powder selection vs. recoil .338 win mag.

[Gallahad]

I know lighter bullets and a heavier gun will reduce recoil, but how about powder type?  I noticed that for the 338 win mag, reloader 22 produces about 19000 less psi at about the same velocity using 225 gr. bullets. does it also reduce recoil, and is there an "ultimate" recoil reducing large rifle powder?

I'm sereously thinking about a 338, but I am only 140 lb guy.  Ive shot all kinds of mauser calibers, max 30-06 loads, 12 ga. slugs,  but I don't know if im ready to go for a 338 yet, and theres no where for me to go shoot one either. How much worse is it than what iv'e shot?

[Grumulkin]

The faster you push a bullet of any given weight the more recoil there will be.  The heavier bullets you use the more recoil there will be.  The volume of powder you use will also make a difference since the powder also has weight that needs to be accelarated.

I have a 375 H&H Magnum and, in my opinion it's recoil is no worse than my 12 guage Mossberg 500 shooting slugs or my Encore muzzel loader shooting 240 grain .44 caliber bullets.  I think that has to do with how fast the projectile is accelerated (i.e., the powder used in the 375 H&H Magnum is RL-15 which is probably slower than that used in the shotgun shell or the muzzel loader).  Stock construction and a good recoil pad or lack thereof also enter into the equation of felt recoil.  I doubt that the recoil of the 338 Winchester Magnum would be any worse than my 375 H&H Magnum.  Hopefully the above examples will give you something to compare.

[gwindrider1]

When I first acquired my .338, I experimented with powders ranging in burn rate from Re19(fastest), to IMR 7828(slowest), and noticed a change in the characteristics of the recoil.  The faster burning propellants seemed to produce a faster, more violent recoil, as well as a lower velocity.

In my particular rifle, IMR 4831 gave best velocities and accuracy, but Re19 would flat out make you say ouch!

I am noticing the same effect with my .458, however in that chambering the faster powders definitely produce more velocity.  

Every cartridge, rifle, and shooter is a bit different; you'll just have to experiement for yourself, but, in general, the slower powders will produce a slower recoil velocity, i.e., not as sharp!

Best of luck with you load development!

[CyberSniper]

The jet effect of the powder gases leaving the muzzle under
high pressure produce a lot of the recoil.
This is why a muzzle break can be so effective at reducing
felt recoil. It vents the high pressure gas off at angles other
than straight out, which of course keeps the gun from pushing back towards
the shooter as hard.
This also increases the noise level of the muzzle blast.
Hard to get something for nothing.
A Browning A-Bolt in .375 H & H with the Browning "BOSS" muzzle
break kicks about like the average .30-06, in my opinion.

[nasem]

I shoot 30-06 and 338 win mag often.  My 30-06 is very comfortable to shoot (I shoot alot with it so Im used to it).... however my 338 win mag shooting 225 gr at 2750 fps (factory ammo) is not so pleasant to shoot.

It all depends on how you handled your 30-06.  Can you fire off 40-60 rounds of '06 ammo in 1 session ? If yes, then I think you should be able to handle 10-15 rounds at a session with the 338 win mag

[Jim n Iowa]

I shoot over the bag on a bench trying different powders, bullets etc. than I  do hunting. I got tired of the pounding I was taking and had muzzle brakes installed on my 7mm mag and 338 mag. If any one considers doing so, order a end cap that can be screwed on should want to remove the brake. Yes it will need a re-zero but it won't be far off. Life is easier now.
Jim