Thread: .303 rifle recoil, sore shoulder

I also have bursitis in my shoulder, and its my opinion that most of your discomfort is coming from that. Perhaps it is causing you to hold the rifle in a way which you normally wouldn't, but if I was you I would work on the healing process before looking for issues with the rifle or your shooting technique.
I assume you're already going down this path but if not, inquire about a cortisone injection, which has reduced the inflammation for me, and ongoing physio visits for acupuncture and targeted mobility exercises are making gradual improvements.

Thick clothing of sturdy construction helps a lot too
Tempting to shoot in a tee shirt when it’s hot


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This time im seriolus .

Go get an old jandal or if you can scrounge it a bit of sleeping mat or something similar.
Now either hand sew or if you know someone who can hand or machine sew a pocket for this square of rubber/foam.Ok got that .right now nick a safety pin from somewhere and when you come to shoot old donkey nuts just pin that on the right shoulder of your shirt etc and snuggle the butt into that.

Ive done it with my 12g shotties-works a bloody treat.Actually i must confess a lot of surplus jandals have been recycled as recoil pads on my arms and do a perfectly good job.

Originally Posted by Bagheera

Get along to a physiotherapist and check out if you have some “frozen shoulder” before it gets worse.
In general , building up beef ( not lard ) with strength training is helpful to shooting but well planned rotator cuff exercises and stretching can make that safer.

I've already been going to one.
Looks like the bursitis is going away.
My main concern is what the cause is. I had been doing a ton of work with a weedeater and put it down to that, but could have been my use with the 12 gauge at the time too.
He has given me exercises to do and it helps. I dont have the pain anymore like I was getting doing everyday things, but want to take it easy with the guns for now. I have already put a limbsaver on my 12 gauge but it's added to the length of pull somewhat.

Originally Posted by -BW-

I also have bursitis in my shoulder, and its my opinion that most of your discomfort is coming from that. Perhaps it is causing you to hold the rifle in a way which you normally wouldn't, but if I was you I would work on the healing process before looking for issues with the rifle or your shooting technique.
I assume you're already going down this path but if not, inquire about a cortisone injection, which has reduced the inflammation for me, and ongoing physio visits for acupuncture and targeted mobility exercises are making gradual improvements.

Yes, I want to take it easy for now, am doing the exercises my physio gave me, he advised against cortisone unless the symptoms get worse, thankfully I feel it was just the shooting position that was the issue while sitting down.
I sighted it in the other day with a slip on recoil pad and it makes a huge difference.
Also when firing standing up, the recoil feels non existent.
The recoil seems to make the gun push upwards rather than my shoulder taking the full impact like when I am sitting down.

hmmmm I seem to recall "someone " said that would happen...laying down your body is inline with rifle so HAS to take all the force,upright your body can sway backwards LOL
sounds like you have got it sorted....dont forget to wrap some insulation tape etc on slip on pad when out n about or you can brush it off in the scrub.

Originally Posted by Old_School

I've already been going to one.
Looks like the bursitis is going away.
My main concern is what the cause is. I had been doing a ton of work with a weedeater and put it down to that, but could have been my use with the 12 gauge at the time too.
He has given me exercises to do and it helps. I dont have the pain anymore like I was getting doing everyday things, but want to take it easy with the guns for now. I have already put a limbsaver on my 12 gauge but it's added to the length of pull somewhat.



Yes, I want to take it easy for now, am doing the exercises my physio gave me, he advised against cortisone unless the symptoms get worse, thankfully I feel it was just the shooting position that was the issue while sitting down.
I sighted it in the other day with a slip on recoil pad and it makes a huge difference.
Also when firing standing up, the recoil feels non existent.
The recoil seems to make the gun push upwards rather than my shoulder taking the full impact like when I am sitting down.

ohh for crying out loud -man up - use a pad if ya half to but if ya think its going to kick - select one of two options 1) don't fire it 2 ) be brave - hold it tight - use a pad - enjoy shooting - end of story

I could look it up but the old SMLE actually has LESS recoil than a LOT of other rifle/cartridge combos that were in use 30 years ago,its about a third of your .12ga oh and DO NOT fire your .12ga prone unless no other option......been there done that AND got the parries too LOL.... oh the glorious days of slinkdown and belly crawl stalking then on home farm.

Originally Posted by Barry the hunter

ohh for crying out loud -man up - use a pad if ya half to but if ya think its going to kick - select one of two options 1) don't fire it 2 ) be brave - hold it tight - use a pad - enjoy shooting - end of story

As I said, the main issue was just the shooting position when I was trying to sight it in.
I dont even need the recoil pad if shooting in a standing position.


I think my bursitis is unrelated to my shooting, but need to be careful until it's settled down.

Greetings,
Definitely consider light handloads. Point of impact can vary widely with different sorts of ammo. If you handload I can suggest some lighter loads that I used in my steel butt No4.
GPM.