Thread: The Maths of Recoil

Originally Posted by Moa Hunter

While we have recoil at one end of the firearm and the momentum of the projectile at the other, the effect of the projectile on game is not as simple as the amount of momentum nor is trajectory @Puffin. In my experience a sub sonic projectile with a given momentum will not kill as quickly as a high velocity smaller projectile with the same momentum despite laws of physics

I think that's to do with the hydraulic shock more than anythy . Not sure on the science though but no doubt someone here will know.
From my experience with my 338 lap mag and his 338 edge the science doesn't always work the way it should when it comes to PERCEIVED recoil.
I have a lightweight Hardy 338 lap mag...carbon everything...around 4.5 kilo with scope and suppressor.
The 338 edge has heavy stainless barrel, laminate wood stock, slightly longer barrel and muzzle brake and extra metal added to stock etc as runners as it's used solely for long range shooting and competition. Mine is a hunting rifle. He shoots 300gr versus my 250gr at near enough the same velocity. It must weight a good 2 or 3 kilos more than mine. On paper with all that extra weight and muzzle brake it should be significantly nicer than mine to shoot recoil wise. Hell no... I am happy to shoot mine all day but I won't shoot his using any limp excuse I can come up with.
I think the brake alone is a large part of this. Again on paper it should be more effective at reducing felt recoil But in my opinion it increases Perceived recoil immensely. The blast noise is huge and with it blowing the scenery back in your face only increases the sensation. It also has a lot more solid butt pad. Mine is very spongey and absorbs a considerable amount of recoil. Also the blast noise is obviously significantly lower with the suppressor and it doesn't blow back at you which reduces the Perceived recoil considerably.
So from my experience the math only tells half the story regarding actual recoil and perceived recoil. My lightweight 338 lap is a pleasure to shoot in comparison to his rifle but going by the math on paper it should be the other way around by a considerable margin.