Gave myself a headache today

[RAF]

Today turned into a nice day so I went to the range with my 300 WSM. I used it last season and took 2 deer but wasn't happy with the scope and after the season bought a new one, a Busnell 3200 in 5 - 15. That was mounted and bore sighted. Because of the weather the rifle never made it out of the house until today. I took me a couple of shots to get it close and a few more to put the POI where I wanted it, 2 inches high at 100 yds. Fired a few more for fun . Anyway that rifle kicks like a mule and of course for every shot I've got my cheek welded to the stock. 10 shots later and I've got a duesy of a skull crap. A couple of extra strength tylenol and I'll be OK but I've come to the conclusion that that rifle isn't fun to shoot. It's extremely effective on game, just not fun to shoot. Incidently, I love the scope

[whyohe]

OUCH!!! Well, i hope you feel better. let the fun shooting to HMR 17! some guns are meant to be "tools". i like my 3200 alot too.

[ozark]

I too hope you are back to normal shortly. But, because I am nearly deaf from being exposed to rifle and pistol reports without using ear protection I hope all of you are using ear muffs.
Even with muffs it can't be good to have your brain jarred up over and over. I am not a lover of heavy recoil. Anything more than a normal .243 and I want a shoulder pad, a recoil reducer of some kind and to avoid being pounded all day long. I spent many years practicing 50 rounds a day (weekdays) and sometimes I suspect it has bothered me, bothered me, bothered me,. I know you are all tough alpha males but if you want to stay that way protect your hearing and your brain cells. ozark

[RAF]

I got the hearing protection. Should have had it years ago when I was young and had pistol training in an indoor range. Nobody thought of that back then.
I've a Sims Limb Saver pad on that rifle and the recoil on my should doesn't bother me. Don't even think I flinch. But when you've got your cheek against the stock, your noggin get a rockin' . The headache is just fine and was all better the next morning. (just like those morning after the night before , if you know what I mean ;D)

[youp50]

Have a friend single load your rifle while you look away. After three or five or maybe the first, have him slip you an empty chamber, all his timing of course. That is the best way I know to check for a flinch.

[dans]

man that rifle sounds like a candidate for some kind of rest like my benchmaster that can be weighted to take out some or most of the recoil.

[RAF]

Jun 3, 2008 17:09:52 GMT -5 dans said:

man that rifle sounds like a candidate for some kind of rest like my benchmaster that can be weighted to take out some or most of the recoil.

That might be something to think about if it were a bench rest rifle, but it's a hunting rifle and I've shot it twice hunting and have 2 deer in the freezer . Never felt the recoil on either one.
No plans in the future to shoot at the range unless something goes wrong and have to zero it again. then I'll take some aspirin in advance ;D

[youp50]

Try the Ibuprofin. Lasts longer;)

[RAF]

Jun 4, 2008 7:48:55 GMT -5 youp50 said:

Try the Ibuprofin. Lasts longer;)

;D OK

[ufosa]

RAF, I was going to say that the .308 might have been a better choice of rifle but I see that you are in Saskatchewan. That's pretty open coutry and the mag probably was the better choice. Popping a Caribou or bear at 300 or better is a cinch with that bad boy...

[DannoBoone]

On the bench, my 7mm WSM makes me tired & hurtin', too after
the same amount of shots. I built that sucker HEAVY, too.

However, when shot over the hood of the pick-up using shooting
bags, no problem at all.......go figure.

[RAF]

Oct 18, 2008 18:43:54 GMT -5 ufosa said:

RAF, I was going to say that the .308 might have been a better choice of rifle but I see that you are in Saskatchewan. That's pretty open coutry and the mag probably was the better choice. Popping a Caribou or bear at 300 or better is a cinch with that bad boy...

I already have a 30-06 and a 243. Just wanted to have a 300 WSM incase I go for something bigger. I used it last year only because if was new and wanted to try it out. When rifle season starts in 10 days I'll have to make a decision .

[rossman40]

Back about 2000 I was all set to buy another rifle and I settled on a Remington Sendero in 300 RUM. Put the money down on Saturday, went to the range Sunday and the guy next to me was shooting the same rifle I just ordered. We talked a bit during a cease fire and he was getting set for a trip to Africa and he as sighting in and trying different ammo to check drops. Next cease fire he asked if I would help him finish because he was beat to death. I jumped at the chance and after 9 rounds of 220gr ammo I was done too. Went back to the gun shop Monday morning and switched my order to a Savage 112 in 30-06. I'm too old to beat myself up I thought, what do I do next, I buy a 10ML (it still isn't as stiff as that 300RUM).

[RAF]

IMO you beat your self up during the sighting in process and if you're handloading during the working up a load process. And when I say beat your self up I mean it . Once you're done all that then it's hunting time. One shot at a deer and you never feel the recoil. I did it twice last year and that's what I found. The 300 WSM is going with me tomorrow morning for the first day of center fire rifle season.