Eons ago, when I started shooting my first .30/'06, (a lightweight, Remington Model 721), I was more disturbed by shooting 150-grain loads than factory-loaded 180-grain bullets. I think the reason might have been that althought the 180's produced more total recoil, the difference in muzzle velocities resulted in a different acceleration pattern-the 150's applied their recoil much more suddenly, it seemed. At any rate, if you want to try them, there are now "managed recoil" loads on the market which deliver much reduced backthrust compared to full-charge ammo, yet are supposedly adequate for game up to deer, at least. You might consider trying these, and if they work out OK, you could load some bullets of similar weigh to the same velocity levels.