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The spring and buffer absorb the recoil energy by compressing rearwrd, then rebounding forward to strip and chamber a new round.

 
From FM 23-9, 2-1
Functioning begins after a loaded magazine is inserted into the weapon.
Feeding: As the bolt carrier moves rearward, it engages the buffer assembly and compresses the action spring into the lower receiver extension. When the bolt carrier group clears the top of the magazine, the expansion of the magazine spring forces the follower and a new round up into the path of the forward movement of the bolt. The expansion of the action spring sends the buffer assembly and bolt carrier group forward with enough force to strip a new round from the magazine.
 
Also check out David Tubb's videos on flat wire recoil springs. He also talks about buffers as well.
I run his flatwire springs on my ARs

 
Does the buffer spring in an AR-15 only serve to push the bolt forwards once the spent shell has been ejected from the weapon? Are there other forces at work?

It supports and somewhat slows the buffer in it's rearward motion with the bolt carrier group.

This may be why it's called a Buffer spring. Not a bolt carrier return spring. Which would make more sense. ;)
 

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