whitetail_fanatic

My gf has always shot a .243, she now wants to step up to a higher caliber. She is considering a 25-06. I suggested a 7mm-08. She is recoil sensative and was wondering about the recoil, can someone give me an idea of how the recoil is. She has shot my 30-06, how does it compare to that, thanks.

MichaelT.

A little more than a .243 ... but very tolerable. I have that in a remington model 7 .... a short light weight gun.... and with all the rifles thatI own, I probably carry that more than any other. It is a little less than a .308 in recoil, and it is deadly on deer. I have been using it for about 15 years.

If you get it and she is a little gun shy ... get a sims slip on recoil pad, and she will love it.

God Bless

MET

James B

It's one of the milder recoiling rounds out there. Lesss than the 30-06 by quite a bit. My wife hates recoil but she doesn't mind the 7mm-08 at all.

Ruger-Redhawk

The recoil is mild. My wife hunts with a 7mm08 and it doesn't phase her.She's a average size woman.Over the last couple years since she started hunting she's gotten8 deer all with this 7mm08.I would suggest finding someone with a 7mm08 and let her fire it before you buy one.I think you'll be surprised how mild it is. And yes it does a find job on deer.Both of us have taken several deer with that cartridge.

keyshunter

Fanatic,
Both the 7/08 and the 25-06 recoil less than the .30-06. But, perceived recoil is largely dependent upon the rifle's weight and stock shape. Both have recoil that is doable for just about anyone. When my g/f was looking to upgrade, Ihad her try a friend's 7/08, and she thought that the recoil was no less than my old Ruger .270. We got her a Rem 700 BDL.270, which is a tad heavier than my Ruger, and she absolutely loves it.

oldelkhunter

Even in a 5 3/4 lb Kimber 7-08 Recoil is non-existent

Ruger-Redhawk

I agree the weight of the rifle could make a difference of the felt recoil.My wife's rifle is a Ruger M-77 Compact w/ a laminated stock,has a 16 1/2" bbl and only weighs 6 1/4 pounds.Even with this light a rifle recoil is kept to aminimal.

Paul L Mohr

My first question is why does she want to change? What does she feel the "upgrade" is going to gain her in realistic terms? Both carry enough energy to kill out to at least 300 yards, with the 08 having a bit more on paper but the 243 shoots flatter and will most likely have less recoil.

I mean if you can afford it and she just wants another gun then by all means go for it, I would never stand in the way of someone getting another toy. However if you really can't afford it, and she shoots the one she has well you probably won't gain much by switching to something that close to what you already have. I don't believe an extra 400 ft/lbs or so of energy from 100 to 300 yards is going to equate the animal being anymore dead than it would have been with the 243.

Only my opinion though, just thought I would give you something to chew on.

Paul

game4lunch

Go to:
http://www.chuckhawks.com/recoil_table.htm
Very informative page and site!

There ain't a shooter out there that isn't recoil sensative (to some extent).
I've found the best way to overcome that is to shoot a lot, use a good recoil pad, hearing protection (cuts down on "impact"), and even dry firing your heart out!

I don't like the idea of the "reduced recoil" ammo out there.
And I'm not a fan of muzzle brakes. You'll go deaf shooting 'em.

What's the biggest animal she will be shooting? If she's gonna do elk or moose some day, that's a whole lot more gun recomended. If she's just wanting to move UP and get macho . . . probably go with the 7mm-08. I've taken elk with it, though it took us a while to find her.

Shoot a lot, get used to the damn thing!

zrexpilot

Rrrright.
I shot a 7-08 for the first time last year, a Browning gold medallion, 3 shots and I had a bruise.
It surprised me how much it kicked.
Non existent is my 14lb, Bull Barrell.243.