When I shoot groups and possibly take a class or two, the recoil from 30-40 rounds is too much. Could very well be bad technique, but all the same something has to be done.
What I was getting at in regards to hunting was that I may want to pull off the brake for hunting so I don't go deaf, in which case a mechanical recoil reducer would be good, along with a better pad. I didn't have a problem with the noise last year hunting elk with no hearing protection, but I think it would be absolutely necessary with a brake.
are ya sure your not just WANTING to have a brake for the "cool factor" on the range etc?
Pretty sure

. I don't shoot at a range, I'm usually in the BLM ground or private ground and I don't really care what it looks like.
Well, I think I'm going to stick with just the pad for now. I may go with a brake in the future, possibly even the internal device, but I think I'll just try the pad and tinker with my handloads.
What is the best way to shoulder a rifle when shooting from prone? That may be part of my problem, as it seems like the butt gets pretty close to my collar bone.
USSR: that there is a purdy rifle

. Did you custom build it, or is the barreled action factory?