Some recoil stats for discussion.

Calibre / Bullet Weight in Grains / Bullet Velocity in fps / Powder Weight in Grains / Gun Weight in Pounds

A common load for a .375 H&H Magnum
.375 - 300/2600/60/8.5 - Recoil Energy of 41 foot pounds, and Recoil Velocity of 18 fps.

I once shot a mate's Blaser rifle in .375 which was 6 1/4 lbs including scope and full magazine. It was not pleasant to shoot.
.375 - 300/2600/60/6.25 - Recoil Energy of 56 foot pounds, and Recoil Velocity of 24 fps.

A .30-06 load.
.30 - 200/2500/40/8.5 - Recoil Energy of 17 foot pounds, and Recoil Velocity of 11 fps.