Is there a noticeable difference in felt recoil compared to 20?
Not for me, there's not. And (but), I do not shoot 3/4 oz. loads in any gauge but .410 and 28. I shoot 7/8 oz. in 20 gauge with the exception of my Fox Sterlingworth Ejector 20 which is regulated for 1 oz. loads, and that is all it gets fed. I only shoot 1 oz. in my 16s. 12s and 10s get to do the "heavy lifting".
However, recoil is not an issue for me unless it gets severe enough that it affects my ability to deliver a well aimed second shot quickly. And, I have found that to be more related to stock configurations and weight, than payload.
Another however, I keep all my loads as near 1150-1165 fps as possible. I have found zero benefit from higher velocity with the only exception being steel shot for waterfowl, which I rarely use anymore.
Looking forward to us maybe being able to shoot .410s some when you venture South this winter, Jeff.