32 grain vs 39 grain recoil

[Loki_762]

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

[Rick in Oregon]

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!"

[futuretrades]

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.

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.

[Loki_762]

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

[bazz]

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