Does a 7mm mag rifle kick excessively
BARR DOUG
that the 7mm mag has a very "sharp" kick to it. That is all the force is
delivered in a small time frame. I have been told that the 7mm mag is less
enjoyable to shoot than a 30-06, 300 mag and even a 375 H&H! Any 7mm mag
shooters out there want to comment? I suppose I will be doing a fair amount
of target shooting, so I want the rifle to be enjoyable to shoot. Am I going
to regret my decision?
Tom Muench
<ba...@euclid.Colorado.EDU> wrote:
doug,
i hunt with a a ruger 7mm mag.
i'm about 6' tall and 185 lbs
for sighting the gun at the range i prefer to shoot it
with plenty of padding between the rifle butt and my shoulder.
when i practice shooting, after four to six shots my shoulder
begins to get a little sore.
however, i have yet to notice the kick when firing at a deer.
i've shot 4 deer with my 7mm and have been happy with
the results (quick kill, no excessive loss of meat).
good luck
tom
Rbbithntr
> I am considering a 7mm mag rifle for elk and deer hunting. I have been told
> that the 7mm mag has a very "sharp" kick to it. That is all the force is
> delivered in a small time frame. I have been told that the 7mm mag is less
> enjoyable to shoot than a 30-06, 300 mag and even a 375 H&H! Any 7mm mag
> shooters out there want to comment? I suppose I will be doing a fair amount
> of target shooting, so I want the rifle to be enjoyable to shoot. Am I going
> to regret my decision?
If you are out to target shoot with the 7mm, wear padding. After about 30
rounds I begin to feel it in my shoulder. However, if you are more
interested in the stopping power, the 7mm is great. The 7mm and the 300
mag are similar. By a .22 to plink and the 7mm to hunt. That arrangement
will save you lots of money in ammo cost.
John Green
|> I am considering a 7mm mag rifle for elk and deer hunting. I have been told
|> that the 7mm mag has a very "sharp" kick to it. That is all the force is
|> delivered in a small time frame.
I've owned a 7mm RM for over 10 years. I'd tend to agree that
the kick could be defined as "sharp", at least sharper than the
kick of an '06 or 12 gauge slug (never shot a .300 or .375).
|> I have been told that the 7mm mag is less
|> enjoyable to shoot than a 30-06, 300 mag and even a 375 H&H!
As I said, I can't say for sure about guns of .300 and above,
but it seems to me the .300 WM is a belted magnum producing
higher velocities with the same amount of lead. Surely
it would kick harder than a 7mm RM on the same stock.
There are those in rec.hunting who seem to excel in physics
calculations, perhaps they could work up some comparative
recoil statistics?
|> Any 7mm mag
|> shooters out there want to comment? I suppose I will be doing a fair amount
|> of target shooting, so I want the rifle to be enjoyable to shoot. Am I going
|> to regret my decision?
There have been quite a few summers where I was shooting 75
to 100 rounds a day, each weekend, for a couple of months.
I can still hear, walk (most of the time), and speak (after coffee).
I LOVED shooting my 7mm RM. It is incredibly accurate with handloads.
More often than not, I made head shots on groundhogs at > 300 big paces.
Sadly, time does not permit "chuck-athons" anymore, but I'm
working on it.
I say go for it, if you have any experience shooting larger calibers
the 7mm shouldn't be a problem.
Beware the flinch,
John
--
John E. Green jeg...@gx1.nswc.navy.mil
Beware of bugs in the above code; I have only proved it correct,
not tried it. - Donald Knuth -
Bartbob
who own one don't shoot them very accurately.
A .30-06 is probably the most popular and most used elk
rifle. It's a lot easier to shoot accurately. And it has plenty
of power for elk.
BB
Tivers
punch than a 3006, but I think a 12 guage has more of a punishing recoil.
As far as a whole lot of shooting, though, I think you might find a full
box at a time is about the limit of enjoyment.
ti
Tom Ivers
Equine Racing Systems, Inc.
Washougal, WA
(360) 837-3700
GaryInCA
>I am considering a 7mm mag rifle for elk and deer hunting. I have been
told
>that the 7mm mag has a very "sharp" kick to it. That is all the force is
>delivered in a small time frame. I have been told that the 7mm mag is
less
>enjoyable to shoot than a 30-06, 300 mag and even a 375 H&H! Any 7mm mag
>shooters out there want to comment? I suppose I will be doing a fair
amount
>of target shooting, so I want the rifle to be enjoyable to shoot. Am I
going
>to regret my decision?
