Thinking maybe a 6mm ARC bolt gun
- Thread starter igotta40
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I went with a 18" barrel on my 6 ARC build incase I decided to use the rifle for hunting. If the build was strictly for long distance target shooting then I would have went with a 22" barrel. I find a 16 or 18 inch barrel more handy for hunting. 18 inches was good compromise for me when shooting 6 ARC.
troy fairweather
Member
Just for some reference, Shaw list these as hbar barrel contour but there not I actually like it not to heavy but enough meat. Think the 22" is about . 850" to the gas block then . 740 after to the muzzle. I'd expect the 18" the same. Never weighed it but seemed lighter weight then what Shaw listed as well. To bad they didn't do there 3 gun contour on a 16" or 18"
CapnMac
Member
Ok, that 6arc has a nice short case, so I can't help but mentally picture a short-throw--like 45°--bolt that would be fast and easy to flip.
Not sure I'd even have a preference for cock on open or on close.
Probably a blind magazine would look most elegant, but a detachable might have more utility, especially in an anti-varmint role.
Smart manufacturer would build in a "family" of barrel lengths from 16" to 24." I'd want to have a rail on the bottom, but, that's me. This sounds like something CZ ought to look into.
Not sure I'd even have a preference for cock on open or on close.
Probably a blind magazine would look most elegant, but a detachable might have more utility, especially in an anti-varmint role.
Smart manufacturer would build in a "family" of barrel lengths from 16" to 24." I'd want to have a rail on the bottom, but, that's me. This sounds like something CZ ought to look into.
kmw1954
Member
They do have it in the Axis and one model of the 110.
Savage lists seven rifles in 6 ARC; three Model 110 rifles and four Axis II rifles.
https://www.savagearms.com/content?p=firearms&so=az&pp=24&a=all
Like I mentioned in a previous reply, Savage does not off any 6 ARC rifles in left handed versions and those would be a custom order per the email I received from Savage.
https://www.savagearms.com/content?p=firearms&so=az&pp=24&a=all
Like I mentioned in a previous reply, Savage does not off any 6 ARC rifles in left handed versions and those would be a custom order per the email I received from Savage.
Ended up order the 18" since I do plan to use it for hunting. Now to build another lower and see how it shoots.
I have been very pleased with my Odin Works 18 inch barrel. Here are two phots where I got the scope on target and then shot two 5 shot groups. Upper groups is with Hornady 105Gr and bottom group is with Hornady 108Gr. Distance was 100 yards and I didn't even take the time to really break the barrel in either. The shots circled in green and blue were from getting the scope dialed in. My 5 shot groups are circled in yellow. I sighted the rifle in with the 108Gr ammo and then shot the 5 shot group of 105 Gr ammo without any scope adjustments.
I still might order a left hand Savage in 6 ARC this coming year as funds allow. If I do, I will go with Savage's Varmint barrel.
I still might order a left hand Savage in 6 ARC this coming year as funds allow. If I do, I will go with Savage's Varmint barrel.
That’s very impressive! Is this hand loaded ammunition? Is the rifle an AR 15?
I was shooting my AR15 and factory ammunition.
Nature Boy
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I understand the 6ARC in an AR platform but for a bolt gun, why not go with a 6BR?
Standard bolt face, a bit more powder capacity and extremely accurate
Standard bolt face, a bit more powder capacity and extremely accurate
kmw1954
Member
So why not the 6ARC in a short range (100-300yd) Bench rifle? When loaded the same with the same powder, nearly the same powder charge and same bullet the ARC isn't giving up much. Also when considered dies for the ARC are available from both Hornady and Lee and the Head space gauge is also easier to obtain. This makes sense for a Savage based rifle when also the bolt head can be readily purchased from Gun Shack for just $32.00
Anyways that is my intention. To build a Savage 6ARC with a Shilen 26" barrel to compete against those same 6br, 6bra our to 300yds.
Nature Boy
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Well, for the reasons I stated.
However “want” trumps all other considerations and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.
Nature Boy
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Factory ammo would be the only practical reason I can see in favor of a 6ARC vs 6BR bolt gun comparison but I believe the OP intends to reload so that’s not a factor
kmw1954
Member
Standard bolt face, bit more powder?
