I, for one, enjoy Precision Rifle Blog’s truly data-driven approach to everything they do. Their latest drive into the data is an epic breakdown of .30 cal muzzle brakes, rating them by 4 major criteria:

1. Recoil reduction
2. Ability to Stay On Target (Muzzle Deflection)
3. Sound
4. Ground Signature & Muzzle Blast

Across four rifles, the details are incredible, with PRB taking time to measure things fairly and appropriately (I have rarely seen a sound test outside of suppressors where an actual SPL meter was used). The ground siganture test is rather novel to, using baking soda and high-speed photography.

Click the photo below to be taken to the article. Its focused on bolt-action rifles, but its easy to see certain designs and traits that seem to typify the best brakes.