http://www.chuckhawks.com/recoil_table.htm I've used this a couple times for reference.
Muck boots?
For those of you talking about the recoil of a 7mm mag or 300 win mag, what does it feel like compared to a .30-06? Twice as much, 5 times?
As Patocazador mentions, stock design is a big factor. Worst kicking rifle I ever fired in my life was a 700 BDL in 7 Mag. The thin wrist and high Monte Carlo rapped me a good one, soured me on the caliber for a long time. The Ruger I previously mentioned had a McMillian stock with a Sako palm swell, medium comb, and a nice Sorbothane recoil pad that made it feel like the same recoil as a .30-06 150 gr. with 200 gr. Noslers.For those of you talking about the recoil of a 7mm mag or 300 win mag, what does it feel like compared to a .30-06? Twice as much, 5 times?
It really depends on the individual rifle setup and your load. (off the shelf or home rolled)For those of you talking about the recoil of a 7mm mag or 300 win mag, what does it feel like compared to a .30-06? Twice as much, 5 times?
26" is pretty standard to burn up all that powder. I am guessing there are some makers that do 24" (unsure)Also, what are the opinions of here about barrel lengths.
For the magnums 26" is the standard barrel length from Winchester, Remington, and Browning at least (perhaps others that I'm forgetting or don't know about), but all three also offer 24".26" is pretty standard to burn up all that powder. I am guessing there are some makers that do 24" (unsure)
I would get in contact with locals from the area and ask all these questions. Seriously, the natives know what they are doing more so than visitors most all the time.
I'd throw my vote in for a .30-06, it's a no-fuss cartridge to shoot and load, you usually get 4-5 down in a mag, and it's about the most powerful round that most people can easily get comfortable shooting. As other folks mentioned, a relatively light bolt gun is probably going to kick more than your current semi in the same cartridge, so keep that in mind.
.30-06 also does well in 22"-24" barrels, I personally like 22" barrels and haven't had any problems hitting 2,800 fps with 180gr bullets and 2,900+ with 165gr in a few different rifles. I'm about to have my current .30-06 chopped to 18"-19" and threaded for suppressed hunting, I'm not at all concerned about it having enough power to knock over the elk it will be used on.
There 7mm mags I've shot were very similar in recoil levels to hot .30-06 (which makes all kinds of sense when you look at the ballistics), if you're not planning on taking shots at longer ranges (400yds+) I'm not sure I see an advantage, but either should work fine. I personally don't see what benefit you would get over either of those by opting for a .300 WM.
As for rifles, in the chamberings you're considering, I'd probably look at M70s (the Extreme Weathers, or the soon-to-be re-released Stainless Featherweights), Tikka T3x, and Browning X-Bolts. Montana Rifle Company X2/X3 might be worth a look as well.
Thank you...They ARE!Montana rifle company rifles would be on the very high end of my budget, but they look like amazing rifles.