Elk Rifle & Recoil

Galngbeard · 04-12-2006, 08:29 PM

I'm looking to purchase a dedicated Elk / Moose rifle and want to get the most bang for my buck so to speak. I regularly shoot a Rem 870 turkey gun with 2oz 3" mags with no problem and am wondering which rifle calibers compare to it recoil wise? I've had my shoulder rebuilt once already so don't want to get recoil ridiculous but I do want a capable rifle out to around 400 yards. I'm thinking 340 Weatherby or 338 RUM. All opinions welcome and thanks for the info!!

stubblejumper · 04-12-2006, 08:32 PM

Recoil is substancial with the 340wby and the 338ultramag.In my opinion more than from using 3" loads in my 870.If recoil is a concern,the 338win mag would be a better choice.

James B · 04-12-2006, 08:43 PM

Move down the scale of legal elkcalibers until you find one that has suitable recoil.

bigbulls · 04-12-2006, 09:05 PM

Actual foot pounds wise your 870 with 2oz turkey loads will kick harder than either the RUM or the Wby mag. About 15+- foot pounds more which is equivalet to about a 1oz trap load out of the same 870.

Felt recoil however is different. The shotgun is not as sharp or quick a kick as the RUM or Wby will be. Shotguns tend to shove rather than punch against your shoulder.

But on the other hand the stock design of a center fire rifle lends itself to less felt recoil than a shotgun stock does.

Bottom line is if you are comfortable shooting a 2oz turkey load sitting on the ground leaning against a tree then you should have zero problems with either of the two cartridges you listed.

ELKampMaster · 04-12-2006, 10:12 PM

Those two (338RUM or 340Wby) would both make great and capable (in spades) elk rifle. See if you can shoot them for real before buying. If you need a little more recoil

the consider the 375HH; a little less then the 338WinMag.
[Knowing what other rifle chamberings you already own would help answer the question better.]

Doe Dumper · 04-12-2006, 10:26 PM

Nothing less than a 416 Rem Mag will work for elk.....

handloader1 · 04-12-2006, 10:29 PM

Both calibers are going to recoil about the same; it's all going to come down to which rifle fits you better. Good luck.

James B · 04-12-2006, 11:01 PM

DD. Better go Rigby, the Rem version is a little weak.

It seems that the 378 Weatherby does not get much attention here. Flat shooting and much friskier than the 375 H&H.

semi · 04-13-2006, 06:34 AM

whats wrong with a 30.06 and a good recoil pad.

Highpower · 04-13-2006, 07:00 AM

At the risk of be flamed on this forum, if recoil really is an issue (which it sounds as though it is), send your rifle out and have a brake installed. look at http://www.muzzlebrake.com/index.htmlfor some quality work at good prices. Kevin did my 300 RUM and tamed it to about that of a270 or less. This would give you the caliber you want and fix your recoil problem. Noise level goes up for those around you, but they sure work.