I want to buy a bolt action for hunting season. Whats the difference in recoil between an autoloading full sized rifle (Rem 700 wood) and a bolt action Ruger M77 (wood or synthetic but not lightweight) in .30-06? I know that the gas operation of the auto lessens the recoil to a degree. I ask because I have fired a .30-06 auto and felt no real recoil. But the gas blast to the face made me shut my eyes and the sound was a bit of a suprise. The only other guns I have shot are a few .22's and 12ga shotguns (skeet shooting) and I have never had a flinching problem. A day of shotgunning will give me bruises 
thanks in advance
josie
If you are interested, below is the reason I asked:
Thanks to all the kind posters, I have decided on a ruger for my first hunting rifle. But I have a small twist on the ol caliber question.
I really want a rifle that I can shoot alot at the range as well as hunt with (not worried about hunting recoil). No competitions, just want to feel competent for deer season and get out of the house a bit. I only have access to a 100yd range anyway.
All of this lead me to looking at the .260 rem and 7mm-08 rem. On paper they are great deer calibers and I have scoured the web and heard great things. The problem is, I have also asked around a little and ammo in those two calibers is either expensive or not found easily (no .260 at my Walmart, wont stock it! ) around here. Do you guys find that to be true?
The question is should I just go with the .30-06 and take the beating at the range or shell out the cash for the other less popular calibers? Maybe I'm wrong altogether and wouldn't feel the .30-06 much after 20 rounds. (doubt it
thanks in advance
josie
If you are interested, below is the reason I asked:
Thanks to all the kind posters, I have decided on a ruger for my first hunting rifle. But I have a small twist on the ol caliber question.
I really want a rifle that I can shoot alot at the range as well as hunt with (not worried about hunting recoil). No competitions, just want to feel competent for deer season and get out of the house a bit. I only have access to a 100yd range anyway.
All of this lead me to looking at the .260 rem and 7mm-08 rem. On paper they are great deer calibers and I have scoured the web and heard great things. The problem is, I have also asked around a little and ammo in those two calibers is either expensive or not found easily (no .260 at my Walmart, wont stock it! ) around here. Do you guys find that to be true?
The question is should I just go with the .30-06 and take the beating at the range or shell out the cash for the other less popular calibers? Maybe I'm wrong altogether and wouldn't feel the .30-06 much after 20 rounds. (doubt it
