I think ELKamp has given you the best advise. From what I read in your post, it doesn't seem that you're afraid of recoil rather that your back couldn't take the recoil. Even the "Hunt of a Lifetime" doesn't warrant risking serious injury over. I'd say buy a 30.06 that fits you well then have a good muzzlebrake installed to cut your recoil. Look at http://www.muzzlebrake.com/. That, with a good recoil pad should bring you down to where you need to be with your recoil. Good luck!