One more suggestion to think about. I own a 30-06 and a 7 mm Rem Mag. I love the 7 mm with the Berger 168 vld. Recoil is similar. I do not have a muzzle brake. I do, however, have a Limbsaver recoil pad on the 7 mm. Do yourself a favor and try one of these before adding the muzzle brake. Felt recoil with the Limbsaver on my 7 mm is less than my son's .308. I highly recommend them.