6mm ARC. Give me some details.

[sfl_gunner]

I'm considering getting a 6mm ARC rifle. However, I don't see much in the way of components for it. Does anybody have any experience shooting and reloading 6mm ARC? Is the performance worth the expense?

 

[MikeInOr]

It sounds like 6mm arc was developed specifically for the AR platform. It also sounds like you will be forming your own brass and assembling your own loads.

Personally I would choose something more main stream.

Is your intention to acquire an AR rifle in 6mm arc? I don't see much use for the round other than an AR platform.

 

[Demi-human]

It’s safe to say, if someone’s looking at a 6ARC, they’re meaning an AR.
(Even though it would still be great in a Howa Mini action.)

The expense is just a bolt and barrel, maybe brass, so the cost is minimal. Neck down some Grendel brass, or get some factory ammunition for brass.

As such, I’d say it’s worth it. Just about the most ballistic performance one could get from an AR.

I should have gone with this instead of the Valkyrie, which is just another .223 alternate.

 

[Varminterror]

Factory ammo and brass are around - but if nobody has noticed yet, the ARC was dropped during longest sustaining demand surges in modern American history. ARC brass CAN be made from Grendel brass, or 7.62x39mm, but a little patience and diligence will bring properly headstamped brass to your door.

In a bolt gun, the increased pressure standard puts the ARC nearly on the performance field of sub-length short action cartridges like 6ppc, 6 BR, Dasher… Yes, the smaller case has to operate at higher pressure to get the same results, and this also means finding a high performing powder is more complicated - especially compared to the pinnacle powder used in BR based cartridges (Varget). 8208 does very well in the Grendel case, but it gives up some speed to powders like Leverevolution - which brings pretty substantially finicky behavior and temperature sensitivity…

In an AR, for factory ammo and standardized rounds, the ARC is the best alternative for long range performance, even at its lower pressure standard.

Be mindful - it seems some reamers use a shorter throat than will accept the 108 ELD factory ammo, so guys are getting high pressure signs and jamming bullets in some barrels.

I really want to put together a suppressed bolt action 6 ARC SBR with a 12” barrel as a NV coyote calling rifle.

 

[IALoder]

I have been shooting a 6mm ARC for a few months, and it has been pretty good performance wise. I had a 24" rifle+2" gas X-Caliber barrel made, and it has been shooting right at or under 1/2moa with 105's and 108's at about 2750fps. Makes it to 1100yds no problem, I haven't stretched it out any further because I'm out of scope dial. All of my brass is from factory 6mm ARC ammo, is on it's 3rd firing, and is still holding up well. A lot of guys are forming it from Starline 6.5 grendel brass and it is doing well for them. I have Hornady dies, and they do great for me. LeverEvolution seems to be the "sweetheart" powder with bullets above 90gr. I had some pretty solid performance with Varget and 95gr VLD's, and am going to try N140 with them next, and maybe with some 90gr eldx.

 

[MakBaba]

 

[MakBaba]

 

[Kaldor]

I think the 6 ARC is a fine solution for an AR providing you run a long enough barrel to get the velocity to really stretch it out if you want. Bolt gun is doable too, but seems a little pointless to be honest when you have 6 BR and 6 GT out there as well.

 

[Varminterror]

Bolt gun is doable too, but seems a little pointless to be honest when you have 6 BR and 6 GT out there as well.

Folks could say this kind of thing about most cartridges - 308 seems a little pointless when 30-06 and 300wm are out there - and 300 wsm, 300 H&H, 300 Dakota, 30-378, 300wby, 300PRC, RCM, RSAUM, Blackout, .30-03, 303 British, 308 Norma, 300 Norma Mag, 30-40 Krag, 7.62x54R, 30TC, 30 Nosler, 300 RUM… 7mm-08 seems a little pointless when 280 Rem and 7RM are out there, and 7wsm, RSAUM, PRC, 28 Nosler, 7 Practical, 284 win, 7x57 Mauser, 7 Dakota, STW… 223 Rem seems a little pointless when there’s 222 Rem, 222 mag, 22-250, 221 Fireball, 22 Hornet, 220 Swift, 22 PPC, 223 wsm, 224 valkyrie, 220 Russian…

It’s also fair to point out the fact the 6 BR isn’t a factory supported commercial cartridge. I’m not aware of any common brand factory rifle besides the Savage PTA 12 BR’s which are offered in 6 BR, and you’re not buying factory ammo from a shelf at common gun shops, let alone at Walmarts. Whereas 6 ARC has already been seen on shelves more frequently in its short life. The 6 GT also doesn’t appear to have as many factory rifle options available yet even as the 6 ARC - certainly easier to adopt for most brands than the ARC with its less-common boltface, but we haven’t yet seen big brands adding the GT. Soon, we can be sure, but not yet, while there ARE factory options on the shelf for the ARC. Ammo has been more broadly available for the ARC as well, although I might believe brass availability has been at relative parity for the two thus far.

Options, we want, so options, we have.

 

[markr6754]

You might keep your eyes on shootersproshop.com from where I've recently picked up new Nosler Blem 6.5 Grendel brass. It forms beautifully into 6 ARC, then a little trim off the top and you're good to go. I made up my latest AR with a 16" Ballistics Advantage barrel and waiting to get out to shoot it. I have some Hornady Black factory ammo, and made up some test rounds with 87gr Hornady V Max. I don't have any particular goal in mind...I don't hunt and just like putting pukas in paper...and 6 ARC gives me another size puka to make. I built a 224 Valkyrie first, but when nearly 20% of the once fired brass I bought had blown primer pockets I realized that there isn't any reason to make .224 sized pukas with another AR when I'd already built 2 .223 Wydle ARs.
In the end...I shoot so I can reload, and the more calibers I get to load the happier I am (though my budget is starting to hate me).

 

[Kaldor]

Folks could say this kind of thing about most cartridges - 308 seems a little pointless when 30-06 and 300wm are out there - and 300 wsm, 300 H&H, 300 Dakota, 30-378, 300wby, 300PRC, RCM, RSAUM, Blackout, .30-03, 303 British, 308 Norma, 300 Norma Mag, 30-40 Krag, 7.62x54R, 30TC, 30 Nosler, 300 RUM… 7mm-08 seems a little pointless when 280 Rem and 7RM are out there, and 7wsm, RSAUM, PRC, 28 Nosler, 7 Practical, 284 win, 7x57 Mauser, 7 Dakota, STW… 223 Rem seems a little pointless when there’s 222 Rem, 222 mag, 22-250, 221 Fireball, 22 Hornet, 220 Swift, 22 PPC, 223 wsm, 224 valkyrie, 220 Russian…

It’s also fair to point out the fact the 6 BR isn’t a factory supported commercial cartridge. I’m not aware of any common brand factory rifle besides the Savage PTA 12 BR’s which are offered in 6 BR, and you’re not buying factory ammo from a shelf at common gun shops, let alone at Walmarts. Whereas 6 ARC has already been seen on shelves more frequently in its short life. The 6 GT also doesn’t appear to have as many factory rifle options available yet even as the 6 ARC - certainly easier to adopt for most brands than the ARC with its less-common boltface, but we haven’t yet seen big brands adding the GT. Soon, we can be sure, but not yet, while there ARE factory options on the shelf for the ARC. Ammo has been more broadly available for the ARC as well, although I might believe brass availability has been at relative parity for the two thus far.

Options, we want, so options, we have.

Options are good!
Im talking purely from a building a rifle and only doing handloading I guess. If you dont want to get into that game, then yes, the ARC is a fine cartridge.

 

[kmw1954]

The 6ARC has intrigued me for over a year now with the thought of a bolt gun with a heavy 26" barrel to be used as an inexpensive solution to short range target shooting. I keep contemplating this but keep getting shot down by friends and competitors at the range I work PT. They keep pushing either a 6br or a 6 Dasher as the only way to go. Not to waste my time on the ARC.

MY one friend that has the disposable funds has since he started this informal league has shot a 204, 260, 6BR, 6XC and now a 6 Dasher. I understand their reasoning, the 6BR just works well for this and is very stable.

Then I look at this and tell myself when the 6 ARC is loaded up in a bolt gun and loaded to the same levels with the same components as the 6BR it doesn't give up much. Then when looking at shooting to short distances of 100 to 300yds it appears to narrow even more.

Advantage for me to go with the ARC. I already have a pile of brass that a couple shooters at the range have given me. Reloading dies are much more readily available and a prefit barrel from Northland Shooters can be had for my Savage for about $300.00. and if I can find one the DBM from the Axis 6ARC will fit right into my Savage bottom metal.

 

[Kaldor]

The 6ARC has intrigued me for over a year now with the thought of a bolt gun with a heavy 26" barrel to be used as an inexpensive solution to short range target shooting. I keep contemplating this but keep getting shot down by friends and competitors at the range I work PT. They keep pushing either a 6br or a 6 Dasher as the only way to go. Not to waste my time on the ARC.

MY one friend that has the disposable funds has since he started this informal league has shot a 204, 260, 6BR, 6XC and now a 6 Dasher. I understand their reasoning, the 6BR just works well for this and is very stable.

Then I look at this and tell myself when the 6 ARC is loaded up in a bolt gun and loaded to the same levels with the same components as the 6BR it doesn't give up much. Then when looking at shooting to short distances of 100 to 300yds it appears to narrow even more.

Advantage for me to go with the ARC. I already have a pile of brass that a couple shooters at the range have given me. Reloading dies are much more readily available and a prefit barrel from Northland Shooters can be had for my Savage for about $300.00. and if I can find one the DBM from the Axis 6ARC will fit right into my Savage bottom metal.

I think that would be a great option. Convenience is always good. I think 6BR will gain you bit on velocity over the ARC, but you said short range shooting, so its probably not worth worrying about.

