Calibers and perceived or real recoil

hjm · December 5, 2001, 03:52 PM

I would like to get some thoughts on ranking MOST RECOIL to LEAST RECOIL on the following calibers. I know there are many real and perceived factors involved, but is there a general rulling?
Which ones will give the most kick?

9mm
.357 magnum
.38 special
.40
.44 magnum
.45

Thanks,

hjm

Photog · December 5, 2001, 03:58 PM

I'd put them as below for my PERCEIVED recoil from guns with approximately 4" barrel or so.

38sp
9mm (almost a tie with 38)
45 ACP
357 Mag (could in some guns be a tie or higher than 40)
40 (standard full load not FBI downloaded)
44 Mag

YMMV and this opinion is worth what you paid for it

Regards,

Photog

MUNK · December 5, 2001, 04:16 PM

That's really not an answerable question in it's current form. The variety of loads available in each cal greatly overlap.
My Glock 19 (9mm of course) kicks harder with my carry loads (winchester 127gr +p+ SXT Ranger JHPs) than .40 *&*
and .45acp Glocks with standard loads. Also percieved recoil does not always coincide with the actual total force transmitted to the hands of the shooter. Many people find that .40 *&* is snappier in their hands while .45acp gives
a slower and more gentle push. Generally .45s carry more energy though. 9mm loads are almost always more powerful,
in terms of the energy they carry, than .38 specials. But since .38 is fired from a revolver it gives a greater sense of percieved recoil in comparison to the amount of power it has.

With "standard" loads (which are not truly representative of what an informed shooter will use) this is how I would rate
recoil.

.38special
9mm
.40
.45acp
.357mag
.44mag (which is an impractical defense round unless your neighborhood is full of bears)

CastleBravo · December 5, 2001, 04:56 PM

Depends ALOT on the platform the round is shot FROM. In general, assuming guns of comparable weight:

.38 SPL
9x19mm
.45 ACP
.40 S&W
.357 Magnum
.44 Magnum

Change the platforms and all bets are off. A lightweight gun in .38 SPL will be worse to shoot than a big .357 Magnum, and so on.

Ala Dan · December 5, 2001, 06:08 PM

Castle Bravo has a good list; my only other
suggestion would be to add the .41 magnum,
between the .357 and the .44. In my way of
thinking the .41 magnum has about 80% recoil
of the more powerful .44.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, Life Member N.R.A.

Al205 · December 5, 2001, 11:18 PM

I have shot pretty much all the major calibers , and would rate the
calibers as follows.

1. 44 Magnum - about the worst other than 50 and 454
2. 10MM
3. 357 Magnum
4. 45 ACP
5. 40 S&W

All the others are generally Mild

9mm , 38 Special , 380 etc

Jaywalker · December 6, 2001, 12:02 AM

Here's a simple recoil calculator for PCs. Just follow the prompts, entering weight of the bullet and powder charge in grains, the firearm in pounds (and decimals, i.e., 2.6), the velocity of the bullet in feet per second. You'll have to guess at the weight of powder in factory loads. (Note: this doesn't work on blackpowder, since the velocity of the powder is lower than that of smokeless.)

Jaywalker

blades67 · December 6, 2001, 12:26 AM

Number one is the .50 Action Express. After that everything else is a pussycat.

WESHOOT2 · December 6, 2001, 01:23 AM

B-67, ever try my 395g (hell, even my 335g) 45 Colt?

Jaywalker, your recoil calculator ever fire a shot?

Not a perception (or formula); it's for real LOL. Ouch.

Eric Larsen · December 6, 2001, 08:04 AM

From least to most intense recoil...........

380 b-back 3.8" bbl
9x18 mak b-back 3" bbl
9mm l-breech 4" bbl
38 spc rev 2" bbl
45 acp l-breech 4" bbl
357 rev 2" bbl
40 s&w l-breech 3.8" bbl
10mm l-breech 4" bbl
41 mag rev 4" bbl
44 mag rev 4-6" bbl
50 ae l-breech 6" bbl
454 cas rev 6 1/2" bbl

My perception..shoot well

Tamara · December 6, 2001, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Number one is the .50 Action Express.

In what gun? In the Desert Eagle it's a lot more pleasant to shoot than any J-frame .357 Mag and many compact .40's and .45's.

Now, in the AMT on the other hand....

C.R.Sam · December 6, 2001, 09:14 AM

Two huge variables. Tend to take "caliber" out of the equation.

Platform. Gun weight, grip fit, sound etc etc.

Load. I have done some .38 and .44 specials that would unknot your tie. To be used in N frames or better only.

Generally agree with CastleBravo's list for mile loadings in each caliber listed.

