I completely agree, particularly about your comment that heavy recoil isn't necessary to hunt effectively. I'm not shy about recoil, I've taken quite a number of moose, elk, and deer with a .300 WM or 7mm RM. I started gravitating to my 7mm08 about 12 years ago, shooting 140 gr Partitions or TSX and it was absolutely effective…if I put my shot in the right place. In the last 4 years, I've switched to a .338 Federal and 200gr Trophy Bonded Tips, just because I'm afflicted with trying new and novel cartridges. It recoils similar or lighter than a 30-06 with 180s, and has proven most effective without abusing my arthritic shoulders.
A hunter is much better off in my opinion with a lighter recoiling cartridge that they're comfortable shooting, than having the Magnum Energy and associated recoil and muzzle blast…and often an accuracy killing flinch.
A good friend of mine has embraced the under-rated 338 Federal as his choice for elk, bear and deer in Montana. It's done a fine job for him. The 7-08 is also under-rated and it does a fine job with light recoil.
I hunted with a 338 Federal as my primary for many years. I took 9 big game animals in a row with a single round 180 or maybe 185 barnes TSX. 5 of those were cow elk. Then I spent a few years with 7-08 and 6.5 creed. While those cartridges did the job and killed animals, and while I certainly appreciated the flat trajectory, my personal experience has led me back to heavy larger caliber bullets.
I’m a 7mm RemMag/Tikka devotee; one thing I added to my rig was the “FalconStrike Hydraulic Recoil System” recoil pad. Made a huge difference; I was honestly surprised it lived up to the hype. Made a world of difference for my beat-up shoulder. It’s worth perusing if you want to void the effects of recoil. https://www.falconstrikeusa.com
Good to know. I never found the 7mm Rem Mag to be particularly obnoxious. I started hunting with one about 25 years ago when I realized that I shot the 7mm Rem Mag better than I shot the 300 Win Mag from quite similar rifles. I do like that cartridge a lot. Thanks for your input about the Falcon Strike - I didn't know about it. Regards, Guy
Great read and perfectly timed... I had a low heart shot this very morning and couldn't give myself enough grief as I followed that blood trail. It was an uphill shot, and I hadn't taken that into account with my .243 100gr bullet.
There's a lot of debate about chest vs head/ neck shooting and where I know the game dealer and butcher prefers the latter, from a risk management perspective I favour the former ... I'd rather have less meat and know I did everything I could to take that animal cleanly and humanely.
Oh, the 308 is on my list of great cartridges for sure. It’s the only centerfire I’ve shot so much that I’ve worn out multiple barrels. Much as I love the 30-06, the 308 is capable of pretty much the same thing and recoils less. It’s a great one!
There is one thing you don't really say, and it's obviously unnecessary for the readers commenting here. It's essential to know the anatomy of the game animal being hunted. Using the commercial printed anatomy targets I've seen can be misleading. A perfect spot for a lung shot on the deer silhouette target will hit only one lung if the deer turns at enough of an angle to or from the shooter. (Don't ask me how I know, if I did it, it'was so long ago I have forgotten the details.. You believe me, right?)
I completely agree, particularly about your comment that heavy recoil isn't necessary to hunt effectively. I'm not shy about recoil, I've taken quite a number of moose, elk, and deer with a .300 WM or 7mm RM. I started gravitating to my 7mm08 about 12 years ago, shooting 140 gr Partitions or TSX and it was absolutely effective…if I put my shot in the right place. In the last 4 years, I've switched to a .338 Federal and 200gr Trophy Bonded Tips, just because I'm afflicted with trying new and novel cartridges. It recoils similar or lighter than a 30-06 with 180s, and has proven most effective without abusing my arthritic shoulders.
A hunter is much better off in my opinion with a lighter recoiling cartridge that they're comfortable shooting, than having the Magnum Energy and associated recoil and muzzle blast…and often an accuracy killing flinch.
A good friend of mine has embraced the under-rated 338 Federal as his choice for elk, bear and deer in Montana. It's done a fine job for him. The 7-08 is also under-rated and it does a fine job with light recoil.
I hunted with a 338 Federal as my primary for many years. I took 9 big game animals in a row with a single round 180 or maybe 185 barnes TSX. 5 of those were cow elk. Then I spent a few years with 7-08 and 6.5 creed. While those cartridges did the job and killed animals, and while I certainly appreciated the flat trajectory, my personal experience has led me back to heavy larger caliber bullets.
Outstanding results! Thanks for commenting. I think the 338 Federal is vastly under-appreciated. Likewise the 358 Winchester.
I’m a 7mm RemMag/Tikka devotee; one thing I added to my rig was the “FalconStrike Hydraulic Recoil System” recoil pad. Made a huge difference; I was honestly surprised it lived up to the hype. Made a world of difference for my beat-up shoulder. It’s worth perusing if you want to void the effects of recoil. https://www.falconstrikeusa.com
Good to know. I never found the 7mm Rem Mag to be particularly obnoxious. I started hunting with one about 25 years ago when I realized that I shot the 7mm Rem Mag better than I shot the 300 Win Mag from quite similar rifles. I do like that cartridge a lot. Thanks for your input about the Falcon Strike - I didn't know about it. Regards, Guy
Good post
Great read and perfectly timed... I had a low heart shot this very morning and couldn't give myself enough grief as I followed that blood trail. It was an uphill shot, and I hadn't taken that into account with my .243 100gr bullet.
There's a lot of debate about chest vs head/ neck shooting and where I know the game dealer and butcher prefers the latter, from a risk management perspective I favour the former ... I'd rather have less meat and know I did everything I could to take that animal cleanly and humanely.
I hope you recovered your heart shot game. Sometimes it just doesn't happen.
Re brain & spine shots - I've made some - but it's something that needs to be carefully considered.
I did, thank you, he didn't get too far!
circle back….any thoughts on a 308 in this same context ?
Oh, the 308 is on my list of great cartridges for sure. It’s the only centerfire I’ve shot so much that I’ve worn out multiple barrels. Much as I love the 30-06, the 308 is capable of pretty much the same thing and recoils less. It’s a great one!
A dessert topping and a floor wax?
Another fine, spot-on article.
There is one thing you don't really say, and it's obviously unnecessary for the readers commenting here. It's essential to know the anatomy of the game animal being hunted. Using the commercial printed anatomy targets I've seen can be misleading. A perfect spot for a lung shot on the deer silhouette target will hit only one lung if the deer turns at enough of an angle to or from the shooter. (Don't ask me how I know, if I did it, it'was so long ago I have forgotten the details.. You believe me, right?)