I have the .270WSM and don' t think the recoil is all that bad, but I don' t think I' d liken it to a 7mm-08. The .270WSM is a Browning A-Bolt, nice and light (6 1/2 lbs before scope), which makes the kick seem a little bit bigger than the heavier Sako 30-06 (7 3/4 lbs before scope).

The purported advantage in reduced recoil is going to depend on the rifle. X grains less powder equals less felt recoil. Y ounces less weight on the rifle equals more felt recoil. Its a " rob Peter to pay Paul" kinda situation, as noted by Boltactionman.

From many accounts, the short magnums are supposed to have an edge in accuracy. The benefits of the short fat case, even powder burn, etc. Add in a couple hundred fps speed benefit. Why not look at them? Question might be, do you want to take a little more punishment at the range to save some weight when in the field?