OP i suggest you get a 308 and put a limbsaver pad on it. I guarantee you it will not kick as much as 223.

Limbsaver pads are very underrated. When I had my liver transplant 13 years ago my Dr that was also a hunter suggested that I use a lighter caliber than my 06. He told me to try the limbsaver pad I did and WOW.

I didnt even want an 06. but Wally World had ordered it for a guy in Brazil and the guy never picked it up. So I got a super deal on a Weatherby V in 06. I love that gun. But with the recoil pad I really like it.