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Tuning AR Varmint for softest recoil 223

BobbyJ

I recently built a 223 Whylde 24" 1/9 EBCO Bull Match barrel. I liked it so much I built a 2nd one with same Aero Enhanced Upper but added an adjustable gas block.

The recoil reduction is not really needed on a 223 its more to keep the varmint in the scope on higher powers. And was wondering what works best to get the least amount of scope movement.

I have a Odin Gas block on the second build and was wondering what buffer/spring works best for this?
Does a light buffer + light gas setting work better than heavier in terms of scope movement after each shot? My other one has a fixed gas block and seems a bit over gassed but other than that shoots and operates fine.

I figured maybe setting the gas using like the lightest bullets I will shoot. 40gr -69gr is the range it shoots well probably end up with 53gr for PD trip.

bobs 223 24.jpg

Buffer weight - ?
Stock A2 vs the one that is on it in photo. I've seen a few like this use A2 stocks not sure why, maybe weight distribution?

Any advise is appreciated.
 
Last edited:
Put a 7" or thereabouts suppressor on it. I can see impacts at 500yds (that's as far as I can go on the range I use) through a 3.5-15 NSX with 77 gr Sierras. Some guys shoot the light bolts so there's not as much mass moving in the rifle. I never tried them but JP Rifles has some quality ones. They also have a "variable mass bolt" that allows you to change weights to tune the rifle.

In looking at their site, I see they have an aluminum bolt carrier and they claim it can be tuned to recoil like a .22 lr. All for about $340. I still vote for the suppressor - there's nothing like seeing and hearing the bullet impact so clearly.
 
Stock A2 vs the one that is on it in photo. I've seen a few like this use A2 stocks not sure why, maybe weight distribution?
I'd give a nod to the A2 stock, unless you really need a collapsible stock. The A2 works better when using a rear bag, especially if you remove the stock sling loop.

Also, @Knotwild is spot on about the suppressor. Get one if you can.
 
I have an A2, but I don't really like it. Mine is like a hollow resonator that makes the sound of the buffer spring annoying. One day I may try a silent captured spring.

But, I really like the Magpul MOE stock I have. It's solid, as in not hollow, and comfortable. I guess for serious shooting one of the PRS type stocks with more adjustable features might be nice.

Magpul MOE

Magpul Stocks Page 2
 
Flat wire buffer spring, muzzle device, weight. Plenty of handguard space, make a couple of removal bags(lead shot) that attach underneath 5-10# should kill movement.
 
The A-2 stock will help reduce felt recoil especially if you add weight. I shoot High Power with the A-2 stock and it is weighted with a solid lead weight. Recoil is far less.
 
BobbyJ said:
I recently built a 223 Whylde 24" 1/9 EBCO Bull Match barrel. I liked it so much I built a 2nd one with same Aero Enhanced Upper but added an adjustable gas block.

The recoil reduction is not really needed on a 223 its more to keep the varmint in the scope on higher powers. And was wondering what works best to get the least amount of scope movement.

I have a Odin Gas block on the second build and was wondering what buffer/spring works best for this?
Does a light buffer + light gas setting work better than heavier in terms of scope movement after each shot? My other one has a fixed gas block and seems a bit over gassed but other than that shoots and operates fine.

I figured maybe setting the gas using like the lightest bullets I will shoot. 40gr -69gr is the range it shoots well probably end up with 53gr for PD trip.

View attachment 1376533

Buffer weight - ?
Stock A2 vs the one that is on it in photo. I've seen a few like this use A2 stocks not sure why, maybe weight distribution?

Any advise is appreciated.
Click to expand...
Have you considered a muzzle brake? I use Area 419 on a few rifles. Felt recoil is cut in half. Not inexpensive. The self-timing feature is amazing. https://www.area419.com/product/the-hellfire-match-self-timing-muzzle-brake/
 
KynSHOT hydraulic buffer, A2 stock, Pick your fav. Rifle length spring, and a suppressor of your choice. I'd say muzzle break, but varminting, less sound signature is a good thing. My AR recommendation is OSS, but your preference. Adjust gas to just lock open on empty mag.

Good luck!
-Mac
 
Knotwild said:
Put a 7" or thereabouts suppressor on it. I can see impacts at 500yds (that's as far as I can go on the range I use) through a 3.5-15 NSX with 77 gr Sierras. Some guys shoot the light bolts so there's not as much mass moving in the rifle. I never tried them but JP Rifles has some quality ones. They also have a "variable mass bolt" that allows you to change weights to tune the rifle.

In looking at their site, I see they have an aluminum bolt carrier and they claim it can be tuned to recoil like a .22 lr. All for about $340. I still vote for the suppressor - there's nothing like seeing and hearing the bullet impact so clearly.
Click to expand...
Sorry can't do the Suppressor, they even made it Un-Threaded by demand.
AR-15 Stainless Fluted 24" Bull Barrel - Improved!
National Match Grade 5.56 NATO/.223 Rem (Wylde) Accuracy Barrel
Improvements
  • Fluted Front, Non-Fluted Rear - Retains Weight and Fits All Standard Barrel Nuts
  • UN-Threaded Muzzle - By Popular Request of Target and Varmint Shooting Purists
====================================================
So really its just messing around with buffer and gas. No matter what its still 1100 foot pounds or so of energy which has to be absorbed by something. Just never compared various buffers side by side to see if it makes much of a difference at all.

I wanted the bull barrel and Ebco does not offer it threaded, only in a thinner barrel.
 
mac86951 said:
KynSHOT hydraulic buffer, A2 stock, Pick your fav. Rifle length spring, and a suppressor of your choice. I'd say muzzle break, but varminting, less sound signature is a good thing. My AR recommendation is OSS, but your preference. Adjust gas to just lock open on empty mag.

Good luck!
-Mac
Click to expand...
What is a OSS?

That is the barrel I put on it. One of the improvements was "Un-Threaded Muzzle)
www.eabco.net

Improved National Match AR-15 Bull Accuracy Barrel by EABCO - 24" Stainless Fluted 5.56 NATO/.223 Rem (Wylde) 1:9 Varmint Barrel

Enhance AR-15 precision with EABCO’s 24” stainless bull barrel. Wylde chambered for 5.56/.223, 1:9 twist, and fluted for durability—ideal for hunting and competition.
www.eabco.net www.eabco.net

So while muzzles devices could help its not in the cards with what I purchased. So gun weight, buffers, gas are what I have to tweak.

It might all be a waste of time because 223 does not recoil much to begin with.
 
Steve K said:
The A-2 stock will help reduce felt recoil especially if you add weight. I shoot High Power with the A-2 stock and it is weighted with a solid lead weight. Recoil is far less.
Click to expand...
These are easy to put together and eliminate any movement. That was my solution for my 204 Ruger AR pdog killer and it was awesome
 
BobbyJ said:
I recently built a 223 Whylde 24" 1/9 EBCO Bull Match barrel. I liked it so much I built a 2nd one with same Aero Enhanced Upper but added an adjustable gas block.

The recoil reduction is not really needed on a 223 its more to keep the varmint in the scope on higher powers. And was wondering what works best to get the least amount of scope movement.

I have a Odin Gas block on the second build and was wondering what buffer/spring works best for this?
Does a light buffer + light gas setting work better than heavier in terms of scope movement after each shot? My other one has a fixed gas block and seems a bit over gassed but other than that shoots and operates fine.

I figured maybe setting the gas using like the lightest bullets I will shoot. 40gr -69gr is the range it shoots well probably end up with 53gr for PD trip.

View attachment 1376533

Buffer weight - ?
Stock A2 vs the one that is on it in photo. I've seen a few like this use A2 stocks not sure why, maybe weight distribution?

Any advise is appreciated.
Click to expand...
What does your rifle weigh?
 
A2 fits real good in a rear bag with ears. Real good.
David Tubbs sells a flat wire buffer spring that helps with the rifle being over gassed.
A light bullet with a faster type powder will prove to be softer shooting than other combos.

A rock solid bi-pod or secured front rest should be considered as part of the system
 
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