It may not be as popular among younger or newer hunters as it used to be, but people who have used it generally still like it!
I have noticed a good many of the people I've hunted with since the 1970's seem too worried about the recoil to even shoot it.
But this is not an accurate fear. I'm a small frame guy of 5'-8" and when they watch me shoot it at the range it blows me around, but really doesn't hurt.
Then when I shoot their .308s for example, they punch the hell out of me, but they don't push me around. So, they don't believe me when I say their 308 actually is just as painful if not more so than my 7 mag.
From the bench:
7 Rem mag 40 rounds with maybe very mild sore shoulder.
Less than 8 lb. 308, 15 to 20 rounds = sore shoulder.
