Thread: The Maths of Recoil

Originally Posted by Moa Hunter

That is a very clear way of explaining it GPM and would have Sir Isaac thinking. What interests me is if I am going to build a lightweight rifle in 6.5 mm that achieves 3000 fps with a 100 grain Barnes and have clean slate to start with, which calibre do I go with?. As an example only, I could go with a 6.5-284 and load it down or a 6.5 x 47 with a normal load. The 6.5 x 284 will need more powder and create more recoil to reach the same velocity with the 100 gr Barnes.

Greetings Moa Hunter,
Thanks for your kind words. I suspect that other considerations will come well ahead of recoil in your choice but the 6.5-.284 Lapua loaded down will have a little more recoil than the 6.5 x 47 due to the increased powder charge. As you are building a lightweight rifle you may be looking at a short action which would rule the 6.5-.284 out. The curmudgeon in me would suggest that the 6.5 mm Creedmoor could be considered as well but that may not be what you are looking for. As I said other considerations.
Regards Grandpamac.