bang_bang said it well. The .300 Win Mag really does not have a lot of harsh recoil. As most people who have read my posts know, I do have an electronic stimulator implanted into my spine. Even with that implant, at a mere 5'9" and 170 Lbs, I can tolerate the recoil of the .300 Win Mag with zero issues. If you find the recoil too much to shoot pleasantly, have a break installed. They are inexpensive and will reduce the recoil of a .300 Win Mag to the level of a .270 Win. I suggest hand loads with 180 Gr rounds for 100 yards or less, and 165 Gr loads for distance. Just as an FYI, I hunt Michigan's open bean fields, and so I set my zero at 300 yards. At 400 yards I am about 10" low and at 500 yards I am about 20" low. Between point blank distance and 350 yards I hold a normal point of aim. At 400 yards I aim off of the deer's spine, and at 500 yards I use the duplex post which measures 18". In closing, assuming your rifle does its part, you do your part, the .300 Win Mag will do its part easily to 500 yards on whitetailed deer.