I hunt with a Rem. 700 LSS Mountain rifle 30-06, weighs between 6-7 lbs. I shoot 165 grain bullets, and have no problem with the recoil. I have stayed away from the 300's because I don't enjoy heavy recoil (I've never shot a 300 Win Mag, but have shot a 7mm Mag and did not enjoy it). Granted, it could have been the stock design, recoil pad, etc, but that's my 2 cents worth.