Sam

duckdawg · December 6, 2001, 09:58 AM

My experience is that some platforms are comfortable to shoot and some hurt like hell. I used to love shooting my friend's .44 mag while many people hate the round. Now I have a friend who loves his 9x18 mak but it kicks the crap out of me. I hate the grips on that thing. My Beretta has so little perceived recoil that its a good thing I hear a bang or I wouldnt know it went off.

I think fit has more to do with it than most other factors.

In spite of the above opinion, I think the worst kicking gun just has to be the Derringer loaded with .410 00 buckshot

jmlv · December 6, 2001, 10:33 AM

using factory remington 405 grain softpoints. OUCH! but the worst by far it the 6" barreled american derringer in 45/70 with the same loads. actually with the rouind chambered only about 3" of barrel left. It looks very painfull, after the contender they could not pay me enough to to fire it.
Desert eagle in 50 ae is a [color=#FF0000]█[/color][color=#FF0000]█[/color][color=#FF0000]█[/color][color=#FF0000]█[/color][color=#FF0000]█[/color] cat.
500 longabough maximun is apprently the uper limit through.
This is the Ruger 357 Maximum revolver frames used to chamber a long version of the 500 lonagough magnum cartridge. 500 grain bullets at obscxiend volicities. No thanks

Tamara · December 6, 2001, 11:10 AM

Many blowback .380 pocket pistols are much snappier to shoot than guns of similar size and weight that are chambered in 9mm but use a locked-breech method of operation.

CastleBravo · December 6, 2001, 02:01 PM

Random thoughts: 10mm vs .357 Magnum

You'd think that 10mm would recoil more. In theory, sure. However, if we take an all-steel S&W 686 4" as a point of comparision, then every 10mm I've been able to find has quite a bit less felt recoil at comparable power levels. 10mm out of a Bren Ten is a total sugar daddy recoil-wise... assuming you can find one... and afford it... and so on.

For joke recoil, shoot .40 S&W practice ammo from a S&W 610 Classic 6.5". Mild as tapioca pudding. Shoot the same thing from an AMT Backup and, well, :barf:

December 5, 2001, 03:52 PM	#1
hjm Member Join Date: September 28, 2001 Posts: 38	Calibers and perceived or real recoil I would like to get some thoughts on ranking MOST RECOIL to LEAST RECOIL on the following calibers. I know there are many real and perceived factors involved, but is there a general rulling? Which ones will give the most kick? 9mm .357 magnum .38 special .40 .44 magnum .45 Thanks, hjm

December 5, 2001, 03:58 PM	#2
Photog Junior Member Join Date: November 29, 2001 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 7	Assuming standard loads for each I'd put them as below for my PERCEIVED recoil from guns with approximately 4" barrel or so. 38sp 9mm (almost a tie with 38) 45 ACP 357 Mag (could in some guns be a tie or higher than 40) 40 (standard full load not FBI downloaded) 44 Mag YMMV and this opinion is worth what you paid for it Regards, Photog __________________ "You were right about one thing Master, the negotiations WERE short." - Obi Wan Kenobi (Ep. I)

December 6, 2001, 12:26 AM	#8
blades67 Senior Member Join Date: April 22, 1999 Location: Chandler, Arizona, USA Posts: 6,014	Number one is the .50 Action Express. After that everything else is a pussycat. __________________ Guns cause crime like spoons cause Rosie O'Donnell to be fat! I hunt, therefore I am.

December 6, 2001, 01:23 AM	#9
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	I LIKE CastleBravo's LIST B-67, ever try my 395g (hell, even my 335g) 45 Colt? Jaywalker, your recoil calculator ever fire a shot? Not a perception (or formula); it's for real LOL. Ouch. __________________ . "all my ammo is mostly retired factory ammo"

December 6, 2001, 08:04 AM	#10
Eric Larsen Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2001 Location: Bountiful....Ut. Posts: 3,226	From least to most intense recoil........... 380 b-back 3.8" bbl 9x18 mak b-back 3" bbl 9mm l-breech 4" bbl 38 spc rev 2" bbl 45 acp l-breech 4" bbl 357 rev 2" bbl 40 s&w l-breech 3.8" bbl 10mm l-breech 4" bbl 41 mag rev 4" bbl 44 mag rev 4-6" bbl 50 ae l-breech 6" bbl 454 cas rev 6 1/2" bbl My perception..shoot well __________________ If they dont know you have a gun.....then I did alright! If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice......Rush

December 5, 2001, 04:16 PM	#3
MUNK Member Join Date: November 27, 2001 Location: So Cal Posts: 80	That's really not an answerable question in it's current form. The variety of loads available in each cal greatly overlap. My Glock 19 (9mm of course) kicks harder with my carry loads (winchester 127gr +p+ SXT Ranger JHPs) than .40 & and .45acp Glocks with standard loads. Also percieved recoil does not always coincide with the actual total force transmitted to the hands of the shooter. Many people find that .40 & is snappier in their hands while .45acp gives a slower and more gentle push. Generally .45s carry more energy though. 9mm loads are almost always more powerful, in terms of the energy they carry, than .38 specials. But since .38 is fired from a revolver it gives a greater sense of percieved recoil in comparison to the amount of power it has. With "standard" loads (which are not truly representative of what an informed shooter will use) this is how I would rate recoil. .38special 9mm .40 .45acp .357mag .44mag (which is an impractical defense round unless your neighborhood is full of bears)

