I think that if you're worried about the amount of recoil that you find someone who has the rifle and caliber you're considering buying, if possible. Test fire it and other rifle calibers combinations.

I personally think that a .300 WM is the rifle (Tikka) for me. I don't agree with the gunsmith about it kicking as much a a .243. On a bench rest I notice the .300 WM. It kicks. However, with the Elk I've shot with my Tikka .300 WM I was so concentrated on the Elks I was shooting, I did not notice the recoil. You're also hopefully shooting less rounds when hunting, than with the initial sighting anyway. A good bore sighting first is worth a lot to avoid a sore should for the initial siting of a new rifle/scope combination. Have fun.