SmallCaliberCentral

I have been shooting the 39 grain Blitzkings for as long as I have had my .204, and have been very happy with their accuracy and performance on ground squirrels. However, I have noticed that at shorter ranges and/or higher magnification, sometimes my rifle jumps just enough to keep me from seeing all of the glorious carnage that occurs on impact. I have also noticed that when I am shooting in rocky areas that the 39 grainers kick up a lot of dust after blowing through the squirrel, making it difficult to tell if it was a solid hit or a total miss. While these are fairly minor complaints given how well the round performs otherwise, I am wondering if using the lighter bullet might minimize either one or both of these issues. Will I see my hits better if I switch to the lighter bullet? I suppose the obvious answer is to try it and find out, but if anyone out there happens to have any experience, your advice would surely be appreciated!
Thank you,
Chris

Loki: The answer is "yes". As the Laws of Physics are strictly enforced, you will indeed experience less recoil and rifle jump by using a lighter bullet. The less mass of ejecta will result in lower recoil forces, all other things being equal.

I shoot four 204's, one is an 11-twist and all are used for both squirrels and rock chucks. Unless the wind is howling or the range being shot is more than 400 yards, I only shoot the 32's and can see all my hits/misses through the scope in each rifle. I save the 39/40's for longer ranges and windy conditions which is where the 11-twist really shines. All mine are HB's shot off the bench and all the 'glorious action' is seen every time. "Jump Skippy, jump!"

The weight of the rifle makes a lot difference, as far as recoil felt or noticed. My Howa, fully dressed, to make skippy "dance" weighs in at just over 10 1/2 lbs. I do shoot both the 39's and the 32's and I do see most of my hits thru the scope. Never really noticed a difference between the 2 as far as recoil goes. That being said, I cannot argue with the law of Physics.

Rick in Oregon wrote:Loki: The answer is "yes". As the Laws of Physics are strictly enforced, you will indeed experience less recoil and rifle jump by using a lighter bullet. The less mass of ejecta will result in lower recoil forces, all other things being equal.

I started shooting as soon as I could manage a shotgun. I used to go thru any wheres between 4 to 7 cases of ammo a year, for about 30 yrs. For any one who is not familiar with case quantities of shotgun ammo, that is 25 rds per box and 20 boxes per case. This means I learned to "jerk" the trigger. Never made a difference with said shotgun. I have had to un-train my brain for trigger control, to squeeze the trigger. What I am getting at here is concentration on shooting form and trigger control. I know for myself, when I feel very comfortable behind the scope, I do see my hits and a lot of my hits even when behind my 223.

The weight of the rifle makes a lot difference, as far as recoil felt or noticed. My Howa, fully dressed, to make skippy "dance" weighs in at just over 10 1/2 lbs. I do shoot both the 39's and the 32's and I do see most of my hits thru the scope.

I am shooting a T/C Encore, and although it has a heavy barrel, I think the lack of a bolt action or magazine reduces its weight a bit. The recoil isn't terrible, and I do see many of the shots through the scope. I just thought that perhaps with the lighter bullets I might see more of them. I am planning on picking up a box of 32 grainers to try out in the not too distant future.
Thanks for the replies,
Chris

there will be no difference in recoil as rick exsplanes the maths how ever when the 32 travels faster (enter newtons law) than the 39 they equal them selves out