I've owned one for four deer seasons now. I tell people it kicks like a mule in my Savage 16FXP3, much more then a 12 guage which I can shoot all day - even after the addition of a Pachmyer recoil pad.

As for it's effect on deer. Of the four I've taken, only one has run after being hit, then only about 40 yds.

I've used 150gr. Ballistic Silver Tips, 180gr Power Points, and 165gr Fusion ammunition. All three have done well, although the deer that ran after being hit was shot using the 165gr Fusions.