I'd say it would have to be your bad luck. About 4 of my friends have 308's and I've shot all of theirs. The thing I noticed is that they all seem to have much more recoil than my 270 does. My 270 has very minimal recoil compared to their 308's. It's all dependent on the rifle, but mine doesn't seem to have nearly the amount of recoil that theirs has.

In terms of recoil energy and velocity they are almost identical. So much so that it depends on which load you chose as to which one has more recoil. I guess it’s all perception.

Google ‘rifle recoil table’ by Chuck Hawkes or go to chuckhawkes.com. The .270 definitely has more recoil than the .308 (even on the low end, 25% more on the high end), as well as many others listed here. I would not consider it a viable choice for a young, entry level shooter.

If this is all about avoiding recoil, a 270 or a 308 would not be great choices.

6.5 Creedmoor with a 100 gr Barnes TTSX or Nosler GMX. Just a bit more recoil than a .243 with 90/95 grain bullets and kills with authority. I bought a .260 for kids and women and loaded the 100 TTSX’s for them. I took it hunting several times to make sure it would produce reliable terminal results so as to minimize the likelihood of an ugly and unpleasant experience. That combo has turned into one of my favorites to use for deer and pigs of any size. I use it more than anyone in the family. A .308 with 130 gr TTSX is an impressive performer too, but a noticeable step up in recoil.

As much as I like the .260, the 6.5 Creedmoor is the round to choose now for ammo availability.

I used a .270 Model 70 starting at 11 years old and did fine with it. Conversely, a friend’s Browning .270 is the most punishing rifle I have ever shot, far worse than my lighter weight .338 Lapua.

Rifle fit is critical, perhaps the single most important factor. The .243 has killed loads of deer and pigs for decades. Just use a good bullet.

Use a good bullet and be good at aiming haha.

6.5x55 Swede is a very capable and easy recoiling round.

Gotta be some truth to this. I have three .308's, all with varying recoil. The hardest recoil being the carbine length 788. I have a 6.5 Creedmoor that doesn't seem to recoil at all, a Tikka in a B&C stock.