My first rifle was a 7mm mag. I got it when I was 12 and i deer hunted with it for 8 years. I gave it to my step dad and I bought a 30-06 Well I hated that gun and sold it. I am looking for another 7mm and I was wondering if the short mag would kick less? The recoil of a 7mm mag doesnt bother me but why take the punch if you dont have to.

If the WSM is chambered in the same rifle (same weight, length of pull, barrel length, etc...) the short mag will kick slightly less due to it having less powder.

However, if you get it in a light weight rifle like so many tend to do, it will actually have more recoil than a heavier weight standard magnum.

YES, it will kick less. However it is not because of the amount of powder. It is caused by the pressure curve(or gradient). Tom.

With 180 grain bullets, the 300 WSM has 23.8 lbs of recoil. With the same bullet the 300 Win Mag has 25.9 lbs. In rifles of the same weight, I doubt most people would feel any difference. The 30-08 with the same bullet has 20.6 lbs. The 308 with the same bullet has 17.8 lbs. Just a good way to compare the calibers.

Thanks for all the info guys it really helped. I think I am gonna go with my plan C and get a 7mm-08. I saw a beauty at Cabelas.

Great choice. I love mine. I have been hunting with the 7mm-08 for about 14 + years.

Good luck

Come on now. It's physics, not magic. Two guns of the same weight and shape, pushing the same weight bullet at the same velocity will recoil the same. No matter what the cartridge.

It's physics yes but it's a little more complex than that. Powder charge is a variable in the equation. Even if the velocity of the bullet is the same, the explosion and therefore the equal but opposite reaction may not be.

Powder charge is a major contribution. its still mass. And its mass coming out of the gun. It could make the difference between shooting a 200gr bullet from a 300WSM to shooting a 300win mag with 165gr.

I felt slightly less recoil with my 300 wsm. With 300 real mag, my shoulder used to feel beat up with 12 shots, now it takes 13. Big deal. I still flinch unless I usemind control.

I wouldn't buy one again. I am wondering why I thought I had to "upgrade" from .270 when I first got the 300 real mag. After shooting my 300 wsm, I borrow my son's .270. It feels good and I group smaller.

Not a statement about the caliber itself, just a statement about how well thisshooter handles it.