RE: Question about recoil as I consider a new rifle
I would hate to limit myself to one cal. but if I had to, it'd be the 30-06. As for recoil I like a good recoil. Let's me know I've sent something down range. But a 12 ga. slug is just plain "no fun".
My suggestion is get a 243 and a 30-06. You'd have a great varmint/deer cal and a great deer/elk/ moose cal.
Another reason to at least get the 30-06 is that you can still get millitary ammo to practice with. I think I bought some Argentina stuff for $15 a box of 50.