Post by: RodR on August 01, 2021, 06:53:21 PM
Any thoughts? off in about 3 weeks for a bear hunt and would like to be more comfortable with my gun.
Thanks ...appreciate any thoughts, other than hang it up old man!
Post by: jrebel on August 01, 2021, 07:02:56 PM
Post by: JimmyHoffa on August 01, 2021, 07:05:53 PM
Post by: Bob33 on August 01, 2021, 07:08:22 PM
Post by: Ridgeratt on August 01, 2021, 07:09:16 PM
You can ease into your practice.
Post by: jay.sharkbait on August 01, 2021, 07:12:29 PM
I did shoot a CMP match with a 1903. I was a mess at the end of it.
Don’t feel bad and definitely don’t hang it up!
Post by: Alchase on August 01, 2021, 07:12:46 PM
A muzzle break will reduce recoil, but at the cost of your hearing, LOL
Seriously they do help, just know, no one will love you at the range.
If a Weatherby 30.06 (very decent rifles) is giving you recoil issues, it might be time to look to a .243 or similar round.
PS: 50 rounds out of a hunting rifle is a lot to handle in one range visit.
Post by: rtspring on August 01, 2021, 07:13:41 PM
Post by: jay.sharkbait on August 01, 2021, 07:15:29 PM
Shoot a .300 Rum 50 times and you will enjoy going back to an 06 :chuckle:
Or even an early .300 WM Sendero.
Post by: Dan-o on August 01, 2021, 07:23:42 PM
I've take to shooting a lot more 223 and 6.5 Grendel - both of which you can shoot all day.
There's something to be said for being familiar with your rifle, but developing a flinch is no good.
If you can afford to, I'd consider getting a very mild recoiling rifle for most practice.
Post by: Igor on August 01, 2021, 07:30:07 PM
First of all, nobody can see it and call you a "pansy". It is totally invisible to the casual observer.
Secondly, it will soak up virtually all of the recoil of an '06.........I use it when shooting my .300 Win Mag.
Thirdly, I would advise against practicing with other guns because they have "less recoil". Practice with the gun that you will be hunting with.
I have been using this technique for many, many years. It will make range-time almost enjoyable......trust me.
Post by: Platensek-po on August 01, 2021, 07:37:12 PM
Post by: Skillet on August 01, 2021, 07:54:58 PM
I usually bring a .22 to the range to shoot between my 30-06 groups. Helps with trigger control, breathing exercises, not developing a flinch, and lets the barrel cool. No point in practicing with a hot barrel if your groups move at all because of it. I've had a few guns with thin barrels that started walking all over when they heated up.
Post by: jasonstevens on August 01, 2021, 07:56:14 PM
Post by: mtnhntr on August 01, 2021, 07:59:44 PM
Post by: ghosthunter on August 01, 2021, 08:18:13 PM
I used an 06 for many years and as I grew older the recoil was not fun on the range like you have experienced. Don't notice it in the field though. I switched to a 7mm-08 and that is my go to rifle for deer size animals. Can't tell the difference in killing power. Still have the 06, but it is pretty much a safe queen. I would suggest you try a smaller caliber and see how you like it.
Exact same for me.
Bought a 110 Storm in 7mm o8 last year at 69.
Post by: mazama on August 01, 2021, 08:53:02 PM
Post by: cooltimber on August 01, 2021, 10:21:43 PM
Post by: Taco280AI on August 01, 2021, 10:50:47 PM
Go to a lower weight bullet if able.
Use a lead sled or similar art the range.
Practice with a 22 or even a pellet gun to get rid of the flinch.
Post by: EmeraldBullet on August 01, 2021, 11:43:36 PM
Post by: rasbo on August 02, 2021, 04:15:23 AM
Post by: Jingles on August 02, 2021, 05:18:27 AM
Post by: RodR on August 02, 2021, 06:41:28 AM
Thank you for you comments, very helpful and I'll start with the easiest and a reasonable recoil pad. As most of you implied 50 rounds was a lot, and rather expensive. Part of that was a lack of experience in sighting in my scope and as a few of you might surmise, frustration. I started on 165's and ended with the bear load I'll be using 180's, felt compelled to put 3 in the black before I left for the day. But at that point I'm sure I was tossing rounds and not shooting.
