Hornady 6mm ARC "New" cartridge

[Laurie]

Don't expect the 2.26" box to provide the next replacement Military Cartridge - NATO. It's a far stretch yet it keeps getting repeated using words like "Government" and "Military" toot-toot, the ARC won't be adopted to replace the 5.56. We've heard of independent unit's that once adopted the SPC, the Grendel, the 300 Blackout and now the ARC and all that amounts to a hill of beans.

I wish I had a pound (Sterling) for every new cartridge, the military - in particular the US Army and MC - were about to adopt over the last 20 years! (These adoptions are usually definite and imminent too! )

There are three constants in all this: 1) 5.56 has NO future and simply cannot survive in service much longer (it is said!); 2) 5.56 continues to be 'developed' with each 'development' overcoming any and all previous problems / weaknesses (it is said!), but in any event the cartridge keeps rolling along irrespective; and 3) the whole saga provides endless amusement, interest, work, copy for journalists, forum members et al and presumably also bankrupts the occasional unwise rifle and cartridge developer who believes his own and blogger hype.

Now as a Brit, I have to say that the British War Office Ideal Calibre Panel and the UK government arsenal cartridge designers aided and abetted by FN in Belgium got it about right way back just after WW2. The EM1 and EM2 bullpup assault rifles no, the original 7X43mm FN FAL which was [fully] automatique and truly legere / light yes, and the .279 (6.8mm) and 280 (7mm) 'intermediate' cartridges were sweeties, especially the 280/30 British aka 7X43mm

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.280_British

Its COAL? 2.54" right on where we know know we want to be in an assault rifle platform half way between the AR-15 and AR-10.

But that's all water that's not only long under the bridge, but reached the sea and done the rounds on the hydrographic cycle 100 times since then. There was an attempt over here in the UK to revive the 280/30 as a modern sporting cartridge for deer and targets 20, maybe 30 years ago, but without government backing and with competition from established and proven 'big name' sporting numbers, it's never got beyond being an interesting wildcat that's also an intriguing piece of military firearms history. I believe you can buy a chamber reamer still and dies are still listed as custom order jobs, but it'd be a bolt-rifle number only, especially in the UK with our firearms laws.

........... and none of that changes the debate over the ARC which is with us in the here and now and is going to provide a lot of interest and debate as people adopt and use it especially in the AR-15 platform. As @Mazdayasna says as a sporting / recreational number, not a chance as a military player and I'd add as a definitely viable and nice little number in baby bolt-gun actions, ARs .... we'll have to see how that turns out, but this is way outside my competence or involvement, so my tuppence-halfpenny aka 2 cents worth would be worthless except to note the 6ARC would surely be FUN in an AR-15 providing the bolt holds up.

........... and then of course, the 600 lb gorilla in the corner. There's great interest here on AS and other forums, amongst bloggers, and no doubt in gun mags. But will it sell to the great US MSR-shooting public when it and its rifles are available in local gunshops and BassPro, or will it sink quietly with barely a ripple like so many others in the past?

 

[David Milisock]

I wish I had a pound (Sterling) for every new cartridge, the military - in particular the US Army and MC - were about to adopt over the last 20 years! (These adoptions are usually definite and imminent too! )

There are three constants in all this: 1) 5.56 has NO future and simply cannot survive in service much longer (it is said!); 2) 5.56 continues to be 'developed' with each 'development' overcoming any and all previous problems / weaknesses (it is said!), but in any event the cartridge keeps rolling along irrespective; and 3) the whole saga provides endless amusement, interest, work, copy for journalists, forum members et al and presumably also bankrupts the occasional unwise rifle and cartridge developer who believes his own and blogger hype.

Now as a Brit, I have to say that the British War Office Ideal Calibre Panel and the UK government arsenal cartridge designers aided and abetted by FN in Belgium got it about right way back just after WW2. The EM1 and EM2 bullpup assault rifles no, the original 7X43mm FN FAL which was [fully] automatique and truly legere / light yes, and the .279 (6.8mm) and 280 (7mm) 'intermediate' cartridges were sweeties, especially the 280/30 British aka 7X43mm

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.280_British

Its COAL? 2.54" right on where we know know we want to be in an assault rifle platform half way between the AR-15 and AR-10.

But that's all water that's not only long under the bridge, but reached the sea and done the rounds on the hydrographic cycle 100 times since then. There was an attempt over here in the UK to revive the 280/30 as a modern sporting cartridge for deer and targets 20, maybe 30 years ago, but without government backing and with competition from established and proven 'big name' sporting numbers, it's never got beyond being an interesting wildcat that's also an intriguing piece of military firearms history. I believe you can buy a chamber reamer still and dies are still listed as custom order jobs, but it'd be a bolt-rifle number only, especially in the UK with our firearms laws.

