Originally Posted by
harter66
I know this is oh so passe', but the 7x57 is a great choice too. Most rifles will handle all the bullets from 100 to 175gr . While I'm about to get flamed, it operates at lower pressures than both the 280 and the 7-08, so there's generally less muzzle blast and lower recoil. It lags a little behind the 06' but w/the modern factory offerings it becomes a real contender in what's a 100 ft lbs game.
I've a 1908 Mauser and a Savage 110 in 7x57 both are a pleasure to shoot.
I wish I could remember where I read it but a guide up in Alaska said the 7x57 was his favorite for dropping caribou and outperformed any other cartridge he'd used for the same purpose.
For my own taste I prefer the 8x57 but that definitely wouldn't serve OP's purpose for less recoil.