I reload and have started using Claybuster's new 3/4 oz. load for 12 ga. I don't shoot as much as I used to, but I still went with it and have shoot 100 rounds at Sporting Clays with just a light shirt and shooting vest with no recoil pad. (which I hate)

From reading here and else where, to reduce recoil you have to reduce the payload (shot)

Remington hulls 17.0 grs Red Dot, Rem. 209P primer, Claybuster CBO-175, 1300 fps 6300 psi.
They break targets as well as any load.

David