Doug,
I don't currently have a 7 mag, but I used to. What I do have now is a
.300 Win Mag. As for kick, unless you're extremely sensitive to recoil,
you should be able to get used to the 7 mag if you decide that's the
caliber you want to shoot. It's certainly a caliber that is in the
running for a good elk/deer combo rifle, so if that's what you want go for
it!
There are a couple of things you can do to help on the recoil, though.
First, decide if you really need one of the lighter rifles in this
caliber. Chances are that you don't and an extra pound (going from a
mountain rifle or a feather weight type rifle to a standard model) can
help a lot with recoil. Second, when you go to the rifle range use a PAST
shoulder pad to help absorb the recoil. I used to think those were for
sissies, but the truth of the matter is that while you probably won't need
one for hunting, at the range one is definitely appreciated if you're
going to shoot twenty rounds or more from one of the magnum rifles.
Third, although I wouldn't see the need for a muzzlebrake of any kind (my
.300 Win Mag doesn't sport one), you could consider that as an option as
well. Finally, when you're going to the range for those first sighting in
sessions, use a lighter weight bullet. That will help you get used to
your rifle without feeling the max kick it can deliver. Then you can work
your way up to the load you will actually use for elk and deer.
Good luck!!
Gary Seiser
Scott Olson
> I am considering a 7mm mag rifle for elk and deer hunting. I have been told
> that the 7mm mag has a very "sharp" kick to it. That is all the force is
> delivered in a small time frame. I have been told that the 7mm mag is less
> enjoyable to shoot than a 30-06, 300 mag and even a 375 H&H! Any 7mm mag
> shooters out there want to comment? I suppose I will be doing a fair amount
> of target shooting, so I want the rifle to be enjoyable to shoot. Am I going
> to regret my decision?
I bought a 7mm Weatherby Mag (approximately equivalent to the more
common 7mm Remington Mag) 2 years ago. _My_ impression is that the kick
is not particularly bad (it's there, but nothing spectacular), but the
REPORT is nasty. I'd recommend wearing both earplugs and earmuffs when
testing or shooting from the bench.
Scott
J. Spencer
>I am considering a 7mm mag rifle for elk and deer hunting. I have been told
>that the 7mm mag has a very "sharp" kick to it.
That depends upon:
what you fire from it
how fast it is going
how you hold the gun (your position)
whether you have a muzzle brake
and probably some others. I find firing 165 grain bullets out of my
30-06 at 2,600 fps is normally OK, unless I'm in a *bad* position. I
find that firing 180 grain bullets is normally *not* OK, unless I'm in a
*good* position. The only answer is for you to try one, with different
loads, and see for yourself.
-- Jonathan
email: J.M.S...@newcastle.ac.uk
Voice: + 44 1642 677174 (24hrs)
Mail: Dept CS, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 7RU, England
JRMarino
not have a recoil any worse than any other rifle in its class such as a
30-06 or 280 remington. You should do ok with it.
If you are concerned about recoil start out by shooting bullets of 140
grains or less. The lighter the bullet the lighter the recoil. The
heavier the rifle the lighter the recoil. If you really want to hold down
the recoil -- purchase a BAR in 7mm Remington Mag -- the gas operated
system will reduce the recoil -- and there is no more accurate rifle
around.
Best of luck.
Slik
>I am considering a 7mm mag rifle for elk and deer hunting...
I shot a friend's Savage 110 in 7mm RM and it kicked less than my Rem
700 BDL in 270 WCF!! THe key here is to get a gun with a "classic"
style stock and you won't feel the recoil as much as you would with
other styles (eg Weatherby). Top this with a good scope and you'll
have one of the most versatile big game gun around.
If you're going to do A LOT of range shooting with any high-powered
rifle, get a shoulder pad that you strap on; it'll make the 10th thru
the NNth shots more pleasant.
Regards,
Slik
MPMRKL1
do have a muzzle brake, which reduces the recoil significantly but does
add to the noise level. I have never been sore from target shooting, nor
from hunting. When you're shooting at a deer, you don't feel a thing! I
don't think that you'll be sorry if you decide to purchase the 7mm Mag.
Happy hunting......Kathy
Brian Liedtke
: I am considering a 7mm mag rifle for elk and deer hunting. I have been told
: that the 7mm mag has a very "sharp" kick to it. That is all the force is
: delivered in a small time frame. I have been told that the 7mm mag is less
: enjoyable to shoot than a 30-06, 300 mag and even a 375 H&H! Any 7mm mag
: shooters out there want to comment? I suppose I will be doing a fair amount
: of target shooting, so I want the rifle to be enjoyable to shoot. Am I going
: to regret my decision?
