Mark - Doesn't the calculator measure the total area under the curve? I think what most of us are concerned with is the peak pressure spike which occurs shortly after the round is fired. What I want in a "low recoil" shell is one with a minimal pressure spike, and a longer duration, which results in a push against your shoulder, rather than a punch. I think that's why slower burning powders are more comfortable on me (and the gun).
As a side benefit, I believe shot from a slow burning powder load patterns better, because it has not been subjected to the "jab", and isn't deformed as much. When I was gunning springer field trials, which requires that you shoot the birds at maximum range, (in order to see the dog's marking and retrieving ability), I was shooting 26.5 gr of 800X and 1 1/4 oz of hard 6's or copper plated 5's
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