My first experience with a high powered rifle was a .30-06. At that time, early '60's it was by far the most common, non-.30-30 around. I owned and used various .30-06's for years to shoot deer/bear/antelope sized game.
When the Remington M7 was introduced, I ran out and bought one in 7-08. In the M7, recoil was less than a full size '06, but by much. Effectiveness on deer/antelope size game is about zero difference as near as I can tell, to the point where I no longer have a .30-06 at all. I have a 7RM for longer shots, and .35 Whelen's for larger game.
My new Mtn Rifle in 7-08 is a bit less than 8lbs loaded with sling and scope, and it kicks less than the M7. Having shot a pretty fair pile of deer and antelope with a .243, I feel that the 7-08 is far more effective than the smaller hole, and weighs less in a given rifle design.
