Now a days, it almost has more to due with the improvements in the manufacturing of modern production rifles. They are lighter and kick less with the right components.
Either a 7MM RM or a .30-06 with reduced recoil ammo should give you plenty of energy without breaking your shoulder.
Hell, the way I figure it; it's only suppose to be ONE SHOT anyway !!!
Take a look here;
http://elkhunter2.tripod.com/rifle.html