Well, how big a boy are ya? Never said a 300 anything was unshootable. I’ve spent some time with 300 win as well and recognize the difference between 300win and wsm recoil. You’re right that the win mag recoil impulse can be less sharp. Most hunters don’t shoot at long enough range to ever see the wind resistance of heavy 30 cal bullets. From what I’m seeing with my new 6.5 prc, I question the need, especially for someone who hasn’t purchased the rifle yet and as op stated, has never shot a lightweight 300 magnum.The short mags have less mass and have a faster burn rate.
I can tell a noticable difference in reloader 20 vs reloader 25, and likewise ramshot hunter vs ramshot magnum in my 300 win mag, the faster powders have a shorter faster recoil impulse. Having a good slow burn with a long heavy barrel really does a lot to tame 300 win mag.
I do hunt with a 270 win, and appreciate it. But i also respect the wind drift resistance and energy retention of heavy bullets from 300 win mag. Your in the minority thinking it is unshootable. It is very common here for elk. Of course body size and muscle mass do play a factor in how much recoil wallops someone. No different that people from low elevation flat land struggling to pack elk out over rough terrain at 10,000 feet.
My point is, if op hasn’t dropped the $$ on a lightweight magnum, it may be a good idea to look at something a little less sporty. If elk are the primary target, fine. Plenty have been killed with anything from a .243 and up. If it’s my money, I’m spending it on something that I can afford to shoot and that won’t beat the sh*t out of me when I’m practicing. Of course, I also believe that my manhood is not tied to the size of my cartridge in any way and elk tend to die when I shoot at them, even with my creedmoor.
A fast twist 243ai will be my next experiment.