Sometimes "wishes" need make way for reality. If your heavy thumpers prove too much, a .243 or 6.5 has little recoil in a moderate weight rifle, and will kill anything walking North America. Or, as you have done, add weight - maybe a heavier barrel is in your future, since you don't have to pack the thing any longer.

I don't have recoil problems - I can use my .338WM as readily as I do the .243, or 260, but I'm liking that 260 more and more. I'm also shooting 10 lb M98 in .30-06, with 27" heavy barrel, and she is a sweetheart for recoil, even across the bench. 3 shot, inch groups at 300 yards doesn't break my heart either... smile. But so far, I've only used it off ATV and snow machine, where I don't have to lug the thing around (The .338 is darn near as heavy).

Last edited by las; 03/02/18.
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