For me, recoil from basically any rifle "during" the shot on game is non-existent. I don't hear it or feel it. Never have.
Now that being said, imo magnums are way overrated for your typical whitetail hunting. Yes, there are situations where you need to shoot longer etc where a case can be made for having one, but 90% of the folks that use magnums most likely don't need to. The last thing I want to do is sight in a .300 ultra, etc. Most mags will wear you out to shoot from a bench, and not to mention the ammo is very expensive. Personally, I'd take a .243 over a .300 ultra any day. Its all about shot placement anyhow. If I was shooting deer at 300-400yds regularly, it might be different....but most folks shoot them at less than 100yds. Most of the time, its overkill.