Recoil is determined more by the size of the bullet, not the size of the shell and powder, it will affect it in side by side comparisons of bullets and powder.(Same dia. ex. 7-08 to 7mm Mag) The smaller the bullet the less kick it will have. This is the law of Physics. For every action, there is an equal and opposite re-action. Hence, comes the kick. You can load a 7-08 from 120 grain to nearly 180 gr. The 120 grain will have more powder recommendations and will kick much less. In the field you may not notice it as much(adrenaline). At the range, where bad habits can develop from running from the kick can take place. I would stay with the smaller weight loads on whatever gun you choose. You can load the 308 down to a 125 grain, creating less kick.