In my educated estimation, every gun is different. Different styles and stock designs as well as weights will have significantly unique recoil patterns. I have shot 300mags that were like small calibers and I have fired a Parker-Hale .270 that I don't care to shoot again. I also have 44 mag marlin lever gun in the safe that will loosen your fillings. Bullet wt. can greatly affect recoil as well as the design of the bullets ogive or surface that touches the lands. So, Therefore my guess is that unfortunately you must fire a gun and load, in a hunting situation, not just off a bench, to know how well you can handle it. And yes, borrowing a few to try is an excellent way to learn just what you can handle. I remember those younger days when you wanted every gun you see, and bigger is definitely better.....but now, I can afford to lose a little on one if I don't like it and get rid of it.....and through lots of trial and error I have learned that I would rather have a 308 that I can shoot verycomfortably and accurately that a 300monster mag, firing the same bullet, that makes me close my eyes and get my face out of the way as I squeeze the trigger! I will much more likely hit where I intend and the critter doesn't know the difference what it was fired from, I assure you.

Good Luck,

Dave in WV