I currently hunt with a Rem 700 BDL 30-06 with no pad and a Marlin 30-30(very minor recoil). Flinching isnt an issue with me, i just cant shoot more than a box at the range because it isnt friendly on the shoulder(dislocated twice in past). Im in favor of the big rounds and enjoy shooting them, but my shoulder will be sore the next day if I shoot more than a box of the larger rounds. The hunting will most likely be at distances between 100-400 yards max because im not comfortable shooting at game at any distance greater than 400 yards(nothing against it, Im just not skilled enough to bewilling to take a chance on a bad shot).i hear 300 win mag is more accurate but 308 isnt as brutal and has similar ballistics so i was just interested in those two rounds. If anybody has pro's or cons for one or the other im more than willing to listen.