big bore recoil?

[tree rat]

can I handle the recoil from a .458 lott? the only way I will get to try one is if I order one. I shoot a 45-70 at 2400fps 300gr, about 20 a day is my limit of these. and a .375 H&H with B.O.S.S. at 2700fps 270gr which feels like a light weight 30-06 to me! I like big calibers because when money is short I can always load them down with home cast bullets and still be able to shoot clear through any thing I am likely to inconter in the U.S.

[Redhawk1]

I think you can, remember the guns usually in the big bores are heavy which helps with some of the recoil.  You can also add a mercury recoil suppressor to the stock to help with the recoil.

[tree rat]

Thanks redhawk, I hope you don't think I am a hipocrite, after the post I made to 50 cal subject, I don't need a large caliber for what I shoot, a .223 works fine, I just find them therapudic, recoil and noise seem to take my mind off other things in life! I guess after my rant on the 50 cal subject, I need to go to the range and unwind.

[Smokin Joe]

Redhawk is right.....more weight equals less recoil.

I have a friend who describes the recoil of his .458 like this:

" It's like a pair of women's lace panties landing on your shoulder...

with a 350 lb broad in them!"

[gwindrider1]

smokinjoe,

I love that analogy!!!

[handirifle]

As was said, recoil is a result of rifle weight as well as the calibers push (slam?) into your shoulder.  I do know a high velocity 300gr bullet has considerably less recoil than a 400-500gr slug.  Those up the ante quite a bit.

IIRC the 458 Lott pushes a 450gr bullet to something like 2700fps,?  My 45-70 with a 400gr at 2000 was a lot in a 9 pound rifle.  But you might not feel that way.  Plus mine was a Buffalo Classic, with a curved steel buttplate.  A GOOD recoil pad might have made a big difference.

Big bores are fun to shoot though.   Just something about that loud "thunk" they make when hitting a steel target.

[Redhawk1]

Thanks redhawk, I hope you don't think I am a hipocrite, after the post I made to 50 cal subject, I don't need a large caliber for what I shoot, a .223 works fine, I just find them therapudic, recoil and noise seem to take my mind off other things in life! I guess after my rant on the 50 cal subject, I need to go to the range and unwind.

Its all good,  recoil therapy is good for everyone. 

Redhawk is right.....more weight equals less recoil.

I have a friend who describes the recoil of his .458 like this:

" It's like a pair of women's lace panties landing on your shoulder...

with a 350 lb broad in them!"

Now that was funny and no offence to large women.

[swampthing]

And like you said "you can load it "down" with "cast bullets." I load my .444marlin with 280g LBT's using trailboss powder for 1230fps. Makes for sniper quiet, 125yd deer/boar, load with negligable recoil.

[n5odj]

I'll be the first to admit that I'm a recoil wimp.   I've owned two .458WinMags, but sold them both due to too much recoil.  When I bought the second one, I too thought I'd be able to load it down with lead bullets.  Unfortunately, this rifle (a Ruger 77) just wouldn't group for squat with lead bullets.   When I started pushing up the velocity, the accuracy headed in the right direction, but that just defeated my purpose.

Oh-well.   Too much rifle for me.   Now my Marlin Guide Gun 45/70, that's more my speed.   It will shoot anything, at any velocity I want.

Besides, with those big ol' bullets (405LFP), who needs speed.   They'll punch right through any deer at SLOW velocity.  My regular load is ~1400fps.  Plenty powerful & not so much kick as to knock me silly.

 Robert

[jro45]

I have this sand bag I throw over my shoulder when I shoot my 416 Rem on the bench. When standing I just get a push with each shell fired. It has 56 Ft Lbs of recoil shooting a 400 gr bullet at 2415 FPS

[bigdoggy]

The 458 lott in either ruger model, the number 1 or the m77 can benefit greatly from a better thicker recoil pad. With a little practice, you can get used to the recoil. I think the #1 kicks a lot harder with 500 grain bullets at 2300ft/sec than the m77 bolt gun.

[AZ223]

I think felt recoil has a lot to do with how the rifle fits you, and how it's designed in the first place. The Ruger #1 has a straight profile; all that energy is going straight back when you fire. Compare that with a CZ with the "dropped" buttstock, and most say the recoil isn't so bad. I think it's because the muzzle will rise a bit more instead of straight into your shoulder. I've found pistols to work the same way - A .44 Mag Redhawk can be a handful, but the same load in a Blackhawk is a lot easier for me to shoot,because it rotates in your hand nstead of coming straight back at you. Just my $.02; others may disagree 

[jro45]

I've heard that the Lott has 76.8 Ft Lbs of recoil shooting 500 gr bullets at 2300 fps. I have shot 500 gr bullets at 2300 fps and the recoil wasn't bad with the rifle held tight and the rifle only weighted 9lbs.

[bustedknee]

My experience with the 458 Win Mag is it is a large bore rifle and recoil is substantial.

However, if held properly it can be rather pleasant. 

Shoot reduced loads and lighter bullets unless the heavy loads are required. 

Only shoot mininum number of shots at the range (don't over do it).  Muzzle brakes, quality recoil pads, and heavier rifles are great aids.

As already mentioned, I like to put the sandbag between my shoulder and the rifle butt when sighting in.

I have loaded my 45-70 up until it hurts!
I have loaded my 458 WinMag up until it hurts!
The 458 Lott looks like a hot 458 Win Mag to me.

The worst I have been kicked was from not holding the rifle properly.  I had to make a quick shot or was shooting up a steep hill.

Many years ago, when I worked for the Forest Service, we had to qualify with the 375 H&H.  Little tiny gals on the work crews did just fine from the standing position, if the butt was placed properly.

[coyotejoe]

Actually, a slightly built person suffers less recoil effect than a heavy fellow. Less inertia to the upper body means they more easily move with the recoiling gun, same reason recoil seems less when standing than when hunched forward at a bench rest. If you want the full "therapeutic effect" of recoil shoot from prone, then you'll really get your kicks!