michael_d,

Been awhile since I shot the 30-06 (180gr bullets IIRC), but would have to say that the 325 WSM has a snapier recoil AND has more push, if that makes any sense. The 06 would feel like a shove whereas the the 325 WSM was more like a hard slap. However, I am recoil sensitive, so .270 or .308 is about as much cartridge as I can handle out of a 7-8lb rifle.