I can understand the bit more powder capacity but how does Bolt Face enter into this?
In our league I have been shooting against 6BR, 6BRA and 6 Dasher.. Our league scores tell me it's more about the shooter than the cartridge. Out to 200yards I have been keeping up with them using and old 223.
Now if I were to be building a rifle to be completely serious I would choose an action other than the Savage and more likely a 6 Dasher. It would also most likely cost 3X the cost of this Savage. But due to time and financial constraints I will be once again using the 223.
Ballistically the BRs beat the ARC, same as they do the PPC it basically duplicates.
For me its simply a cost vs return decision, as im not using a Mini action to build an UL sporter this round. IF using a mini action the ARC falls into the same niche it would for an AR
The RAs have Ar mags which will run the ARC and are cheap (only need one, but i loose stuff and 80 dollar BR aics mags are a mild turn off).
ARC dies are cheaper than a BR sizer, much less the Dasher id like to have.
I can make cases from 6.5gren if necessary tho its way down on the list, and ammo is available on the shelf here if im 50 bucks lazy.
Primarily the ARC is an easy conversion from a Grendel RA, which gives us a platform to play with while waiting for the parts.
Otherwise if its a straight build BR or derivative for sure.
Standard bolt face is easier to source, theres also better support (outside of factory ammo) for the BR.
Horses courses and wants being what they are, it really just comes down to what interests a person and how they want to go about it......IMO of course
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Nature Boy
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You left out the third reason, extremely accurate. If your goal is target shooting that should be a consideration.
I campaign a 6BRA in 600 yard F Class. Wide accuracy nodes make it ridiculously easy to tune. I’m going to step out on a limb and assume the BR is a more inherently accurate round than the ARC for the simple fact that I’ve never heard of anyone shooting it competitively in a bolt gun.
But as I also said, should get what you want. That’s also important.
troy fairweather
Member
The 6ppc is considered the most accurate cartridge in the world from 0-300 yards, it earned that reputation with wins. The arc is basically a 6ppc with the shoulder moved up a few thousands.
kmw1954
Member
I have no doubts about the accuracy of the 6mm, again from the BR to the Dasher. This league is reserved to a limit of 20 shooters and half are shooting some form of 6mm. Last year a BRA won, year before that a 6 Dasher, year before that a 6XC.
Also a member last year did shoot a Savage with a Shilen 6ARC barrel. He was still developing loads for it when we started and didn't do so hot the first 4 weeks. by the end of the 10 weeks he jumped to finish 8th. as for a fact also the last weeks target was a two part target for smallest groups and 200yds and 300yds.. He cleaned both targets with the smallest groups beating both the 1st place and 2nd place shooters. Which is also what moved him up to 8th place in the standings.
Now I have no visions of beating these guys as they have much more shooting experience and much more invested in their equipment. There is no big prize money involved, mostly pride and bragging rights, so this is all done for fun. Also just for the fact that as you say "No One is shooting the 6ARC competitively in a bolt gun". So therefore it hasn't been proven it cannot keep up to 300yds. Sure it is Easy to follow the crowd, to hit the Easy Button, be like everyone else, but what fun is that?
So just now when looking and comparing the load data between Western Powders and Hornady for the 105gr Sierra bullet they both, the ARC and the BR Norma are being loaded to a velocity of around 2750fps max. So I fail to see an advantage. Both using the same bullet, both shot at the same velocity. So advantage is one has a History of development and one has not.
Anyways as I say to everyone this is for fun, not looking to rewrite the books and I expect to be able to do this for a lot less money than building another new Bench rifle like everyone else is doing. Funny thing is, I have been getting this same argument from all the 6BR shooters for the past couple years, yet not one has shown me it wont work.
CapnMac
Member
The notion which occurred to be the other day, of a Sako short action with a paddle bolt that would tip open on the stroke of an index finger has a great appeal.
Would it be an F Class winner? Dunno. But, fun to shoot? I'm thinking certainly.
Would it be an F Class winner? Dunno. But, fun to shoot? I'm thinking certainly.
troy fairweather
Member
ya I'd love to have a old sako l461 action to build a 6arc, use a thinner contour barrel that will shot moa and better would be very versatile rifle.