I appreciate the comments of less is more and will be a bit more judicious and less obsessive. Anyone ever mounted a Falcon Strike? Rather expensive but possibly a placebo for my mental block!
Thanks guys for taking the time to respond.. I am looking forward to getting back into the hunt..
Post by: bobcat on August 02, 2021, 06:45:40 AM
Post by: RobinHoodlum on August 02, 2021, 07:05:37 AM
Post by: jrebel on August 02, 2021, 07:17:48 AM
http://www.twoamendments.com/post/rifle-recoil-table-sortable
Post by: Rob on August 02, 2021, 08:22:32 AM
It really helps!
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1002531259?pid=699899
Post by: Igor on August 02, 2021, 08:29:47 AM
Have fun, and stay safe.
Post by: RodR on August 02, 2021, 08:54:49 AM
I had recoil issues with my .06 years ago after about 10 shots, though never considered shooting more than a dozen rounds. From personal experience I can reiterate the comments about how swapping in a limbsaver and shooting a lighter round can make a world of difference.
Thanks... Yeah I seem to have been a little too assertive, such is my personality, you'd think wisdom and patience would reign in my later years.
Post by: RodR on August 02, 2021, 09:02:28 AM
When I am shooting a lot, or have one shot that triggers a nerve in the shoulder, I use a sissy pad.
It really helps!
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1002531259?pid=699899
Thank you Rob,
I assume that you do not use this in the field and do you feel that it interferes with the the parallax? My scope is very precise and was a difficult to acquire the target. Appreciate the link. Frankly I didn't feel much of a difference from 180 to 165, so with my skill set take the 180 as I'll likely need as much lead as possible in my target..
Rod
Rod
Post by: RodR on August 02, 2021, 09:05:16 AM
125 grain helps and it works awesome on deer. 50 rounds? Holy raspberry Batman, lol as stated shoot less but more often. 30-06 is a great caliber
I was living on past experience and had always shot the 06 because of the bullet diversity.. and yeah 50 was a little over the top..
Thx!
Post by: Skillet on August 02, 2021, 09:06:03 AM
When I am shooting a lot, or have one shot that triggers a nerve in the shoulder, I use a sissy pad.
It really helps!
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1002531259?pid=699899
I have this same pad. It's been referred to as my "Kotex" at the range :chuckle:, but it's all in fun. I last used it getting a 375 h&h zeroed in, and was very glad I had it.
Post by: hunter399 on August 02, 2021, 09:08:51 AM
If I was to shoot 50 out of my 7 mag ,my shoulder would hurt . My shoulder starts to hurt at 20.
It only takes one shot out hunting,maybe two :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
I do believe my shooting improves with smaller calibers.
So just keep in mind ,that it happens to everybody.
Sounds like a good excuse to buy another gun... :chuckle:
Post by: RodR on August 02, 2021, 09:12:44 AM
I also can relate to your situation,sounds like some pretty good advise so far.
If I was to shoot 50 out of my 7 mag ,my shoulder would hurt . My shoulder starts to hurt at 20.
It only takes one shot out hunting,maybe two :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
I do believe my shooting improves with smaller calibers.
So just keep in mind ,that it happens to everybody.
Sounds like a good excuse to buy another gun... :chuckle:
I dont get to go as often as I would like so if im going im gonna let loose 100+ rounds at the range. I actually enjoy a little shoulder bruise from it the next day though. Guess it'd be different for me if I could go more often. I miss where I lived in SO and you could use your rifle to cut down a small tree off your front porch and no one cared.
I hear you!.. I grew up in rural SW Idaho and we'd go jack rabbit hunting, pistols, shotguns, 22-250, 22's and 06's.. The population one year was so bad the rancher would give us ammo money because they were decimating his hay crop. It was rather freakish... like working out and sore muscles, would bring a smile a few days later.
Post by: RodR on August 02, 2021, 09:16:10 AM
If you are going to be experimenting with different bullets, and different bullet weights, I would recommend that you acquire some ballistic charts. You will find differences in the ballistics between the 180 gr. and the 165 gr. are negligible. However, the 150 gr. is a dog ballistically, and the 125 gr. is even worse. In fact, at 300 yards, the retained energy of the 125 gr. falls below what is considered the minimum for humane kills on deer and bear sized animals.
