AR15/M4 Recoil

So I've shot the military issue M4 5.56 with multiposition collapsible stock, standard ball ammo. Very little recoil. Could shoot all day and no shoulder agitation. I have an AR15 and shot 55gr ammo and noticed after couple hundred rounds that my shoulder was "warming up". I am thinking maybe the buffer and spring in mine are not right somehow. Any ideas?

 

I guess I'll have to see if I can cross reference the specs of the M4 buffer with the AR buffer.

 

Well what I have is a mid-length 14.5" with a welded phantom FH that makes it 16". I may try to get a heavy duty buffer and stronger spring. Might make a difference. I'm learning as I go. I'm also going to swap out the Magpul CTR for the Colt stock. Or I could just buy the Colt AR as it would be closer to what I did carry. Now if they just had a 50 cal conversion for the AR.

 

I've have the same problem. Had a Ar-15 at one point with more recoil than a M1a...

 

y'all been hitting the sipping whiskey again? the butt pad goes against your shoulder, not your chin.

 

Personally, I use Chrome Silicon springs; ASTM Grade: A877 Valve Spring Material. Compressions Cycles: 400,000 to 500,000 (shots). The stainless steel ones; ASTM Grade: A313. Compressions Cycles: 5,000 to 8,000 (shots). I don't know how long plain old spring steel springs last. Will I ever shoot that many rounds; I doubt it.

@AxesAreBetter
Recoil is a function of weight, So a heck of a heavy 7.62N will kick less than a lighter caliber in a ultra light.
Rifle Recoil Table

 

I'd try the H2 buffer myself:

PSA AR15 H2 Buffer

And if you want, try the Sprinco Blue recoil spring. It's what I run and helps out more than you would think.

 

To minimize recoil (less adding weight or a brake), use the heaviest buffer that is reliable with all ammunition you shoot.

 

Just add more mass like I did. Recoil No Problem

 

Naw, just use a tactical wheel barrow, and all's good.

 

Blue or white??

 

This is NOT my weapon! Just a photo I keep around for those times to make a point.

This "was" one mine until boating accident, breakin, theft, I forgot where I left it ......event. This is the most furniture i have on a AR.

I have to say I am 60+ and I dont even notice the recoil on th 556 but I shoot sporting clays and other high recoil events, plus I am 6 foot Zero and 210 Lbs + and pretty muscular so there is "mass" but not on the weapon.

 

Blue is kind of the catchall. I've run them on mid and carbine lengths without problem.

 

@AD1
I'm a couple of inches taller and about 15# more.

Recoil energy or kick isn't affected by our weight.
ShootersCalculator.com | Recoil Calculator

Recoil Calculator

Unless one reloads, they will not know the powder charge. What I do to get an approximate answer. Is go to a reloading sight and find a round with the same weight bullet and velocity.

An example. 168gr., 3400 FPS, 82gr of powder. In a 9 pound rifle the recoil energy would be 28.47 ft/lbs. In a 17 pound bench rest rifle 15.07 lbs/ft.

 

Exactly correct or same here. (we need a thumbs up icon )

I've also replaced the 16# spring in a 1911-A1 with an 18#.