Some good ideas are listed above. Probably the best is to reduce the level of recoil to start with.. Don't use a bigger gun than you need IF recoil is a problem. The price of shooting the big magnum calibers is recoil I don't like it anymore having a shot out shoulder. You will not be handycapped by using a smaller rifle. I just read an artical by a hunting guide who with his clients have taken 90 elk. Many of these elk were taken with one shot from 25-06, 270, 280 and 30-06 with some taken with 250 savage and 243. There is absolutely no subsitute for good judgement and good shot placement. One good shot from any of the above rifles will take out an elk. However if you can't place the shot well and you won't pass on an iffy shot then it probably won't make any difference what you shoot it with. I am done having the crap kicked out of me and have seen the light. For those who enjoy getting kicked good, the manufactures are busy making bigger harder kicking rifles all the time. Enjoy.