Hi Folks,
New at this game and have a question regarding recoil. I am currently shooting a Contender 14" .44 magnum/irons/prone. No real problems but it is a handful. One of the 7mms seems to be a good alternative from a trajectory stand point, what is the difference in recoil between a .44 load of Sierra 250/1475 fps vs. a 7mm load that will knock over the Rams?
Thanks in advance,
Mike T.

The 7mm will have noticably less recoil.

While the 44M will certainly take down the targets, it also usually extracts some measure of revenge on wrists and nerves. A review of a good trajectory table reveals how pushing low BC bullets faster and faster is a game of diminishing returns. The 7mm such as the TCU or BR would let you drop bullet weight to 120 to 140gr and eliminate the energy needed to overcome the inertia of the 240gr at launch, lessening recoil. Bullets with better BC will exhibit less drop and that usually translates into better trajectory. rp

Exactly what I wanted - some first hand advise! Thank you ! Coincidentally found an unfired TC Contender 7TCU barrel today, it is on the way!

You will probably notice about 1/2 the recoil with the 7 TCU over your 44 mag. Plenty of brass for the TCU and you really have to work hard to find a load it doesn't like. Using 139/140 grain bullets is about all you need and maybe some 154 bullets if you run into sticky rams. Try 25.0 grains of H322/AA2015 and any small rifle primer and you will usually have no problems with targets or recoil. Great cartridge for IHMSA.

tonedaddy wrote:if you want a boomer that will wake up the firing line try a 30-30 with 150 gr bullet with 31gr H335! Just ask 260 about mine! You can burn the paint off the chickens!

sounds like an old 10" 7tcu load I used to shoot.. 26 Grs of BLC2 with a hornady 154 bullet.

Just make sure you keep a fire extinguisher handy

Fire extinguisher... What the heck have I gotten myself into....!

WC - I'm afraid you have run into a bunch of lunatics that love to shoot steel. You are about to experience the most fun you can think of and meet some of the most friendly people around. You will get lots of good (maybe some not so good) advice. Attend some matches and talk to people. I'm sure more than one will be willing to let you try their guns and loads to see what suits you best. Hope you can find a friend close by to attend matches with you. That just doubles your fun. Spotting is almost as good as pulling the trigger. Hope you enjoy our sport.

What 260 striker says is right.Just come to a match and watch for a little while.Watch the recoil of all their guns, when you see what looks right to you,then just ask him or her if they mind letting try their gun,I have never seen anyone turn down, as a matter of fact they will probably come with you and spot for you.most of our shooters love to help new shooters.Jackie

these guys are right on when they say we are a friendly group. I have been shooting this sport since 1985 (except for 10 years due to work) and still love the sport. I always think of my fellow shooters as a family (without the squabbles).

And I have had for a long time that I will gladly loan a gun and ammo to a new shooter. I always bring extra ammo just for that reason.