1. A good recoil pad would be a very wise investment
2. A heavy gun is your best friend when recoil's an issue
3. A heavy bullet is not your friend (in a given caliber) when recoil is an issue.


If you used to use the 180gr bullets in the 308 you may try 150gr bullets. They are all you'll ever need for deer. Secondly, Look at "varmint" rifles in appropriate calibers, they weigh quit a bit more. (I believe Savage may make a "varmint" in 308...but there site is down right now) With 150s and that heavy of a gun I would guess it can't be any worse than a light 30-30

Notice the weight of the rifles http://www.chuckhawks.com/recoil_table.htm


Don't know that I've heard any valid reason to not like the 7mm-08.