New 6mm Advanced Rifle Cartridge

[Varminterror]

What is the inside diameter of the Grendal bolt face in an AR? Do Grendel rounds feed well from typical AR15 magazines?

Grendels use Grendel specific AR mags. They feed fine. The 243LBC has fed fine for me, and this has nearly the same profile, so I’d have no reason to think it would be any different.

Bolt face for 6.5 Grendel/6 ARC/ 7.62x39 is .460” nominal:

 

[MCMXI]

Grendels use Grendel specific AR mags. They feed fine. The 243LBC has fed fine for me, and this has nearly the same profile, so I’d have no reason to think it would be any different.

Bolt face for 6.5 Grendel/6 ARC/ 7.62x39 is .460” nominal:

Excellent ... thanks! So a .450 BM bolt face is unlikely to work well at .482". A 6.5 Grendel bolt from Faxon isn't too pricey so it's not a big deal to change out the bolt.

 

[labnoti]

I think the fact that it's "SAAMI" instead of proprietary from the start is what could distinguish it from the path Grendel took. I think Hornady will give it a better start than AA was able to. I have nothing against AA or Grendel. It just seems the most likely explanation why it failed to catch on more than it did despite being what I think is the best and most useful AR-15-type cartridge.

 

[Gtscotty]

Since you have a 6.5 Grendel you won't need a new bolt. I have a .450 Bushmaster upper so a barrel swap would work for me too ... right? Am I missing anything?

What is the inside diameter of the Grendal bolt face in an AR? Do Grendel rounds feed well from typical AR15 magazines?

Technically true, but I like my Grendel for a short lightweight antelope or deer popper, so I don't want to take it down, plus I glued the barrel in with 620. I'll build another upper, and since I can't stand not having a BCG for each upper, I'll just buy another Grendel BCG... The Toolcraft Grendel BCG I bought on sale for like $70 has been working fine, so I might go that route again.

I already have a Superlative Arms bleed off block that didn't work out in my POF Rogue sitting in a drawer, by AR building/buying logic, I'm basically halfway there .

I'm not totally sure whether I want to go with a mid weight hunting/LR build, or a fatty range queen... Also 18" or 20"?

Excellent ... thanks! So a .450 BM bolt face is unlikely to work well at .482". A 6.5 Grendel bolt from Faxon isn't too pricey so it's not a big deal to change out the bolt.

I would note that everything I've seen says that the ARC will use an actual .136 Grendel bolt instead of the .125 7.62x39 bolt that the "type 1" chambers were cut for.

I may have to give BHW a try, I read good things about their accuracy from. @Varminterror and others, and they occasionally run great sales. Part of me wants to hold out for a Proof, word is since they were on the SF Barrett contract since the beginning they've really wrung things out very well. Either way it seems the hot setup with this cartridge is long gas systems, rifle or rifle+.

Apparently Howa is on board, which I assume means a mini in 6mm ARC, which just seems like it would be really neat, and maybe a good starter rifle for my boys.

 

[Varminterror]

Apparently Howa is on board, which I assume means a mini in 6mm ARC, which just seems like it would be really neat, and maybe a good starter rifle for my boys.

I have a 5.56 upper already for my son (about to turn 7, and will order a Proof ARC barrel for him also as a deer upper. If/when the Howa or even the Ruger American hit the shelves, I’m gonna buy one as a P&W 16” for my son. He has half of a Defiance Ruckus already waiting on the shelf to be 6 creed, but the Mini will be a lot cheaper to feed!

 

[horsey300]

Technically true, but I like my Grendel for a short lightweight antelope or deer popper, so I don't want to take it down, plus I glued the barrel in with 620. I'll build another upper, and since I can't stand not having a BCG for each upper, I'll just buy another Grendel BCG... The Toolcraft Grendel BCG I bought on sale for like $70 has been working fine, so I might go that route again.

I already have a Superlative Arms bleed off block that didn't work out in my POF Rogue sitting in a drawer, by AR building/buying logic, I'm basically halfway there .

I'm not totally sure whether I want to go with a mid weight hunting/LR build, or a fatty range queen... Also 18" or 20"?



I would note that everything I've seen says that the ARC will use an actual .136 Grendel bolt instead of the .125 7.62x39 bolt that the "type 1" chambers were cut for.

I may have to give BHW a try, I read good things about their accuracy from. @Varminterror and others, and they occasionally run great sales. Part of me wants to hold out for a Proof, word is since they were on the SF Barrett contract since the beginning they've really wrung things out very well. Either way it seems the hot setup with this cartridge is long gas systems, rifle or rifle+.

Apparently Howa is on board, which I assume means a mini in 6mm ARC, which just seems like it would be really neat, and maybe a good starter rifle for my boys.

Let's split the difference,a a midweight hunter 20" shall we? This is based on my brother's heavy .224 that he tries to use for hunting vs my m4s for home and field.....

 

[LoonWulf]

Let's split the difference,a a midweight hunter 20" shall we? This is based on my brother's heavy .224 that he tries to use for hunting vs my m4s for home and field.....

gunner, of GOV profile produces a balance i like for field use, but the straight .625s been my favorite so far.

 

[Varminterror]

In a 24” rifle, I’m committed to a heavy rifle, so I use .836’s. For 22” and less, I like National Match/DCM type contours - heavy time the block, then .750” up front.

My 243LBC is a 24” Rifle, and I kinda wish it would have been a 26” +2/3” gas. Very interested to get a 12.5” 6 ARC now, after seeing the speeds it’ll hang onto.

 

[troy fairweather]

In a 24” rifle, I’m committed to a heavy rifle, so I use .836’s. For 22” and less, I like National Match/DCM type contours - heavy time the block, then .750” up front.

My 243LBC is a 24” Rifle, and I kinda wish it would have been a 26” +2/3” gas. Very interested to get a 12.5” 6 ARC now, after seeing the speeds it’ll hang onto.

Ya think a 24" is the way I'll go, like you said mine as well go heavy with the longer barrel.I was impressed buy the short barrel numbers I seen.

 

[Legionnaire]

I just read the thread, watched the linked videos, etc. I'm not an AR guy. If I were, this would have my attention. But I don't see the advantage of the 6 ARC over a 6 Creedmoor in a bolt action. Am I missing something?

 

[troy fairweather]

I just read the thread, watched the linked videos, etc. I'm not an AR guy. If I were, this would have my attention. But I don't see the advantage of the 6 ARC over a 6 Creedmoor in a bolt action. Am I missing something?

If they do it right and only use it in mini bolt actions, then they will be lighter and handle better then a short action will.

 

[MCMXI]

It would be a good fit for the current Kimber 84M Montana chambered in .223 Rem ... a Hunter model too. But of course the idiocracy (idiot bureaucrats) at Kimber won't even consider it just as they wouldn't consider a Hunter in .223 Rem.

 

[MCMXI]

But I don't see the advantage of the 6 ARC over a 6 Creedmoor in a bolt action. Am I missing something?

Your point is a good one if the receiver is longer than it needs to be. For example, the Kimber 84M is sized for .308 Win but is used for .223 with a modified bolt stop. So basically, if an action is sized to the cartridge that would be the best situation.

 

[Varminterror]

I don't see the advantage of the 6 ARC over a 6 Creedmoor in a bolt action. Am I missing something?

Twice to thrice the barrel life and 10grns less powder. It’s not unilaterally better, but the 6 ARC is still a “right answer” to a lot of questions the 6 creed answers.

 

[LoonWulf]

Your point is a good one if the receiver is longer than it needs to be. For example, the Kimber 84M is sized for .308 Win but is used for .223 with a modified bolt stop. So basically, if an action is sized to the cartridge that would be the best situation.

If im being honest it feels a little like a foolish want, mini actions that is. Most weigh about the same as a short action variant, and with equal length barrels they are only marginally shorter.

BUT, while ill buy a short action in 6arc when it comes out just to play with it, Ill happily spend a hundred to a couple hundred more to get it in a properly sized mini...........If howa comes out when i have the cash, thats where im going first.

 

[troy fairweather]

I think most of us want a mini action because there's not to many real short actions anymore. Most of the budget guns use a longer action to save on cost, and they only have to make one action. The 700 are ok but I won't spend any money on a new Remington.

 

[LoonWulf]

I think most of us want a mini action because there's not to many real short actions anymore. Most of the budget guns use a longer action to save on coast, and they only have to make one action. The 700 are ok but I won't spend any money on a new Remington.

thats true, i didnt really think about that lol

 

[Legionnaire]

Yes, a true mini action would be cool. As any who have been around awhile already know, I really like Remington Model 7s. A shorter action yet might justify the 6 ARC.

 

[troy fairweather]

Yes, a true mini action would be cool. As any who have been around awhile already know, I really like Remington Model 7s. A shorter action yet might justify the 6 ARC.

To bad someone did not make a seven clone, they can add a claw extractor and 3 position safety to lol.

 

[LoonWulf]

To bad someone did not make a seven clone, they can add a claw extractor and 3 position safety to lol.

If Kimber would just cut another 1/2" out of the 84M.....

 

[js8588]

Much like 224 Valkyrie when it first came out (then flamed out spectacularly) this interests me greatly in a CZ or Howa mini action, but not really at all in a semi auto platform.

This will actually benefit the 6.5 Grendel Guys too as it gives us an additional choice in bolts & mags since the ARC & Grendel have a commonality with both.

Oh, & friends don't let friends buy BA/Aero or Faxon

 

[Varminterror]

If im being honest it feels a little like a foolish want, mini actions that is. Most weigh about the same as a short action variant

This is a real problem which I believe needs attention from gunmakers in the future. The addition of more and more Mini length cartridges in our industry is a great step to add pressure for designers to produce a true mini action, commensurately smaller and lighter, rather than simply beefing a rimfire action or dropping bolt stops and mag blocks into short actions.

 

[whm1974]

So is the US Military adopting a new Carbine/Rifle and Pistol Cartridge?

 

[Walkalong]

pressure for designers to produce a true mini action

That would be nice, and as you posted, there are more reasons today than ever.

 

[Varminterror]

So is the US Military adopting a new Carbine/Rifle and Pistol Cartridge?

Not for general consumption by or issue to rank and file infantry.

Looks like they’re replacing some of the SR25 type applications. More ammo for less weight, lighter rifle, but still reaching past 600yrds. Apparently some interest in defeating intermediate barriers also. The contract is for 18” Rec7’s with match grade Proof Research barrels (all assumptions are for steel barrels, not CF).