Brake on a Trainer?

[uncoffeed]

I am currently shooting a 6mm Dasher match rifle with a muzzle brake in a switch barrel system much like @reubinski . I have been using a .308 20" varmint taper barrel with a muzzle brake for my training barrel, but am planning to move to a .223 26" barrel soon. The .308 barrel doesn't shoot the same as my Dasher at all. The recoil is much stronger (even with the brake), the weight distribution is different, and I have to hold the gun differently for recoil management. I have been seeing some success in my PRS shooting lately, and want to maximize my training to take another step up.
I currently shoot about 100-150 rounds a week through my .308 out to 650 yards. The lower cost of .223 ammo will allow me to up that to at least 200 rounds a week. I would love to shoot my Dasher all the time, but can't justify the expense of ammo + barrels vs. training benefit. I also already have a .22LR gun that I shoot about 150 rounds a week. I'm definitely not going to sell/build/buy a whole rifle for this training thing.
My question is whether I should get my .223 barrel with a brake. I've never shot a .223 bolt gun. It seems like a .223 without a brake shooting 75g bullets would probably match recoil to my braked Dasher pretty well. I wonder if the lack of a brake will change the recoil direction/shooting style? Basically, I want to shoot a .223 that works just like my match setup.
Thanks for your input.

 

[spife7980]

Putting a brake on it won’t hurt a thing besides your ears

 

[Birddog6424]

My trainer is a 223 Ackley that I use either 55gr FMJ's for positional training or 80gr ELD-Ms for a little longer stuff. When I put a brake on it (Area 419 Hellfire), it eliminated all the recoil. It was like shooting a 22LR. I took the brake off and replaced it with a basic birdcage to protect the crown and it put a little bounce into the recoil that much more closely resembles my 6 Creedmoor. Not the same, but closer.

I like it better that way.

 

[pineoak]

.223 with a long heavy barrel... minimal recoil

with a brake, you're not going to get much recoil management practice from it

I'd skip the brake and run it with a can if you have one (to save hearing) or bare muzzle if the point is to practice

 

[Sheldon N]

I'm running a braked 223 for my trainer. My trainer barrel is a bit lighter contour than my match 6 Dasher barrel, so there's not a huge difference in recoil. Been thinking about taking the brake off the trainer to get more recoil but haven't bothered to. I'm sort of with reubenski on this one, most of the practice is in the position and clean trigger pulls. Neither the 223 or Dasher require that much recoil management, though I do focus on keeping the reticle as close to on target through the recoil impulse and on trying to watch trace.

 

[Carl_Ross]

I have the 223-unbroke/Dasher-broke combo and find the recoil impulses similar.

I do lots of dry fire for position practice, when going live fire one of the things I’m focusing on most is spotting impacts well. I appreciate them feeling pretty close.

 

[uncoffeed]

Great info, guys. Definitely exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!