I'm a bit recoil sensitive, and switched a few years back from a .30-06 to .243 for deer hunting in Texas. The .243 is nice and light on the shoulder. I would expect the 7-08 to kick just a little harder. You can't really go wrong either way. I believe Remington has "managed recoil" ammo available for the 7-08, so that might be an option to consider, and, as they grow older, they can switch to the full loads and won't be underpowered for Caribou or Moose.