Quote Originally Posted by Blitzfike View Post
I have a 7mag and it isn't too bad. A little more recoil than a 150 grain 30-06, but not as bad to me as shooting a 200 or 220 grain 30-06 load. A good recoil pad is a must on any of the bigger stuff. I have a few 45-70 rifles and they punish with the really heavy bullets. 350 grain in the 45-70 talks, but the 405 grain stuff kicks you in the pants. Shooting the 405 grain 45-70 out of a Sharps with a long barrel isn't too bad. Lots of weight in the rifle to absorb the recoil. The same load in my 95 marlin is painful and in my NEF handi rifle it kills on both ends. I have an Encore barrel in 45-70 and I was surprised at how nice it is to shoot with the 350 grain stuff. It seems to have less felt recoil than the marlin lever gun. I shoot a lot of milsurp rifles and to me the 8mm mauser is the worst for recoil with surplus ammo. I shoot cast bullets out of it with a reduced load and like it pretty well that way, and I get pretty good accuracy as well. My last 300 win mag was a Remington 770. They really cut corners when they built that series. The bolt stop on the one I had was very soft and soon wouldn't retain the bolt when working it quickly. I tried to get a replacement but they only sell to gunsmiths. I ended up welding it up, machining it back to the correct size and heat treating it. My son has it now and is using it for a long range target rifle. Blitzfike
The overall consensus I've gathered thusfar is pretty much to avoid Remington these days. That's one of the many reasons I went with Savage. Also got an X-Bolt Medallion .30-06 and a Ruger American .30-06 Both have really nice recoil pads but are both really light weight. Haven't fired either yet. Glad to hear 7mm Mag generally isn't too punishing. lol