There are certainly a bunch of variables that affect what you end up feeling (weight, stock design, etc.), and I think this article is only meant to be a general starting point and more for comparing one caliber to another, all influencing factors being equal. I agree with it's premise that recoil velocity is more of a discomfort factor than recoil energy - recoil that moves a rifle back a lot, but with a slower impulse (kind of like a forceful shove) will be better on you than less recoil with more velocity which hits fast (which translates to more like a punch). If both numbers are very high, your shoulder is getting pounded no matter what (discounting brakes, limbsavers and the like). Many people don't keep the butt pulled tight to the shoulder as much as they should be and that makes a BIG difference too. Holding in tight doesn't mean super tensing up the shoulder area to try to hold back the recoil.

I came across this and thought it was interesting. Thought y'all might also enjoy a look (link below).
https://backfire.tv/recoil/

I picked up some of this on my way home and it looks fine. In fact, it's identical to a bunch of Browning .223 ammo I have, with the "L. C." (for Lake City) head stamped on the cases.

Academy has Brass .223 Lake City produced ammo on sale for 10 bucks a box. These days, that's pretty good. I've heard it shoots a bit on the dirty side but is quite reliable and cleans up very easily. I haven't shot this stuff, but going to try some at this price. As far as reloading, if these are indeed military spec, the primers are likely crimped in place.
https://www.academy.com/p/winchester-lake-city-usa-223-remington-55-gr-full-metal-jacket-ammunition-20-rounds

Additional: just now told a friend and he has shot this ammo - says it's fine.

After getting lost in the Big Cypress in Florida, I never left home without one.  A retired Marine gave me one similar to the one below.

https://www.amazon.com/Cammenga-Phosphorescent-Waterproof-Backpacking-Orienteering/dp/B000E90E44/ref=asc_df_B000E90E44?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80883013965980&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4584482478462229&psc=1&msclkid=5fa886aca8631b3afe44e08af5dc5023

That's the one I'm leaning towards. That's a good price too.

Knowing the places I go well and an having an approximate sense of direction using the sun, I've never owned a good compass. My phone has one that works well, but I was just thinking about a SHTF situation where phones and other electronics are down. If you had to be on the move in such a situation and needed precise direction, a decent compass would be very valuable, especially ay night. I was wondering if anybody has one that works well and what brand/model. Cammenga compasses are known to be good and also used by the military, but are kind of pricey, starting around $75-80 and going well above 100 bucks. I don't know if spending that much is necessary.

Now, you just need the .44 Mag Blackhawk to make a nice set!