I hunt with both, so I'll put my $.02 in. In my opinion the 7mm does
have a more 'punishing' kick. For each round you really can't tell the
difference between the two, at least I can't. However, I can sure tell
the difference after a dozen rounds in the magnum. I've hunted for
many years and have recently taking up competitive high power rifle shooting.
I can easily shoot 100+ rounds of .30-06 or .308 Winchester in a day
with no problem. However, after about 15 rounds of 7mm, I'm ready
to call it quits for the day.
I generally shoot less than 10 rounds per year through the 7mm.
Generally six to check the zero on the rifle before antelope season,
and 1 or 2 during the season.
A 7mm is a fine rifle for hunting. Especially if you plan on really
big North American Game (elk, moose, bear) or to fit a special requirement.
However, if you want a good caliber for hunting and other purposes such
as target shooting. I would highly recommend a .30-06. Since it's and old
military round there is a lot of stuff out there to help you get started,
to help customize your rifle after you've gained some experience, and the
ammunition is quite common, and sometimes downright cheap. Since this
sounds like your first rifle. I would recommend the .30-06. I think
you will get more pleasure out of it.
Brian Liedtke
is plenty of
hun
Fernando Proietto
>I am considering a 7mm mag rifle for elk and deer hunting. I have been told
>that the 7mm mag has a very "sharp" kick to it. That is all the force is
>delivered in a small time frame. I have been told that the 7mm mag is less
>enjoyable to shoot than a 30-06, 300 mag and even a 375 H&H! Any 7mm mag
>shooters out there want to comment? I suppose I will be doing a fair amount
>of target shooting, so I want the rifle to be enjoyable to shoot. Am I going
>to regret my decision?
Doug, I own a 7mm mag 111FS Savage. I bought it new last year. It
came with a Bushnelle BuckHorn 3x9(not high end scope) and synthetic
stock. The gun felt really good. Anyway, I took the thing out to the
range and used 165 gr. Fedral Nosler partition bullets. I intended on
hunting moose last year ( but it didn't happen :(...) The first mistake
I did was only wearing a light t-shirt to the range that day. This was
the first time I had fired a centerfire let alone a 7mm mag. I got a
surprise on my first shot. The 7mm mag using a 165gr packs quite a
wollope .. After moving to the 100 yard range and after shooting 31
shoots and still the scope not centered in, my shoulder was killing me.
Even using the sand bags as a should pad didn't help. What ended up
happeining was that I started to "flinch". Basically I was
anticipating the shot and closing my eyes before I pulled the trigger.
Being afraid of your weapon is not a good thing, especially if you
intend on using it. At this point I realized that I'd better stop
firing before I tone myself, psychologically, of being afraid. This is
evry gun shooters worst nightmare. Infact, just yesterday I passed my
local gun shop and purchased a new product, which I can't remeber the
name of right now. What it is, is gel formed in the shape of a butt
which fits over any butt stock. It's really soft and it claims that it
will reduce recoil by 70%. It cost me $27 CDN. This is something that
I had to try.
My recommendation for you is to choose the rifle appropriate to what
you want to be doing. If it's going to be for target shooting I
strongly suggest that you start or buy a lighter power rifle like a
.243 or .270. The 7mm will boss you around after that many shots. A
.270 has much the same characteristic the 7mm has but with much less
energy, hence less recoil. Targets don't require all that much energy
anyway.
If you are going to use it for hunting big game like moose, deer, elk,
then I would suggest the 7mm mag, becuase here you need the extra
stopping power.
I hope this helps you decide....
Fernando
Tom Greer
says:
>
>BARR DOUG <ba...@euclid.Colorado.EDU> writes:
>
>>I am considering a 7mm mag rifle for elk and deer hunting. I have been told
>>that the 7mm mag has a very "sharp" kick to it.
>
>
.338 win mag!!! It is all relative to what you are comfortable with
and how much do you intend to shoot it. It now seems to me {after firing
several rounds through the .338 mag} that the 7 mag is a bit of a pea
shooter!! Of course this is only my severely distoted perception!
SHOOT EM IF YA GOT EM!!!
TOM E. GREER SR.
Jim Cuda
> I got a
surprise on my first shot. The 7mm mag using a 165gr packs >quite a wollope
..
