If reducing recoil is a medical necessity then I don't think you will be making that much of a difference with either the 270, 280 or the 30/06 (with all other things be alike or near same). I own all 3 & recoil depends more on the stock & pad than the recoil difference between these 3 calibers. Several years ago I also had 25/06 & it is a very easy recoiling cal, but I personally wouldnt depend on it for elk!

I have another caliber that I LOVE & I think it just might be "what your Dr. Ordered" (THANK YOU, I'll be here all night! ) I would SERIOUSLY recomnend you consider the 7-08!

It's nearly TO SWEET of a caliber, yet with 150-160 monolithic type bullets, it will send ANY elk within 1/4 mile to the big wallow in the sky!
HL