I also have a 7 Mag in Browning A-Bolt. I do not really feel this rifle recoils much. Perhaps the Ruger does more? I realized it does not recoil too much since shooting a 300 Win Mag with the factory pad. The Browning also has the BOSS brake but I rarely use it as it is LOUD and throws burnt powder everywhere.

I also handload so the cost of ammo is not really applicable, except the extra powder for 7 Mag and 300 Win Mag loads.

Also feel that the hardest recoiling are the lighter bullets, requiring more powder (velocity). I loaded these 120 grainers (Sierra), and they thumped pretty good. Good on coyotes though!

If you move up in bullet weight (160,175) then the recoil is not as bad as there is usually less of a powder load. Besides, this is where the 7 Mag is at its best (160 gr.)

I would not go with the 30-06 if you like the 7. Just find a rifle that does not put as much felt recoil on you. I don't think that the "aught six" will be much less in recoil anyway.