Have fun, and stay safe.
Thanks Igor, I appreciated your earlier comment on practicing on the gun you're going to shoot, other than the extreme to a 22, which my brain and body knows, not much trouble with a 22. But then again I've not shot one since my 50 round day..
Post by: Igor on August 02, 2021, 09:38:47 AM
Thanks Igor, I appreciated your earlier comment on practicing on the gun you're going to shoot, other than the extreme to a 22, which my brain and body knows, not much trouble with a 22. But then again I've not shot one since my 50 round day..
You are welcome, Rod. I'm glad that some of my comments made sense to you. You will get lots of comments and opinions here, and it can be a little overwhelming. Sounds like you are on the right track to finding what you need.
Take care.
Post by: Rob on August 02, 2021, 11:14:33 AM
When I am shooting a lot, or have one shot that triggers a nerve in the shoulder, I use a sissy pad.
It really helps!
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1002531259?pid=699899
Thank you Rob,
I assume that you do not use this in the field and do you feel that it interferes with the the parallax? My scope is very precise and was a difficult to acquire the target. Appreciate the link. Frankly I didn't feel much of a difference from 180 to 165, so with my skill set take the 180 as I'll likely need as much lead as possible in my target..
Rod
Rod
Only at the range, and only when shooting big-bores or if a smaller rifle hits that one specific nerve in my shoulder! (probably the one I damaged shooting big bores from the bench without a sissy pad!)
I have yet to even register recoil when hunting in the field. I am usually so focused on my shot, and so excited/hit with buck fever that I don't usually even remember the shot.
Post by: RodR on August 03, 2021, 10:23:17 AM
When I am shooting a lot, or have one shot that triggers a nerve in the shoulder, I use a sissy pad.
It really helps!
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1002531259?pid=699899
Thank you Rob,
I assume that you do not use this in the field and do you feel that it interferes with the the parallax? My scope is very precise and was a difficult to acquire the target. Appreciate the link. Frankly I didn't feel much of a difference from 180 to 165, so with my skill set take the 180 as I'll likely need as much lead as possible in my target..
Rod
Rod
Only at the range, and only when shooting big-bores or if a smaller rifle hits that one specific nerve in my shoulder! (probably the one I damaged shooting big bores from the bench without a sissy pad!)
I have yet to even register recoil when hunting in the field. I am usually so focused on my shot, and so excited/hit with buck fever that I don't usually even remember the shot.
Although I've not hunted game in many years, I'm a better shot in the field than at the range, at least on the opportunities I had... I have 64" moose antlers in my rec room.... it was a beast. I was 26 in the Brooks range. It was once in a lifetime, at an early age. Funny thing was I had a chance to shoot a caribou a couple of days later and I was so exhausted from 13 3 mile hikes the previous days. I couldn't summon the energy!
Thanks for you assistance..
Rod
Post by: Rob on August 03, 2021, 11:23:21 AM
I was hunting with a buddy of mine a while back. We were fortunate to each take 5-10 animals in the span of a few days. He was mostly a target shooter with a little hunting on the side. What he came to realize was that Minute of deer is a much bigger target that what he was shooting for on paper. i.e. with a 8 inch heart/lung target, there is more margin of error than what he was use to with driving to sub-MOA groups. Which is good because field shooting generally increases group sizes 2-3x over bench shooting due to odd angles, odd shooting positions, weather, buck fever, etc
Post by: thinkingman on August 04, 2021, 09:53:28 PM
As Jrebel says
A muzzle break will reduce recoil, but at the cost of your hearing, LOL
Seriously they do help, just know, no one will love you at the range.
If a Weatherby 30.06 (very decent rifles) is giving you recoil issues, it might be time to look to a .243 or similar round.
PS: 50 rounds out of a hunting rifle is a lot to handle in one range visit.
Yup.
Get a brake if you want to damage your hearing and everyone around you.
50 rds is a pretty long session for a hunting rifle.
Post by: bearpaw on August 04, 2021, 10:05:41 PM
Post by: konradcountry on August 06, 2021, 02:34:54 PM
I agree with the guy that said to get a 7-08. You can get a Ruger American on gunbroker for around $450.
I shoot mine offhand a lot better than an 06. In fact I don't normally take a shooting stick when hunting with it.