I've shot several 308's. And shooting the same ammo, (Federal 150 gr. SP) recoil varies with different guns. My Savage 110 has a pretty good bite if your not holding on good. My brothers Browning Lever Action Rifle feels harder because he has a solid plastic recoil pad. My dad's Weatherby has a nice thick pad and you dont notice the recoil. It depends on the rifle, load and type of pad. I like this soft pad its real thick, I think its made by Hunter or something like that.