Well, I've hunted with all three. In my opinion the old story you'll never notice the recoild when shooting game is hog wash. Yes, you don't notice it like at the range, but you will darn well know when you shot a .577 in place of the .470. Stock fit is really important, but anyway you cut it a .500 kicks more than and .470 and a .577 more than a .500 unless you add excessive weight to carry