You forgot,RinB, that we are all macho macho and bulletproof on here.
And that most don't shoot enough for the cumulative effects of the 300s greater recoil to matter?
A little of my background:
To Date I have found my recoil 'tolerance limit' ONE time.
I had and still have a 700 BDL 8mm RM. I have shot it plenty with 200 & 220 gr bullets with powder charges in the 80+ gr range. Yes, I notice that recoil but it does not punish me.
The 700 stock PLUS Rem recoil PAD do a good job FOR ME. Fit has a lot to do with 'felt' or perceived recoil.
OTOH - I HAD, I say HAD a 77 tanger 338 WM with only a butt pad<not RECOIL> pad. I shot 225gr bullets with IMR 4350, don't remember the charge but in the 70 + range.
THAT 77 not only kicked but HURT every time I shot it. I ladder tested, graph & group, found a -1" load and sighted the rifle in---BUT before deer season it MADE DUST going down the road. IT HURT. I don't have to put up with that kind of punishment.
The 8 Mag shoots MORE powder with only 5 grain less bullet weight THAN the 77 - 338, but it did NOT punish me. I still have it. I'd say the 8 R M does NOT have less recoil than the 300 Bee.
Now as to 300s -- I have 1 300 WM today but I've had 3-4 in the past. Today's is a 70 WINLITE, I shoot 180s at 3000-3100 fps. I hunted that rifle exclusively 08-09-& 10 and killed more than 1 deer each season.
MY conclusion - the stock FIT and recoil PAD have LOTS to do with felt recoil.
BTW - I've shot a 700 BDL 375 HH enuff that I can shoot & hunt it IF I needed one. (Stock&Pad)
NO anger or resentment - just real assessment.
