.308 Recoil???

[Willy]

Wished we could get them for that price in Canada; the 12 FCV is listed at some places for over $900.00

[Rsadams]

If its to much look at limbsaver airtech recoil pads... I really like them... I have some real heavy kickers and these pads help a bunch.. Altho I don't find .308 all that bad from a standered weight rifle.. Of course the lighter the rifle the more you get pounded but who wants to carry a 13lbs rifle all day... Heavy and light have a proper place..

[JASmith]

Look at the 6mm Creedmoor or the 6.5 Creedmoor if you want a factory round with excellent (better than .308) long range performance coupled with moderate recoil.

The 6mm recoil is about the same as heavy bullet loads in the .243 Winchester.

[s3silver]

For general comparison, Chuck Hawks says about 4 ft lbs recoil energy for a 223 and about 18 ft lbs for a 308. You are correct to assume it would feel like shooting a 12 gauge. If you can handle a 12 gauge then you'll be fine.

The 308 does thump you pretty good. You will know it's there. I'm 5'7", 175 lb, and can shoot about 100 rounds from a stock axis with pencil barrel without issue.

As mentioned before the 243, 7-08, and creedmoor are also good choices, especially if your wife will be shooting the rifle also.