The make & model of the rifle has more to do with "percieved" recoil than any of the calibers and/or cartridges mentioned.

..... Any chance at all that you can shoot someone else's 7-08 and see how you do? I know.. I know.. stock configuration, weight, brand, etc.. but at least you could get an idea....

I'd modify that statement a bit. i.e. How particular makes and models of rifle "fit" a particular shooter can impact perceived recoil.

My statement above was based on shooting several different cartridges (.243, .270, 7mm-08, and .30-06) out of identically stocked and padded Model 700 ADL's. Based on that experience, the recoil tables appear to me to be reasonably accurate and are a good starting point for assessing relative recoil.

Thank-you ipscshooter,my oringinal train of thought was to go with 7-08 and I think I'm gonna stick with it.

Good luck with your new rifle. If you can find that special load that your rifle likes, you might want to lay in a supply. You will not find 7-08 ammo easily everywhere.

Did you ever consider having one of the premium recoil pads installed? I have them on my big rifles and they are worth the price.

Your right,thats the biggest down side to that caliber.By me the big sporting goods carry it and so do the small gun shops,so locally it's availible.
Now I just got to decided which rifle I'm gonna buy.

I hope I can ..........the only one I ran into was a guy that needed help siteing in a 300win mag. I didn't care for the recoil on that gun to much!!

its pretty simple, this aint rocket science, more powder equals more recoil. The 30-06 and .270 arent known to be mules, but they do kick somewhat, the 7-08 can run neck and neck with the .270 with less powder, which equals less recoil.
Ammo selection aint the greates though, lots of options in the 140 gr range but thats it.
The 7-08 doesnt do anything fancy, it isnt a screamer, isnt the flattest shooting but its a .308 based case which makes it very accurate, its what a 7 mag is at minus 100 yds.

The 7mm08 cartriged, even though a humongus variety, is a versitiale round that should be on that list and the list of best cartriges in the world.