For me the 30-06 kicks harder. However it really depends on the specific rifle. I have fired 5 or 6 different brands of ammo thru my slug gun so far and I don't feel any kick all that bad. I just got done shooting some brenneke's that weigh 600 grns out of a 3 inch magnum shell. I didn't think it was bad at all really. Of course my gun weighs over 10 lbs and has a recoil pad on it.

I to feel the high powered rifles seem to have a sharper kick to them. However if you shoot a 3 inch slug out of a light shotgun it will kick pretty hard as well. I think weight and stock design play a huge role in felt recoil.

Paul