Having shot both a Marlin .30-.30 and a .270 A-Bolt, I actually thought the .30-30 recoiled more, but I'm sure that was because the .30-30 was a relatively light-weight Trapper style, at 5.5 lbs or so. The recoil of the .30-30 in a light weight weapon is actually surprising. (Well, it was to me, anyway...)