I've gone in the other direction with one of my M98s. The sporterized 20" barrel (bobbed original military) rifle actually shoots 125gr Hornady spitzers better, than it did any of the 150s. 52grs of IMR 4064 works very well with that bullet.
Not only is it a joy to shoot accuracy and recoil-wise, it kills deer just as dead as the 150s did. Slimmed down old Fajen walnut sporter stock, still with the plastic butt plate. Never did get around to installing a recoil pad, doesn't need one now.
The absolute worst-kicking K98 I've ever fired, was in original condition (nasty steel butt plate), shooting some old milsurp loads. IIRC, they were 1950s vintage FMJ loads from some South American nation?
