Difference in recoil: 40 grain .223 vs 50 grain .223?

[Questor]

I want the lightest recoiling .223 loads for my son to use during an upcoming prairie dog shoot. Is there much difference between the 40 grain and 50 grain bullets?  Is it worth it to use the 50 grain bullets because of improved performance in wind deflection?

[Gregory]

I have a heavy barreled Savage 110FP that weighs about 10 lbs with a scope, I don't think recoil would matter in that gun with either load.  Out of my TC Contender carbine which weighs maybe 6 lbs with a scope you might be able to tell a little, difference but I don't think it would be much.

[varmit_master]

Hi there shouldnt be enuff to tell maybe a hair diff i would go with 50gr because of the wind VM

[Glanceblamm]

Agreed.
Even if you were using a .22-250 the recoil is only 4-ft lbs.

[Bugflipper]

I agree, not to much would be seen dropping it 10 grains. Limbsaver has a vew recoil pad out that takes up to 50% of the sting away. You may considder getting that. It took my 30/06 180 gr down to a respectable 22/250 feel. Pachmyer also makes one but it's not as effective, I put one on a 7stw and got it down maybe to a 7 mm mags feel. If it's applicable you may try the larger harris bipod model it will take a bit out and allow you and him both to shoot from a sitting position. One more option is the piece that straps over your shoulder that a lot of trap shooter use( might be called a recoil tamer).
Good Luck

[skb2706]

don't know how old or big your son is but mine is 10 and average build. He shoots his 22-250 with 50 gr v maxs all day for two and three days at a time. That gun wieghs about 10 lbs. and we use a bipod on it. We have alternated from 40 grns to 50's and not seen any noticable difference in recoil. After your son shoots and hits a few he will be so "into" the hits he'll never notice the recoil...........guaranteed.