Recoil Comparison in various Handis

[dracphelan]

I've had a 30-06 Handi with a synthetic stock for well over a year and it is beating me up. I've tried light loads (110grain bullets with lightest charge), weighing it down (I filled the stock with lead shot) and every piece of advice anyone could give me on how to shoot it. IMO, the recoil on this thing is worse than a Mosin-Nagant or my 12 guage. So, I will be trading it in and replacing it. The question is with what? Since I have never fired a 308 or 30-30, I am considering one of these in a standard wood stock. How do their recoil compare to a 30-06 Handi with a synthetic stock?

[quickdtoo]

Limbsaver makes a prefit pad for the synthetic stock, that's what I'd recommend, my 35 Whelen Improved Handi shooting 250gr Hornadys at 2650fps doesn't bother me from the bench using one.... without any weight in the stock.  Just an option to stick with the 30-06, but everyone perceives recoil differently.

Tim

[Dinny]

Well I have some questions before you part with this rifle. Do you hunt with it? If so, what do you hunt and how far are your average shots. Have you tried any reduced loads with Trail Boss powder? I have a TB load with a 220gr RN that is only flying about 980fps. It penetrates forever.... Accuracy is good from my bolt gun, averaging just under an inch at 25yds.  All I'm trying to get at is that there may be more options to consider before parting with a familiar rifle.

BTW, Tim is right, the Sims Limbsaver makes a world of difference.

Thanks, Dinny

[dpe.ahoy]

The 308 still has a pretty snappy recoil, the 30-30 is mild by comparison.  If you find the recoil still bothersome, lose the factory recoil pad and get a slip-on Limbsaver from Wal-Mart for $20 and there ya go.   DP

[pairishman]

30-30 has a very mild recoil.  Others to possibly consider 280, 25-06, 7-08, all have pretty ,mild recoils compared to an 06

[Kal52]

I have a 308, the recoil on that one isnt bad at all IMO though I havent used it with a synthetic stock yet, and My 30-30 is very easy on the shoulder, that one sports a synthetic stock.
I have a 12ga pardner that I used to shoot 3" buck out of, limbsaver made a big difference, still not pleasant at the patterning board, but in the field I didnt notice the bruises until the next day 

Id say try the limbsave first, then trade, It always feels worse off the bench then it does in the field, hopefully youll only need to shoot once 

Good luck
Dave

[wreckhog]

Buy a PAST pad. Shoot standing up. Try managed recoil loads. That said, a 30-06 ain't for range use.

[gstewart44]

The Limbsaver is what I use.   i have a slip on that I use on my maxxed out 45-70 loads -  they become barely noticeable.    the other is my 12g 3.5" NEF turkey gun.    I put a youth stock on it, then the Fitted Limbsaver and then a slip-on Limbsaver over that.   For what it's worth, the Turkey shotgun with full loads has 4 to 5 X the recoil of the 3006.   With both Limbsavers on I don't mind gobbler season anymore.   Give it a try.   

[PigBoy Crabshaw]

From the FAQ's. -g

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,120792.msg1098406584.html#msg1098406584

[montveil]

I find that when shooting off a bench or worst still off the truck hood the recoil effect is much worse. It is my opinion that they body position is not situated to roll back with the recoil in those positions.  Also, one MUST hold the stock firmly into the shoulder pocket formed by the arm in a elevated position. 
I recently was training my grown daughter to shoot a shotgun and started her by holding the gun with both hands and the gun held tightly to her side, (back up the shooter) and firing from the waist. Use light loads. She quickly understood that the gun would not hurt if she held it TIGHTLY.
We then went to the standing position where her body could move with the recoil. Finally from a bench where she quickly got punished by the recoil.
Using this method she understood the recoil effects and she did NOT develop a flinch.
Right or not, that's what I did.

It would be helpful to get another seasoned shooter to observe and coach. 

Also consider more weight in the stock or a wooden stock, at least 1 pound which would make a great difference in felt recoil

[spikehorn]

I have never had a 30-06 But do own several 308s. I have a Dick's SG 308 ultra varmint camo combo that now sports a pallet wood MC stock with a schnable fore end. In comparison to the Stevens 200 308 percieved recoil is less. I also have a 30-30 handi and recoil is very mild, and with the Hornady LE ammo the 30-30 is very close to 308 Win velocities