I've got a 300 Wby and the first time I shot it my shoulder was black and blue after twelve shots. I'm not a small guy (6'5" 295 lbs), but as I've learned, that doesn't really matter. I've learned to get it tight, real tight to my shoulder and cheek. I can shoot it now without a problem and have shot .25 " three shot groups (center to center) with it (normally .75 "). Will a 300 (any of them) kick more than a 308? You betcha. And in most cases, if you are hunting only deer, it isn't worth it.