As for the guy that switched to the 300 win mag because it "recoils less than the 338 win mag", he's smoking something.
Not according to the recoil charts:
http://forum.gon.com/showthread.php?t=56996I've never shot a 338WM but have shot a few 300WM . I've heard that the 338 has a slower push as compared to a sharp jolt of the 300. Some say the "felt recoil" of the 338 seems less than the 300, other say differently. Fit of the rifle ,stock design, recoil pad, ect. can have a lot to do with that.
The guy that sold his 338 in favor of his 300 evidently felt the "felt recoil" more from the 338.
Your chart didn't prove anything, as it was comparing different bullet weights, and doesn't even show the rifle weights used!
A 300 Win mag and a 338 mag, fired in similar rifles designs at similar weight, with same weight bullets, will recoil similarly!
In fact, a guy can often use a powder like RE15 for lighter bullets in a 338 mag to get similar velocity to the 300 win mag, while using lighter charges of powder...which equals less recoil.
