What most of us perceive a "recoil" is a result of the spike that occurs. Basically, felt recoil is measured by the peak measurement desribed by force against your shoulder. Essentially, it's the differnece between a gentle push against your shoulder, versus a punch. Both have that same total energy, but one feels more comfortable. All other things being equal, that's why a load with slow burning powder will feel less "pushy",and today's promotional loads which generate more pressure, and therefore higher recoil and worse patterns