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I have one in 300WSM and it is has the recoil I would expect - not better, not worse. Perceived recoil has a lot to do with "fit", so maybe the Tikka stock fits you really well.My SIL picked up a used Tikka T3 Lite in 7mm Rem Mag one year. It was light and I went with him to zero it. he works alot ( that's one reason I "gave away" my daughter to him! ) so bought some HSM ammor with the 168 Bergers. That thing shot like a varmint rifle, and was surprisingly very easy in recoil! I've shot light weight 308s that kicked more! So, since you are getting started, yes, something like the 7mm08 is a good one, but if you ever felt like you might want to add a "bigger" caliber later, check out the Tikkas in 7mm Mag. I have no idea if a similar one in 300WM would feel the same, but a properly loaded 7mm Rem Mag will do very well for a deer/antelope/elk further out. Now, if you find, like me, that you just don't "like" shooting game beyond 375 or so, your 7mm08 is your huckleberry. Put a good Premium bullet in it and kill elk just fine too. But don't get discouraged by anything, go and learn and have fun!
You'll be good no matter what you choose. Enjoy!
And your choice is?Thank you all so much for the help! I can’t tell you guys how much I appreciate the input.
My “go to” gun for most all big game larger than a coyote is my Tikka 3x Lite SS in 300WSM. It has substantially more kick and recoil than my son’s 308 Savage, but after putting a limb saver on it, it is quite manageable. Without the limb saver, I would have shoulder pain after 10 rounds. With it, I can shoot 20-30 rounds with no effects. I know a lot of people put muzzle brakes on these larger caliber rifles, but after putting lots of rounds down range with it, I can get pretty tight groups out to 200-300 yds without it. Like anything, it’s all about practice and confidence (which only comes with practice).I have no idea if a similar one in 300WM would feel the same, but a properly loaded 7mm Rem Mag will do very well for a deer/antelope/elk further out.
And your choice is?
If you are new to centerfire rifle shooting starting with the 7mm08 is a no brainer. If you have experience then all are decent choices.I've actually been looking at the 7mm-08 more since I didn't know much about it, but I think I'm going to go 308 or 30-06. I'm really bad at these sort of decisions, lol.
Why? mtmuleyIf you are new to centerfire rifle shooting starting with the 7mm08 is a no brainer. If you have experience then all are decent choices.