A Ruger compact chambered in .260 Rem. Using 140 grain bullets for elk, and 120s for deer it just naturally recoils less than the 7mm whicn needs 140 grain bullets for deer and 160 grain bullets for elk. Or the .30-06 which uses 150 grain deer bullets and 180 grainers for elk. The penetration is about the same for each of the named deer or elk bullets.