I've got a 10 pound 470 nitro express that kicks less (from my perspective) than my 300 weatherby that weighs in at just over nine pounds. The magnums bother me more than the big slow movers. I shoot my 416 remington off the bench all day. I can usually shoot a full box of 470's (merkel double) if I wanted to spend the cash, but I hold off on that weatherby. It kicks harder than my ruger mrk2 338 win mag. I've also got a ruger #1 in a 45/70 that kicks like hell when loaded up or with some of those buffalo bore factory cartridges. It's seems that stock design (how well it fits you), weight of the rifle, and mental preparedness are the three most influential factors in felt recoil. I know little guys that can handle a lot more recoil than myself at 6'3" AND 200 LBS.