Shotguns & a light 30-06 with heavy loads can be unpleasant to shoot and if you’re thinking about kick you aren’t shooting as accurately as you can.
Plenty of good suggestions so far pick any cartridge 7mm-08 on down to 243 use a light for caliber Barnes TTSX or similar bullet and a heavy rifle with a good recoil pad that fits you well. Wear the good electronic hearing protection muffs that allow you to hear conversations but shut down on loud noise add plugs underneath for practice.
I like the Howa & Weatherby vanguards with at least a 24” barrel add a recoil reducer in the stock & a muzzle brake if that combination is still bothering you.
During practice sessions mix in a 22lr & focus on good technique and smooth trigger pull - shoot 10 22’s for every 3 center fire loads. Get off the bench & shoot off your knees a pack or better yet a Harris bipod attached to your rifle that adds weight & stability.
After your rifle is set up & you have practiced with it & alternating 22’s great stock fit & excellent hearing protection you will have forgotten to worry about recoil & your shooting will improve significantly, the monolithic copper bullets perform above their weight on deer & will break heavy bones on a bear very nicely.
