Hunting Forum

I hope this is the correct forum to ask this.

I was told something and when I asked the reason was told "that's just the way it is".   As I have no way to test it I was hoping someone here could help out with the answer.

I was told that the shorter action magnums have less recoil than the standard length.  For example 270 WSM vs 270 Win, 300 WSM vs 300 Winmag, 7mm Mag vs 7mm WSM.   I would think that if the muzzle velocity is increased and the projectile is the same mass, the recoil should be increased if everything else was exactly the same.

Does anyone know if it is true that WSM have less recoil and is it from the cartridge or rifle?

I think you are talking about felt recoil. From strickly a physics point of view every action has an equel and opsite reaction. However, the period of time overwhich that reaction is felt has many variables. I believe that the burn profile of the powder is where most of the difference is. If you have two cartriges that launch the same weight bullet at the same speed from guns that weigh the same then the amount of recoil is the same. However the felt recoil will depend on the burn profile of the powder. I hope that makes some sence. If not I could try to draw some curves and refresh my memory on impulse.

Or

Someone more informed than I may have a more correct answer.

jack

jb: That makes perfect sense.  You will have a little less recoil spread over a longer period of time with a slower burning powder. Much like a push.  With the faster burning powder.  The recoil is a shorter duration. Much like a punch.

one more time.....

http://www.chuckhawks.com/recoil_table.htm

Steve I have seen that chart and it sometimes has different rifle weights, also I have seen other charts that have differing #s. The push time makes sense, so even if the recoil total force is slightly more it is spread over a longer time and takes the perceived punch away. Being fuzzyheaded this week has me forgetting stuff I should know. I just couldn't recall burn rates at the time this was brought up.
Thanks to everyone for your help!

Too many varaibles and too many factors to make a blanket observation. Chuck's notes are spot on: "One of the most important of these is the fit and shape of the rifle stock. A good recoil pad can help soften the blow to the shooter's shoulder. Gas-operated semi-automatic actions reduce apparent recoil by spreading it over a longer period of time. These sorts of things cannot be accounted for in a recoil table."

Also, as an instructor I can not tell you how many students hold a long and handgun improperly. They know nothing of the fundamentals of position. No cheek weld, not aware of use of the leading hand to pull the firearm (shotgun) into the shoulder pocket, when mounting the firearm, they move their head to to the firearm to such a degree that their head is at a 45 degree cant rather than bringing the firearm to their erect and somewhat forward head/cheek, their weight distribution is entirely wrong, their feet are in the wrong postion  so as to being to open to the target and then wonder why they struggle with holding the firearm steady in the off hand postion, so then the spine and upper torso are miasaligned, their head is too far back or in some cases too far forward on the comb, etc.

I sell firearms at a major retailers, and I have to instruct 90% of the buyers of shotguns and 60% buyers of rifles on the proper address, posture and head alignment. So many of them are looking for a shotgun or rifle that does not kick as much and their posture and address to the firearm is the main culprit. Most do not realixe a firearm has a balance point and where their hand hold should be in relation to that spot.
  
There are ways and products to reduce felt recoil. If a shooter learns and practices the fundamental and proper mechanics first, look and study your form in a mirror, then if all else fails,  look at the products avaialbe to be placed in buttsotcks that in fact reduce recoil, felt and otherwise.

also depends on the grain of bullet my .300 wsm doesnt kick bad with 165 grain bullets but with 180 grain bullets it kicks as bad if not worse than my .300 win mag.
rifle waight also plays a part.........theres so many variables.......... best just to shoot differant guns and calibers and see for your self

All my scientist and engineering friends agree----felt recoil depends on whether you are shooting at something or a target.......

Tom I'm 100% in agreement with you!

I've never felt the recoil when hunting.

yep very true... amazing what the mind can do...

Buy yourself an autoloader if you are concerned about recoil.