deer/elk combo cartridge for wife

[PJgunner]

I think the 7-08 should work OK. It's just a more modern version of the great old 7x57 Mauser, and I've never seen anyone complain about the recoil from that round. In fact, if you can find one, my choice would be the 7x57 as it can handle heavier bullets betetr than the 7-08. While you can load 160 and 175 gr. bullets in the 7-08, either one would protrude a bit much into the body of the case, reducing the amount of powder than can be loaded.
factory loads for the 7x57 are a bit hard to find and are underloaded by the factories making it more of a handloading proposition, but properly loaded, it will do anything the 7-08 will do and possibly better it, and still not kick the slats out from under a person.
The late Jack O'Connor's wife's favorite rifle was a 7x57 and she used it on most of the game she shot world wide. For the really big stuff like tiger and elephants, she used a 30-06. The woman absolutely hated recoil.
Paul B.