December 5, 2001, 04:56 PM	#4
CastleBravo Senior Member Join Date: December 11, 1999 Posts: 2,144	Depends ALOT on the platform the round is shot FROM. In general, assuming guns of comparable weight: .38 SPL 9x19mm .45 ACP .40 S&W .357 Magnum .44 Magnum Change the platforms and all bets are off. A lightweight gun in .38 SPL will be worse to shoot than a big .357 Magnum, and so on.

December 5, 2001, 06:08 PM	#5
Ala Dan Member in memoriam Join Date: August 13, 1999 Location: In The HOT, Humid, and Mu Posts: 6,116	Castle Bravo has a good list; my only other suggestion would be to add the .41 magnum, between the .357 and the .44. In my way of thinking the .41 magnum has about 80% recoil of the more powerful .44. Best Wishes, Ala Dan, Life Member N.R.A.

December 5, 2001, 11:18 PM	#6
Al205 Member Join Date: October 23, 2001 Posts: 91	I have shot pretty much all the major calibers , and would rate the calibers as follows. 1. 44 Magnum - about the worst other than 50 and 454 2. 10MM 3. 357 Magnum 4. 45 ACP 5. 40 S&W All the others are generally Mild 9mm , 38 Special , 380 etc

December 6, 2001, 09:14 AM	#12
C.R.Sam Senior Member Join Date: October 29, 1999 Location: Dewey, AZ Posts: 12,858	Two huge variables. Tend to take "caliber" out of the equation. Platform. Gun weight, grip fit, sound etc etc. Load. I have done some .38 and .44 specials that would unknot your tie. To be used in N frames or better only. Generally agree with CastleBravo's list for mile loadings in each caliber listed. Sam

December 6, 2001, 09:58 AM	#13
duckdawg Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2001 Location: In a duckblind Posts: 126	Platform determines all My experience is that some platforms are comfortable to shoot and some hurt like hell. I used to love shooting my friend's .44 mag while many people hate the round. Now I have a friend who loves his 9x18 mak but it kicks the crap out of me. I hate the grips on that thing. My Beretta has so little perceived recoil that its a good thing I hear a bang or I wouldnt know it went off. I think fit has more to do with it than most other factors. In spite of the above opinion, I think the worst kicking gun just has to be the Derringer loaded with .410 00 buckshot

December 6, 2001, 10:33 AM	#14
jmlv Senior Member Join Date: August 30, 2001 Location: PA AMERICA STARTS HERE! Posts: 739	TC 45/70 12" barel no muzzle break using factory remington 405 grain softpoints. OUCH! but the worst by far it the 6" barreled american derringer in 45/70 with the same loads. actually with the rouind chambered only about 3" of barrel left. It looks very painfull, after the contender they could not pay me enough to to fire it. Desert eagle in 50 ae is a [color=#FF0000]█[/color][color=#FF0000]█[/color][color=#FF0000]█[/color][color=#FF0000]█[/color][color=#FF0000]█[/color] cat. 500 longabough maximun is apprently the uper limit through. This is the Ruger 357 Maximum revolver frames used to chamber a long version of the 500 lonagough magnum cartridge. 500 grain bullets at obscxiend volicities. No thanks __________________ JMLV NEW PA RESIDENT TFL ALUMNUS MOLON LABE!

December 6, 2001, 11:10 AM	#15
Tamara Moderator Emeritus Join Date: March 11, 2000 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 16,002	"Platform is all", Part IV: Many blowback .380 pocket pistols are much snappier to shoot than guns of similar size and weight that are chambered in 9mm but use a locked-breech method of operation. __________________ MOLON LABE! 2% Unobtainium, 98% Hypetanium. The Arms Room: An Online Museum.

December 6, 2001, 02:01 PM	#16
CastleBravo Senior Member Join Date: December 11, 1999 Posts: 2,144	Random thoughts: 10mm vs .357 Magnum You'd think that 10mm would recoil more. In theory, sure. However, if we take an all-steel S&W 686 4" as a point of comparision, then every 10mm I've been able to find has quite a bit less felt recoil at comparable power levels. 10mm out of a Bren Ten is a total sugar daddy recoil-wise... assuming you can find one... and afford it... and so on. For joke recoil, shoot .40 S&W practice ammo from a S&W 610 Classic 6.5". Mild as tapioca pudding. Shoot the same thing from an AMT Backup and, well, :barf: