There are brakes and then there are engineered brakes. As an engineer it is pretty simple, if the blast goes outwards at a 90 degree from the barrel, it will reduce muzzle lift. The Ross is like this.

But if the blast (and sound) is also directed backwards then with proper engineering and additional trials you can get a very large reduction in recoil. Savage makes both. The Bear Hunter and others that have the spiral holes and a closure device will reduce muzzle lift.

The 10 FPC-K and the 338 Lapua have very effective recoil reduction brakes. Weatherby make probably the best recoil reduction muzzle brake on the market. Tames those Weatherby magnums.