pad, would not be more physically disturbing than a .223 in a 6-1/2- to 7-pound rifle. MAYBE.

I don't want to get too optimistic about somebody else's eyes.

FWIW,

Art

 

[knzn]

Â¥(<
¾?don powder website has a section of loading data for the expressed purpose of downloading, (less recoil) many different calibers. I think it is called something like "youth loads" or something. http://www.hodgdon.com/data/youth/index.php
One of Hodgdon's powders is particularly usefull in downloading in that is burn combustion remains consistant.

I have been download my 7-08 for several years now for my boys. I have been able to bring them along through the years not fearing getting hammered by full power loads. Good Luck

 

[Jonathan]

I don't know what your goals are for this round, but you might try something like the 6.5 Grendel in a semi-auto.

 

[theCZ]

You could think about putting a recoil reducer in the stock also.

 

[Prof]

Thanks, all, for the suggestions and advice. Art and knzn, that's exactly the kind of information (and website) I was seeking! Jonathan and theCZ, thanks for your suggestions also. I'll check into them.

 

[Fumbler]

If you don't already reload and are planning to buy a new gun, you could get a .30-06 and buy Remington's reduced recoil ammo.
I forget the specific, but it's a 125gr bullet at 30-30Win velocities, but carries velocity farther because of the bullet type.
Recoil in a typical bolt action feels like recoil of a light weight .410 bore shotgun.
I guess that would be about like a 223.

 

[Dave R]

One of the big benefits of handloading is being able to use lower-powered rounds. For my .308, I have a reduced load running about .30-30 levels, that hits same POI at 100 yards that my hunting round hits at 200 yards. No adjusting the scope.

And for my 7.5 Swiss, I just got a nice, accurate load using Speer's 100gr. 'plinker' bullet running just over 2,000fps. A bit more than the M1 carbine. Very little recoil on that, and quite accurate at 100 yards. Low cost, too. That was the original intent.