Recoil - 270 vs 308?

[Qualitymilk]

Have a stainless Encore PH, black flextech thumbhole stock, chambered in 270 that kicks pretty good.  Do 308's kick this bad too, or would recoil be less in a 308?  It is manageable, but less is always better when you squeeze one off....

[bilmac]

So many variables here that it is hard to say. As far as what I have personally felt there is very little difference. The science is compare the energy of the rounds. In the same weight rifle the one with the most energy will recoil most. Then there are unquantifiable factors like stock shape.  The reason that these two rounds are so popular is that they are very good compromises between the energy they put out, rifle size, and most peoples recoil tolerance. I would say that if you don't like the recoil of your 270 you are going to have to take a considerably bigger step down than 308. Maybe something like one of the 6mms. Are you sure that it is the recoil that you don't like or the noise?

You are wise to admit that you don't like the recoil. I have seen so many guys who won't admit that they have too much gun, and are poor marksmen as a result.

[Drilling Man]

  Giving the EXACT same gun, i'm betting, "if" you shoot the heavier bullets in the .308, (180 or 200's) you will have more "felt" recoil with the 308, otherwise they will feel about the same.

  DM

[Grumulkin]

Yea, they feel pretty much the same.

WAY back, when I started shooting a 308 Winchester, I thought the recoil was fairly stiff.  I currently shoot stuff like an Encore in 300 Win. Mag. and also have a 458 Lott to say nothing about big bore handguns and the recoil doesn't seem that bad.  What I'm saying is keep shooting and you'll probably get used to the recoil and it won't bother you.

[okieshooter]

If you are after deer and nothing much bigger you may take a look at the 25-06. I feel this is a great round if you put it where it needs to go and can also be used for varmints if you are interested in that. It is loud but no worse than a 270 and to me the recoil is quite a bit less. My son started shooting one in an encore last year and he wouldn't weigh 100 lbs. He loves it and so do I.
This buck went less than 20 yards.

[southernutah]

I use a 243 barrel for deer and got to the 300 WM barrel for larger aminals.

[Qualitymilk]

Thanks for the feedback to all.... I think the 270 is manageable, and I can also dial back the loads a bit.  I have never fired a 308, and was curious for a comparison by those who have more experience than I.  Thanks again.

[martineta]

I have both the 270 and 308 encore barrels.  My stock is a regular flex and not thumb hole.  I never shoot "hot loads" and feel recoil is about the same.  Somewhat stiff recoil is there but manageble.  I always target shoot using a rest and that absorbs most of the kick. While hunting, I never notice anything except a deer falling over.

 I also bought a 243 barrel for my son when he was 13 years old.  What a sweet light recoil deer killing machine.  100 grain Nosler Partitions and the deer just kerplop on the ground. I am the world's biggest wuzzy about recoil which is why I sold a 300 Weatherby Magnum I had years ago.