From my perspective trying to simulate to a shotgun is fruitless. First off different report, second fit, style and weight have the most impact in felt recoil and 3rd I don't shoot my shotgun nearly as much as any CF. I don't turkey hunt but how many range shots would you say you shootwith the pop stick& turkey loads? How many do you plan to shoot with the new rifle? In the field I don't remember a single belt I have taken, however I do recall feeling some aftermaths with improper positioning of the firearm be it shotgun or CF. But when it comes to my rebuilt shoulderI must be able to sit down and plink out a range session without dismay with a hunting rig. If it goes over this envelope I have no need for that piece of equipment in my cabinet. For me a perfect balance would be in the 338 wm area in terms of meeting my own criteria, not required but certainly a great elk/moose cartridge.

BTWI use the 7mm rem mag, no problems anchoring elk or moose with single shots. Then again our gamemust be of thewimp variety up here b/c I have heard my choice of cartridges is even inferior for deer as of late.[8D]

I am of the opinion it is only useful if you can handle it...a poor shot is going to result in headaches no matter how loud the bang. Only you can determine this factor my suggest is try shooting some different rifles in yoursimulated range session to see what you can comfortably handle. I wouldn't consider a brake as asolutionto tame your reaction to the pin falling. Having to plug my ears would drive me bonkers while hunting and that is my underlying reason for selecting equipment. Enhancement devices drive me equally bonkers in the often wind swept prairie's I call my stomping grounds. Shooting without ear protection..NOWAY. I know of more than one guy who has lost hearing after a single blast from a braked rifle. I already have bummed shoulder no need to add to the list and I ain't getting any younger so who knows what may come up down the dusty trail.

Best of luck