7mm Rem Mag vs. 30-06 recoil

Yes…depending on weight of rifle and stock design. The stock can flex to absorb some recoil.

I have a Browning Safari Grade circa 1963 that will kick the ever loving shit out of you. I have a REM 700 Classic CDL circa 2010 that is mild in comparison.

Brake either and it’s not bad. Suppressed is less recoil reduction in my experience but there is reduction plus less sound to complicate the issue.

Having killed elk and muleys and moose most of my life, the 30-06 is VERY sufficient. Even better if you feel less recoil.

I'd would recommend something like this in 30-06:

Bergara B-14 Ridge .30-06 Sprg 24" 1:10" Bbl

And if your a veteran they have a substantial military discount.

I think the 30-06 is better suited for loading up or down, than a 7mm Rem Mag, as needed to accommodate your injuries.

If you reload, then think either Nosler Accubond Long Range 168 grain or Barnes 168 grain TTSX. Put some H4350 in some cases for load development under them, and then go hunting.

Nosler 30-06 SPRINGFIELD LOAD DATA

Barnes Load Data

I have both, but in completely different rifles and stock designs. My 7mm Rem mag is a Remington ADL 26" 1-8" twist in a KRG Bravo stock. The 30-06 is a Win M70 FWT 22" in a McMillan stock. Shooting 180 gr weight bullets the 7mm RM (10lbs) at 2800 fps still feel like more recoil than my 30-06 (around 8.5 lbs) 2780 fps. But it isn't an apples-to-apples comparison. The obvious weight difference suggests the 7mm RM should have less felt recoil. But the 30-06 has a Sims recoil pad while the KRG has the stock recoil pad. So stock design and recoil pad could be influencing my felt recoil. So could a possible "jet effect" of the 7mm RM. You could download the 7mm RM to fit your needs. But a 180 gr 7mm pill reloaded to say 2600-2700 fps would make a decent elk killer IMHO. 7-08, 7-08 AI, or 7mm SAW could fit that bill in the right action for COAL.

BTW my late buddy killed a lot of elk here in Eastern Oregon. He had a myriad of rifles, including the appropriate magnums to take elk. Being a big guy and not recoil sensitive he could of used any of them. But more often than not he'd reach for a lightweight 308 Win with 165gr Partitions. He limited his shots to 300 yards or less and took his personal best with that combination. So if that Howa recoiled fine for you I'd probably stick with the combination. Snag the suppressor first since wait times for personal applications seem to be passing through fast.

Rifle weight, stock design, and shooting position will have more of a perceived recoil effect than most loads from either of these two cartridges.

I would go 7mm and install an SPT Hudu brake. Those things seriously reduce the recoil and don't blow a bunch of stuff back at you.

I have both, started with a 7 mag when I was 13 and still have it 43 years later. I’ve shot elk with it and a 300 win mag. Never shot an elk with my 06, but would not hesitate to. If I were you, I would load some 180 partitions and call it a day. I would also limit my shots to 500 or less. The longest I’ve had to shoot an elk was 250. All the other ones were less than 100 and this was in Idaho.

The 30-06 is plenty and if it’s working for you, stick with it.