That really sucks to hear. I’ve only bought a few “new” bolt actions in the last 20 years, but have stacked the safe with Weatherby, Sako, and Winchesters from the 50’s and 60’s. Every one of them, to the rifle, has absolute silky actions. I haven’t found the perfect load for each of them, but the ones I’ve worked up have all been shooters (sub MOA 5 shot groups) Some love regular old core lokt and power points, some needed something more bespoke, but that happens with off the shelf rifles, too. Such is the pursuit of one jagged hole. My 70’s have been the most difficult, for sure. 1 MOA for them is the goal
*several had already had blueprint and barrel work done.
My opinion, and it’s only worth what you’re paying for it, lose the break. Get a can, get a really good pad, hell wear one of the gel pads. A proper fitting stock goes a long way. I’ve always been a bit recoil adverse, but I don’t really get bothered until a bit past a 300WM. I’ve got a little .308 that hurts me more than most of my wbys, the gun absolutely matters.