Kathy wrote:
>I've been hunting with a 7mm Mag for almost 3 years now, and I love it. I
>do have a muzzle brake, which reduces the recoil significantly
Therein lies the secret!! I was at the range sighting in my girlfriend's
backpack Remington Model 7 in 7mm-08 last Sunday. She was shooting 140 grain
Nosler BT behind 44 grains of Varget. Did that little rifle kick!
I then switch to my Winchester Model 70 .300 Win Mag shooting a 165 grain
Nosler BT behind 71 grains of 4350. Next to no recoil! Of course the
Winchester is no backpack rifle. It is heavy! However I think the KDF
muzzle break at the end of the barrel reduces the recoil even more than the
weight.
Muzzle breaks work! There are a couple of drawbacks though.
1. extra cost
2. increases the overall length of the rifle
3. shooting in the prone position in sand can result in a little bit of
sandblasting to you or anyone next to you!
4. and of course the added noise.
The noise is more noticeable to someone next to the shooter than the shooter
himself. Dito with the muzzle blast. The muzzle blast from my .300 blew the
coffee cup over on my girlfriend's bench! So there is the added cost of
replacing spilled coffee to consider. Still I personally wouldn't shoot a
mag. without a muzzle break.
Jim
Steven Speer
: >I thought at one time the 7 Mag had a severe kick- until I shot the
: .338 win mag!!! It is all relative to what you are comfortable with
: and how much do you intend to shoot it. It now seems to me {after firing
: several rounds through the .338 mag} that the 7 mag is a bit of a pea
: shooter!! Of course this is only my severely distoted perception!
Just goes to show how recoil affects different folks differently. To this
day, the worst round I've ever fired was a hot 7mm Rem Mag with a 175gr
Partition in it. That includes the .338 Win Mag with a 225 (?) grain
Partition in it on the same day. The recoil from the .338 seemed to be
more of a heavy push while the 7mm barked and hit more sharply. I liked
shooting the .338 and still love the 7mm for what it does on the other
end, in spite of the recoil.
-Steve
Jeffrey Goldware
time shooting deer-size game you'll only need 1 shot.
Try shooting 140-150 grain rounds, I use 150 grain rounds for elk and
have never had a problem with either penetration or knockdown.
One of the new adjustable muzzle brakes may help recoil and will
definitely help accuracy.
Tom Greer
says:
>
>Tom Greer (te...@blarg.com) wrote:
>: >I thought at one time the 7 Mag had a severe kick- until I shot the
>: .338 win mag!!! It is all relative to what you are comfortable with
>: and how much do you intend to shoot it. It now seems to me {after firing
>: several rounds through the .338 mag} that the 7 mag is a bit of a pea
>: shooter!!
>
>day, the worst round I've ever fired was a hot 7mm Rem Mag with a 175gr
>Partition in it. That includes the .338 Win Mag with a 225 (?) grain
>Partition in it on the same day. The recoil from the .338 seemed to be
>more of a heavy push while the 7mm barked and hit more sharply. I liked
>shooting the .338 and still love the 7mm for what it does on the other
>end, in spite of the recoil.
>
> -Steve
I guess I should elaborate a little-I have shot many 7mm rounds and still
feel it is one of the best all round cartridges made.I would personally
choose this caliber for all lower 48 states for big game. The recoil is
definitly not so severe as to cause a normal shooter any distress under
practical hunting situations. However when I stared shooting the.338 I
was immediately impressed with it's firepower on both ends-However
call me a sicko-but I liked the idea of over 4000 ft lbs. at the muzzle
even when it felt like it was at my shoulder! At any rate I hurried down
to get one as I am in line for an inland GRIZZLEY & Canadien moose hunt
this October. Recoil will not be on my mind if I am fortunate enough to
see a Grizzley thru my scope!!!
TOM
Sam Gaylord
: The 7 mag is such a great round that who cares if it kicks. 99% of the
You're right, if you only shoot one round per year, who cares how much it
kicks. However, the advantage of a 7mmMag is supposed to be the long
distance accuracy. If "I" were to shoot only once a year, I sure wouldn't
feel compfortable trying a 400yard shot. It's only when I shoot often
during the year that I am confident taking that long shot. And if I'm
going to shoot often, then that extra kick means a lot to me. My 30-06
has a steel buttplate, and more than once I've put 150 rounds through it in
a single sitting, wearing nothing more than a tee shirt. When hunting
seasons comes around I'm a lot more confident with my "puney" 30-06 than
I'd ever be with a "shoot it once a year" cannon.
samg