Good recoil pad and a muzzle brake is the only way you're going to mimic a 270. I don't even know about loading down. You're still shooting 150 grain or heavier bullets and at 30-06 velocities or more. Probably only be able to get it down to 30-06 recoil levels by loading down alone.

One other thing - how does the stock fit you? That could be a big factor. I have a 300 Weatherby Magnum. Notorious as a heavy kicker. It fits me well and the recoil is not that bad. I can feel it pushing hard, but it doesn't hurt like some guns can. The comb on the stock is a big one. If it hits you in the cheek, it can really smart. Enough of those shots and you'll be talking and looking like Rocky Balboa

The new recoil pad helped a lot, too. I got the Kick-EEZ. I love it.