Thread: Low recoil Factory 308 Ammo

I’ve got a mate who recently bought a 308 Howa for his son and he’s struggling with the recoil using Federal 150gn Factory ammo .
Is there a lower power Factory load that anyone can recommend for Goats / Pigs etc ?
I haven’t played with the 308 for years so I’m not up with the play , before you suggest hand loading / muzzle brakes etc it isn’t an option, they just want to use Factory ammo with a bare rifle .
These guys are farmers not enthusiasts / Hunters , this rifle is a tool not a toy to eliminate feral animals on their property.
Any suggestions

Try some 130gr, it should have a bit less recoil.

Still, a suppressor/brake would be good for their ears and the shoulder.

Remington used to make a load called managed recoil I think,used it many moons ago when I had a .270, worked well and was very similar to shooting a 243,

I was under the impression but I'm no expert far from it that a low recoiling 308 is a 7mm08.

Doesn't help though in this case.

Fiocchie Perfecta ammo and PPU ammo are generally slightly milder loads compared to others. This has been my experience when looking for common factory loafs for my Ruger Scout.

Yeah Remington did make a managed/reduced recoil load, you may struggle to find any in NZ currently thou.

It used a 125gr or 130gr bullet loaded with 30gr of IMR 4198 with velocity around 2200-2400, if you know a friendly handloader to knock some up for them, in my experience these reduced loads shoot mint with basically no development.

I'm just heading out the door, but this came up with a quick search: https://55six.co.nz/product/hornady-...t-custom-lite/

Educate them on the many benefits of a suppressor, including the ongoing reduced stress to their valued livestock as that tool is being used around the farm

Their tractors, motorbikes, cars and petrol powered tools have mufflers, they now have a new tool that needs a muffler for exactly the same reasons

The sako 123gr game head factory load worked well for me in smacking goats with my wee model seven in 308. Was not a reduced recoil load but definitely softer than a full house 150/165gr load. I shifted to a Belmont 150gr load instead for a bit more versatility.

A suppressor really is the simple answer though, they then wouldn't be limited to a certain type of ammo that could be hard to find reliably.

@Ground Control is your mate in Aussie? If so I guess that rules out a suppressor, unless he happens to be in NSW and can provide a highly compelling case to the local constabulary..

As others have said, drop down to something around 130gr (the sako 123gr would be ideal) and fit a limbsaver. Another option would be to sell it and get a 243

Ive seen reduced recoil loads on shop shelf only once...in Ashburton.... any projectile less than 150 grn will be softer shooting and believe it or not..the winchester power point 180 grn load is softer shooting than the 150grn version.....and its a seriously good killing round for closer range or bush work.
the other smart option,is to find a reloading option...like belmont over here,and get a couple of hundred loads made up to something you want/more user friendly either go 130grn at mid range velocity or 150 at semi mild velocity,you dont have to drop much either projectile weight or powder charge for a large reduction in recoil...a limbsaver recoil pad makes huge difference and if suppressor not an option,double up ear protection....half the recoil battle is percieved recoil via noise....

Originally Posted by 7.62

@Ground Control is your mate in Aussie? If so I guess that rules out a suppressor, unless he happens to be in NSW and can provide a highly compelling case to the local constabulary..

As others have said, drop down to something around 130gr (the sako 123gr would be ideal) and fit a limbsaver. Another option would be to sell it and get a 243

This is in QLD Australia , so suppressors are a no go .
The young fella can shoot a .223 no worries at all , his father thought he was big/old enough to handle a 308 but in hindsight it might have been a bit to soon .
I’ve sent them a few links to some lite 308 loads from Hornady etc that are available from Cleavers ( a big QLD gunshop) that they frequent when they are in Brisbane .

Originally Posted by 7mmsaum

Educate them on the many benefits of a suppressor, including the ongoing reduced stress to their valued livestock as that tool is being used around the farm

Their tractors, motorbikes, cars and petrol powered tools have mufflers, they now have a new tool that needs a muffler for exactly the same reasons

What he said.
I just seen you are talking aussie, no cans over There!
Sent from my SM-A226B using Tapatalk

Just thinking outside the box, they could fill the forend up with an epoxy resin to make the stock heavier which would soak up some of the kick? If they are carrying the rifle alot or shooting freehand that may be a dumb idea but if its a truck/quad gun could work. Pretty cheap and easy to replace the stock later when the lads a bit more battle hardened.