Tikka T3x Recoil .308 vs .30-06

Joined
Mar 31, 2018
Messages
92
Location
USA
Hey guys,

My father has a Tikka T3x in .308 with the stock pad. I'm no marksman and from what I remember sighting it in, I wouldn't want to shoot more than 15-20 rounds in a row with it. I was thinking of picking one up in .30-06, my favorite round, and putting a Limbsaver pad and slightly heavier scope on it. Would I notice much difference in felt recoil with these changes?
 

Dcrafton

WKR
Joined
Aug 10, 2016
Messages
620
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Morgan utah
Well, a 308 has an average of 16 lbs of recoil and the 30-06 has an average of 17.5 lbs of recoil. That being said, for the 30-06 adding a recoil pad and being a little heavier, The 30-06 then would probably be about the same as the 308


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Jellymon1

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
May 26, 2020
Messages
140
Location
Wetside Washington
There was a big difference in my t3x 30/06 after I put on a limbsaver pad. The stock pad sucks. I’d say the 06 with a limbsaver on it would probably be more comfortable to shoot than the 308 with the stock pad.
 
Joined
May 22, 2014
Messages
1,230
I put the limbsaver pad on both my tikkas, a 300 WM and a 7-08. The 300 wasn’t bad at all to shoot with the pad although I have recently put a brake on it. The 7-08 has basically zero recoil it feels like. The limbsaver is a must have.
 

Motown

WKR
Joined
Dec 11, 2019
Messages
411
I have a 308 T3X and didnt think it kicked all that bad in the factory stock. I did eventually switch to a Mcmillan which was more of a personal preference and the recoil seems to be a bit les, but the Mcmillan also has a decelerator pad as well. I also have 4 other tikka T3X’s and they all ride in the factory stocks but none of them are larger than a 308.
 
Joined
Oct 8, 2019
Messages
2,956
Limbsavers can work well. Only the individual can determine if the reduction in felt recoil is worth it as we all handle recoil differently.

When shooting a "heavier" recoiling rifle, only shoot it for a few rounds at a time. After a few rounds, pivot to a "lighter" recoil rifle(s). This allows your rifle barrel to cool. It gives your shoulder a break which will allow you to extend your shooting session as well as reduce the likelihood of developing a flinch.

Also if funds allow it get another rifle (same exact setup) but in a smaller and lighter recoiling caliber. Do the bulk of your training on it.

I did this yesterday. 120 rounds total over 6 rifles of various weights (7-9#) and calibers (6.5 CM - 300 WM). 3 shots each for 6 rounds followed by 2 rounds each.
 

JakeSCH

WKR
Joined
Jun 14, 2020
Messages
972
Location
San Diego, CA
I've shot both. I replaced the stock on the 308 with a ben & carlson and the 30-06 has a limbsaver. They feel the same to me...both have more felt recoil more than my 300 WM with a brake.
 
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