458WinMag vs 500 NE Death Match!!!

[Northern Shooter]

I can tell you that I’m out past the 458!

470NE isn't so bad. Comparable to 458 recoil, just in a heavier package.

 

[Jefferry404]

I modelled these in QL (each fitted to Hodgdon load data) per the OP info. I look at the Pressure Impulse, i.e. the rate of pressure change with time, to see the felt recoil effects.
as noted there is 5.7ft-lb more recoil energy for the winmag.
Note the winmag has much faster pressure rise, fall times than the NE and this is felt in the "sharper" response among other factors such as rife balance and more so, stock design.
Steve

 

[CZDiesel]

I modelled these in QL (each fitted to Hodgdon load data) per the OP info. I look at the Pressure Impulse, i.e. the rate of pressure change with time, to see the felt recoil effects.
as noted there is 5.7ft-lb more recoil energy for the winmag.
Note the winmag has much faster pressure rise, fall times than the NE and this is felt in the "sharper" response among other factors such as rife balance and more so, stock design.
Steve

View attachment 674876

That’s a really cool program!

 

[hoytcanon]

Okay guys... Let's do the math so that your information will be correct. Here's a recoil table I've posted on AH.

View attachment 674669

Adding to the 458 Win and 500 NE rows rifle weight of 9 lb for both and 12 lb for the 500 NE reveals this:

View attachment 674673

A 9 lb 458 Win develops recoil of 71 lbs.
A 12 lb 500 NE develops recoil of 79.62 lbs

ShootersCalculator.com | Recoil Calculator

An online calculator that calculates the recoil energy, impulse, and velocity of a firearm according to the firearm's weight, powder charge, bullet weight, and bullet muzzle velocity.

shooterscalculator.com

Data is meaningless in a subjective test.

OP, I accept your results as stated. There is likely a reason for your subjective determination. The fact that the 500 had more muzzle flip and the 458 felt like a "faster" kick, is probably the answer....most likely the stock design difference redirected some of the recoil into muzzle lift for the 500, whereas the 458 did what it should, which is, send the recoil straight back and keep the muzzle closer to.the target post-shot.

Either way, I love it when folks realize that recoil doesn't kill you... it opens up a whole new world of both cartridges AND accuracy.

 

[hoytcanon]

Just goes to show that despite the 458 WM's reputation on this forum as being a "pea-shooter" it really needs to be in an appropriately weighted rifle to tame that recoil.

I think a 458WM should weigh 10.0lbs minimum which would reduce that recoil to ~64 ft-lbs.

My svelte 458WM weighs 8.6lbs and produces a healthy ~74 ft-lbs.

Kevin Robertson stated that anything above 50 ft-lbs of recoil is too high for the average shooter to master.

10 pound rifles are not required....just eat a few more pot roasts and don't wear short shorts.