300 win mag and shoulder trauma

[olympicmotors]

I am 51 years old, weigh about 155 lbs and have been shooting all my life. I moved up to a 7mm magnum from a 30 06 about 25 years ago, and about 2 years ago finally sold it and bought a 300 win mag. I am not recoil sensitive and love the caliber but about 3 months ago I was at the range and shot about 25 rounds through it in one sitting.

My shoulder was a little sore when I left , but got much worse and I have been having quite a bit of pain with it every day. Went to the Dr. and he x-ray'd it and said yeah he could see it was inflamed, gave me some ibuprofen and sent me home.

My shoulder seems to be getting better very slowly, but I really do not want to go through this again, and have been thinking it is time to move down to a softer recoiling caliber.

I have been thinking about 30 06 or 308. really want to go with an established , easy to find caliber that will not go " out of style " if several years. Also easy to find in out of the way stores with limited selection.

I am leaning toward 308 , but would like any input you can give.

Thanks

 

[mbundy]

Put a muzzle brake on it first. Should tame it quite a bit.

I am 51 years old, weigh about 155 lbs and have been shooting all my life. I moved up to a 7mm magnum from a 30 06 about 25 years ago, and about 2 years ago finally sold it and bought a 300 win mag. I am not recoil sensitive and love the caliber but about 3 months ago I was at the range and shot about 25 rounds through it in one sitting.

My shoulder was a little sore when I left , but got much worse and I have been having quite a bit of pain with it every day. Went to the Dr. and he x-ray'd it and said yeah he could see it was inflamed, gave me some ibuprofen and sent me home.

My shoulder seems to be getting better very slowly, but I really do not want to go through this again, and have been thinking it is time to move down to a softer recoiling caliber.

I have been thinking about 30 06 or 308. really want to go with an established , easy to find caliber that will not go " out of style " if several years. Also easy to find in out of the way stores with limited selection.

I am leaning toward 308 , but would like any input you can give.

Thanks

 

[liltank]

There are some very effective muzzle breaks. That would definitely would be the way to go so you can keep your rifle.

 

[olympicmotors]

I am not real excited about muzzle brakes because of the increased noise. I already have some hearing loss and want to keep what I have left , probably will not have hearing protectors on in the field.

 

[NW Hunter]

I agree with the other guys. A muzzle brake lets you shoot relaxed with a good trigger pull.
Also, think about getting a stock without alot of drop at the butt plate. Straight back is better than back & up. It alllows a good follow through at the shot.

There is my 2cents...

 

[ishootkittens]

I am 51 years old, weigh about 155 lbs and have been shooting all my life. I moved up to a 7mm magnum from a 30 06 about 25 years ago, and about 2 years ago finally sold it and bought a 300 win mag. I am not recoil sensitive and love the caliber but about 3 months ago I was at the range and shot about 25 rounds through it in one sitting.

My shoulder was a little sore when I left , but got much worse and I have been having quite a bit of pain with it every day. Went to the Dr. and he x-ray'd it and said yeah he could see it was inflamed, gave me some ibuprofen and sent me home.

My shoulder seems to be getting better very slowly, but I really do not want to go through this again, and have been thinking it is time to move down to a softer recoiling caliber.

I have been thinking about 30 06 or 308. really want to go with an established , easy to find caliber that will not go " out of style " if several years. Also easy to find in out of the way stores with limited selection.

I am leaning toward 308 , but would like any input you can give.

Thanks

Go with a .308 if you want. You could always rechamber your .300win for a .300wsm. Its got basically the same performance out of a smaller,more efficient round. My best friend has a win mag and it reallllly is a heavy hitter. My .300wsm recoils alot less with 180gr bullets and smaller bullets. If you like shooting the 200-220gr bullets then I would still stick a brake on the end. But my .300wsm is a pleasant rifle to shoot with a decent recoil pad. Im 23, and even I dont want to shoot an unbraked .300win 25 times straight. There comes a time when you have to admit that a caliber is just toooo much. Id say the .300wsm will be around for quite some time. Norma, nosler, and winchester make brass for this cartridge and bullet selection will always be around. But good luck with your decision!

 

[marioq]

I you don't want the break, get a lead sled and don't shoot 25 times anymore!!!
I seriously doubt that in the field one shot or a few is going to matter to your shoulder. Unless you have previous posterior dislocations or multi directional instability, it's not gonna happen

Just a thought

 

[el si]

I suggest a good recoil pad such as a Limbsaver or equivalent. They make a lot of difference.

 

[AZShooter]

Regardless of using a brake or not your worrying about hearing loss and shooting without protection in the field is counterproductive. Sure the brake is louder but all firearms are too loud to shoot without protection and will add to hearing loss. It is cumulative, EVERY time you subject your ears to loud noises you are damaging your hearing, period. There are a variety of devices available that allow you to hear normally but block loud noises which would allow you to hunt with protection. Hope you take this information kindly as I am trying to help.

 

[Marble]

I am not real excited about muzzle brakes because of the increased noise. I already have some hearing loss and want to keep what I have left , probably will not have hearing protectors on in the field.

You can unthread the brake from the barrel after you go to the range. If you have never shot a gunwith bad recoil then put a brake on it, you should try it. My 300 rum was unbearable after 2 shots. I put a brake on it and it shoots less than my 708. Some brakes come threaded in a way you can take them of in the field and then put a cap over the exposed threads. Look into the Vias brakes as they are supposed you be less noisy.

I also carry ear plugs on a string around many neck when I'm in the field. I have used them when I have the time. When I hunt elk, I usually do have the time to put the plugs in.

 

[olympicmotors]

Thanks for all the replies. You have given me some things to think about.

 

[MudRunner2005]

My Browning A-Bolt 7mm Rem Mag with BOSS kicks like a .243. Breaks really do work.

 

[nonnieselman]

I put together a 300WM from a Savage 110 and i think a 112 barrel? 26" fluted.
with the suppressor mounted its like shooting a bolt 223. I let the girls shoot it all the time.

Not sure if you wanna spend that kinda money tho?!?
Pretty quiet and very little recoil.

 

[liltank]

I put together a 300WM from a Savage 110 and i think a 112 barrel? 26" fluted.
with the suppressor mounted its like shooting a bolt 223. I let the girls shoot it all the time.

Not sure if you wanna spend that kinda money tho?!?
Pretty quiet and very little recoil.

I never even thought of that as and option. That would be the way to go for sure.