I'm a firm believer in the limbsaver recoil pads. Take any number on the recoil charts and divide it by 1/2 if you have a limbsaver installed. My 7mm Rem Mag with the limbsaver on it kicks less than my friends .270 Win with a factory butt plate.I would go with the .300 WSM since you mentioned elk are a regular target for you.

I would not go with any of the muzzle brake setups on a hunting rifle. You might get a tiny bit of increase in accuracy and a decrease in recoil but if you pull the trigger in a hunting situation without ear protection you could damage your hearing permanently. I personally use ear protection at the range but don't usually in hunting situations.

My 2 cents. Nathan