Recoil has a lot to do with rifle weight, stock shape, recoil pads, and other factors..

For me neither the .300 mag or the .338 is a lot of fun to shoot from the bench...They both kick pretty hard.. However, I wouldn't describe either one as "brutal"...You don't feel recoil when you're hunting anyway.. If you have no problem with a 30-06 with heavy bullets or a 7mm Mag you shouldn't be too intimidated by either one..

If you want a real substantial increase in killing power, I'd go with the .338 and stick with heavy bullets... The effect of a heavy medium caliber bullet on game must be seen to be appreciated...