So apparently muzzle energy is not a good indicator of recoil? I thought muzzle energy was just the product of the bullet weight and it's velocity. Granted the sabot at 437.5 grains is about 3 times the weight of the 150 grain .270, but the velocity is also less for the sabot. Although probably not technically correct, multiplying the weight of the bullet by the velocity yields:

Sabot: 437.5 grains x 1450 fps = 634,375
0.270: 150 grains x 2850 fps = 427,500

Not sure of the units here but the products seem much more in line proportionately with the difference in recoil we felt at the range.

Published muzzle energy for the sabot and the 0.270 are 2040 ft. lbs. and 2705 ft. lbs. respectively. What good then are muzzle energy numbers if not a good indicator of recoil?