 

[AJC1]

The 6ARC has intrigued me for over a year now with the thought of a bolt gun with a heavy 26" barrel to be used as an inexpensive solution to short range target shooting. I keep contemplating this but keep getting shot down by friends and competitors at the range I work PT. They keep pushing either a 6br or a 6 Dasher as the only way to go. Not to waste my time on the ARC.

MY one friend that has the disposable funds has since he started this informal league has shot a 204, 260, 6BR, 6XC and now a 6 Dasher. I understand their reasoning, the 6BR just works well for this and is very stable.

Then I look at this and tell myself when the 6 ARC is loaded up in a bolt gun and loaded to the same levels with the same components as the 6BR it doesn't give up much. Then when looking at shooting to short distances of 100 to 300yds it appears to narrow even more.

Advantage for me to go with the ARC. I already have a pile of brass that a couple shooters at the range have given me. Reloading dies are much more readily available and a prefit barrel from Northland Shooters can be had for my Savage for about $300.00. and if I can find one the DBM from the Axis 6ARC will fit right into my Savage bottom metal.

Your brass options will be more mainstream and the Walmart may become an option. If your buying peterson or lapua I doubt you'll find those laying around.

 

[Varminterror]

I shoot at a couple ranges where 6BR and BR variants are fired probably 10,000:1 over the ARC. A lazy stroll down the firing line after a session yields as many or more left-behind pieces of ARC brass than the others. Why? Because the casual shooter is buying factory 6 ARC ammo and not reloading - so an entirely different market of range-pick-up/once-fired 6 ARC exists which does not for 6 BR/BRA/Dasher. My son picks up brass and sells BR/Dasher/BRA/GT brass back to shooters typically around 25¢/piece and frankly, he could double that and guys would buy it. ARC, Valkyrie, Grendel, x39, 5.56/223 he can price only around a dime until he gets enough to sell large lots - it’s a more competitive market because once-fired brass is simply not a commodity for the BR based rounds.

 

[kmw1954]

Because the casual shooter is buying factory 6 ARC ammo and not reloading - so an entirely different market of range-pick-up/once-fired 6 ARC exists which does not for 6 BR/BRA/Dasher..

Most definitely see it the same way which for me adds economy of the round. Meaning people are shooting it but they are not reloading it so brass is obtainable. Where I shoot the other 6mm brass is nonexistent. So to me it is either get free to cheap brass or pay full retail for 6BR. 6Dasher, 6GT..

For a much more skilled and experienced shooter the advantage over the 6ARC many be large buy I don't think I can shoot the difference consistently enough at 300 yards to see and real time difference in my scores. Then at only around $300.00 for a Shilen or Criterion barrel it is not like I would be out a ton of money.

But to each their own. Matter of factly I am still contemplating staying with the 223 but again moving to a 26" barrel with a 1:8 or 1:7.5 twist.

 

[sfl_gunner]

Thanks everyone for the comments. I'm mainly looking for an AR platform round that will out perform .223 at 500 yards and beyond. I shoot my .223 now all the way out to 1000 yards and I know, I can out perform the round at that distance. So the 6 ARC seems like one of the more enticing few options.

 

[Bfh_auto]

Thanks everyone for the comments. I'm mainly looking for an AR platform round that will out perform .223 at 500 yards and beyond. I shoot my .223 now all the way out to 1000 yards and I know, I can out perform the round at that distance. So the 6 ARC seems like one of the more enticing few options.

I have to agree with you. I don't shoot to 1000. But I noticed the level of difficulty putting lead into something went up exponentially after 400 yards with a 223. I was contemplating the same thing you are. But decided not to muddy the water with different dope.
If I couldn't grab my fast twist 22-250. I may have different sentiments.

 

[Kaldor]

Thanks everyone for the comments. I'm mainly looking for an AR platform round that will out perform .223 at 500 yards and beyond. I shoot my .223 now all the way out to 1000 yards and I know, I can out perform the round at that distance. So the 6 ARC seems like one of the more enticing few options.

1000 yards with 6ARC is a poke for sure, but is doable if the wind isnt crazy. The real important thing if you really want to stretch it out is needing a barrel around 26" in my honest opinion as you will need that velocity to go that far and have consistent success.

Short of going to a wildcat like a 6 Grendel, 6 Fat Rat, 6 Turbo 40, its the best option in a small frame AR. I run a 6 Grendel, and its a fairly easy wildcat to do with just necking down a 6.5 case to a 6, but thus far its been a bit finicky for me. I run a 26" McGowan on my 6 Grendel and have gotten some very impressive velocities out of it but honestly not having done enough load dev to really warrant some 1000 yard shooting.

 

[BigMac2022]

The 6mm ARC is catching on fast and is a SAAMI approved round, meaning manufactures will hopefully jump on board. I just bought a CMMG Resolute and I am loving it. Here in Texas the 6 ARC hits all the buttons for me