After some advice guys...how do you arrive at the correct length of pull to suit an individual on a big bore rifle?

The same way you do for ANY rifle.

Hey fordnutter, welcome to the forum and the helpful tips and friendly people that you find here!
Peter.

I like a longer LOP for a big bore as it reduces felt recoil. For example, I like 13.75" in a 30-06 bolt but 14" in a heavy caliber bolt.

Fordnutter, for the record, I have the same problem. However to 500 grains point, I also have a longer length of pull on my big bores, mainly because I am short! What this means is that I cannot cycle the bolt while the gun is on the shoulder. Some would say this is inappropriate. I have a Ruger Ultralight in 257 that seems to have a LOP that is ideal for me, but I shudder to put that LOP on my 416 Rigby. 500 grains can you cycle the bolt with the gun on your shoulder?
peter.

Yes, I can cycle from the shoulder. If not, I consider the LOP too long.

No difference in LOP bewteen small, medium, or big bore. If scoping heavy recoiling rifle keep scope light weight and pay attention to eye relief specification before purchase.

Actually, I use a longer length of pull on my African DG bolt rifles than on calibers for NA use. I use 13 1/2" on NA rifles and 14" on DG rifles. I usually wear a lot more clothes for NA hunting thus the shorter pull length.

For doubles I like 14 1/2" best.

465H&H

quote:

Originally posted by Dirk Hamer:
500grains, do you consider it practical to compensate LOP for heavier clothing in colder climates?

I used to for hunting on the east coast. Out west I seldom have to wear a lot of heavy clothing because I cover a lot of ground and keep warm through activity.

LOP is important, an more important the heavier the recoil, as a to short lop wil bury your thumb in your nose. Short enough, a midwife is needed to remoove the thumb. Scopes also get very intimate with foreheads with to short LOP.
A heavy kicker used in the Rockies or Alaska during winter will be way to short when hunting in warmer climates, and must be considered before so is done.
If, like 500grains, a longer pull is used for the big ones, one will have to practise more with them, as it is easyer to short-draw them - wich is not wanted when hunting DG. I am sure Dan knows and practice this, so it was ment for the rest of us.

Thanks for the replies guys. I'd heard that one would simply arrive at correct length of pull by laying rifle in forearm, finger at trigger and to arrive at the correct LOP the butt pad should just rest in the crook of the elbow.
But now i'm thinking only as short as I need to cycle the bolt correctly.

I'm quite short, stocky and blessed with an equally short neck. This no doubt probably leads to a shorter LOP than most people.