memtb
Well-Known Member
Don't need to, smaller caliber, less recoiling rifles kill big game very well. Also, many people have debilitating shoulder injuries, like the ex-Army ranger I hunt with, and can't shoot a magnum anymore...and 100% agrees with me.................that golf is a pointless game.
Others have developed a horrible flinch from shooting heavy-recoiling magnum rifles "cuz that's what daddy and grand-daddy said to use" and what they mistakenly learned on. Flinching is not a matter of if, but when. Everyone will develop one eventually, amplify that hard-recoiling rifle with "buck fever" and a less-than perfect positional shooting and your hit percentage plummets. That's been proven, not speculation.
90% of the time, pro shooter Jon Pynch shoots nothing more than a 6.5 caliber, and will only shoot over .30 when forced to because he knows the consequences of shooting heavy-recoiling rifles - he'll quickly develop a flinch that he has to work out.
When my comment pertaining to recoil, I've made exceptions…….shoulder injuries or perhaps a eye issue such as a Detached Cornea.
Assuming no physical disabilities…..most anyone should be able to handle the felt recoil of most common magnums in hunting situations.
My wife doesn't enjoy bench work, or Prairie Dog shooting sessions with her sub 9 lb. .338 WM……but is pretty darn deadly on game. And has no issues going prone with it if needed!
There are better cartridges for extended shooting sessions than magnums beyond, let's say for example, .264 WM and up.
I believe that any injury/issue free adult can easily manage most popular, modest weight magnums……if they want to! memtb