Some calibers kick like a mule but don’t bring much extra to the table. Sure, they might look good on paper or in a catalog, but when it comes to real-world use, all that recoil just isn’t worth it. Whether it’s poor accuracy, high cost, or just flat-out uncomfortable shooting, these rounds wear you down fast and offer little benefit in return. Here are ten calibers that might impress your buddies at the range—but aren’t always worth the punishment.
.338 Lapua Magnum
The .338 Lapua is designed for serious long-range shooting, but unless you’re stretching past 1,000 yards regularly, it’s probably overkill. The recoil is stout and the ammo is pricey.
It’s fun to shoot once, but not something most folks want to spend a whole afternoon with. There are plenty of other calibers that get the job done without leaving your shoulder sore or your wallet empty.
.300 Remington Ultra Magnum
The .300 RUM was built for raw power, but it punishes you with every shot. It burns through barrels quickly, kicks like crazy, and the performance gain over more manageable .30 cals just isn’t that impressive.
If you’re hunting inside 500 yards, you’ll get the same results from a .30-06 or .300 Win Mag—with a lot less pain. This one’s loud, expensive, and frankly, hard to justify for most shooters.
.45-70 +P Loads
Standard .45-70 loads are manageable, but some of the +P stuff feels like you’re firing a shoulder cannon. It can be brutal in a lightweight lever gun, especially with a short barrel.
Unless you’re hunting something that might hunt you back, these hotter loads are often more than necessary. Great for bear defense, sure—but not something most folks want to shoot more than once or twice.
.500 S&W Magnum
The .500 S&W looks cool in videos and packs a serious punch, but it’s not practical for most people. The revolvers are huge, heavy, and still manage to deliver bone-rattling recoil.
Unless you’re handgun hunting large game, it’s hard to justify. Ammo’s expensive, follow-up shots are slow, and it’s not the kind of gun you’ll casually take to the range for fun.
.458 Winchester Magnum
This round was made for dangerous game hunting in Africa, and it shows. Firing one feels like getting hit with a hammer—on both ends. It’s not gentle, and it’s not forgiving.
Unless you’re actually heading out for cape buffalo, there are better ways to spend your range time. It’s great at what it does, but outside that narrow use, it’s mostly just pain for the sake of power.
.300 Weatherby Magnum
This cartridge is fast and powerful, but it brings a sharp, uncomfortable recoil that wears you out quick. The rifles chambered for it are usually light, which only makes things worse.
For hunting within normal distances, you’ll get similar results from a .30-06 or .308 without flinching after every shot. The extra speed isn’t always worth the added kick and cost.
7mm Remington Ultra Magnum
The 7mm RUM was an answer to a question very few people were asking. It shoots flat and hits hard, but the recoil is snappy, and barrel life is short.
There are plenty of 7mm options that perform almost as well without making you dread pulling the trigger. For most shooters, it’s just not a practical choice unless you’re chasing extreme distance or bragging rights.
.44 Magnum in Lightweight Revolvers
The .44 Magnum is a classic, but when it’s packed into a small-frame revolver, it’s a handful. The recoil is sharp, follow-up shots are slow, and it’s not much fun after a few rounds.
In a full-size gun, it’s manageable. But those lightweight carry models? They look cool but beat you up fast. If you’re carrying for defense, .44 Special is a much smarter option.
.375 H&H Magnum
It’s a legend in dangerous game circles, but the .375 H&H isn’t exactly enjoyable to shoot. It hits hard on both ends and isn’t necessary for most hunting in North America.
Unless you’re going after something truly big and toothy, it’s overkill. It’s one of those rounds that earns respect—but rarely comes out for casual shooting or everyday use.
.460 S&W Magnum
This one makes the .500 S&W seem almost reasonable. The muzzle blast is ridiculous, the recoil is fierce, and the cost per round is enough to make you wince.
It can shoot .45 Colt and .454 Casull, which helps, but full-power .460 loads are a whole different animal. It’s a beast, no doubt—but not one most folks actually need or want to tame.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
