I shot a .500 BPE double rifle many years ago, 2 times. Heavy recoil but not sharp, a big push. Have shot a .375 H&H several times, not really unpleasant at all. Had a Ruger 77 in .338 Win Mag years ago that was a punisher with 275 grain bullets. That straight stock and fairly light weight - the bolt handle would rap my index finger knuckle sharply every time. I've always imagined the .340 and .378 Weatherbys were wicked in the recoil department but have never shot either. The hardest kicking thing I've shot is my Mossberg 835 pump with 3.5" turkey loads - 2 1/8 ozs of no. 5s will get your undivided attention.