........... and none of that changes the debate over the ARC which is with us in the here and now and is going to provide a lot of interest and debate as people adopt and use it especially in the AR-15 platform. As @Mazdayasna says as a sporting / recreational number, not a chance as a military player and I'd add as a definitely viable and nice little number in baby bolt-gun actions, ARs .... we'll have to see how that turns out, but this is way outside my competence or involvement, so my tuppence-halfpenny aka 2 cents worth would be worthless except to note the 6ARC would surely be FUN in an AR-15 providing the bolt holds up.

........... and then of course, the 600 lb gorilla in the corner. There's great interest here on AS and other forums, amongst bloggers, and no doubt in gun mags. But will it sell to the great US MSR-shooting public when it and its rifles are available in local gunshops and BassPro, or will it sink quietly with barely a ripple like so many others in the past?

I hear you, plenty of questions and possibilities.

 

[David Milisock]

David - I think that the 6.5 Grendel is the better option for an accurate work rifle. Solid selection of 120gr-130gr hunting & target bullets (20gr-40gr heavier than readily available 6mm bullet selection). No issues for out to 600 yards hunting ethically, and much further (800-1000) for targets.

I'm looking at a concept of a self loading general rifle, civilian and military.
CAVEATE: Hornady MUST have the 52,000 PSI performance as stated! Have they lied? Time will tell. I suspect only their factory rounds will meet the 52,000 PSI performance levels. I also suspect at 52,000 PSI lug problems won't be an issue.

If Hornady is FOS it won't take long to tell.

I've said this but it needs repeated in the general rifle concept all cartridges for the AR except the 5.56 NATO have been useless. All have significant limitations as general purpose rounds.

Considering only rifle cartridges the United States has had 2 cartridges that were viable for close quarters, clear the room combat, the 30 Carbine, (best in M1A1 configuration) and the 5.56 NATO best in the M4 configuration. For the future use these should be considered minimum power levels due to their performance against level 3A soft armor.

The evolution of combat rifles has the 30 Carbine designed not for front line combat but actually used in combat. It is unpowered for ranges beyond 200 yards at it's best inside 100 yards. The 5.56 NATO in the M4 can be effective at 400 yards at it's best inside 300 yards, out to 500 in the M16. The 5.56 NATO M855A1 is currently running at 62,500 PSI with a steel outer projectile and reconfigured magazines to prevent feed ramp damage. Now seeing shortened rifle life.

The following is based on my experiance and therefore my opinion.

Let's put the 30 Carbine complaints to bed, 2 names, C. Carwood Lipton 101st Airborne Easy company and Audie Murphy, if you can honestly place their medals on your chest then by all means complain about the 30 Carbine. It was both of these soldiers weapon when doing real work. I carried an M2 in M1A1 configuration and I currently have a perfectly functional Inland M1A1 and an 8 lb tactical stocked Quality Hardware and I never felt or feel unarmed.

In close when the semi auto fire is 2 to 3 rounds a second. The 110 grain projectile in the 6- lb 30 Carbine was a task to shoot well. The 62 grain in the Car15 or M4 at nearly 8 lbs with force multipliers is much better. More long range control with a 20" M16 but now we're at the 500 yard limit of the 5.56 NATO cartridge.

For the future what's needed is an incremental shift toward longer ranges while limiting the negative impact on close quarter engagements. The 6MM ARC as described is the first cartridge to fit those needs. Providing Hornady talks the talk and walks the walk.

It shoots a 108 grain projectile in a 8 lb rifle at 12,000 more PSI then the 30 carbine therefore will be at least as easy to use up close as the 30 Carbine. Has sufficient energy and ballistics to increase the effective range of a Rifleman with a force multiplier to 700 or 800 yards. More in a 24" specialty squad rifle.

For my use I envision a rifle with 2 uppers, a 16" with A2 iron sights and a carry handle. Then a 24" with optics.

A field operative can carry a shorty for up close work when needed during inserts, with the 24" in a soft carry case strapped to their pouch, tactical body armor, 10 to 15 mags, a side arm, tactical knife and provisions into the field within reasonable weights.

Switch out barrels in 2 minutes as targets of opportunity appear, return to the shorty barrel for egress.

Hornady has to have proved the pressures and performance to the Military to get their approval. MAYBE! Also there is a good possibility that ONLY Hornady factory ammo can meet those criteria. That would not suprise me.

Maybe Hornady is FOS, if that's the case it will hit the fan as Barrett is already set to deliver rifles based on the 6MM ARC.

I'm betting the hand loader for self loaders is in for a ride.

 

[ormandj]

My prediction is that, IF this cartridge makes it to production at all...it will not be at the advertised speeds.

The cartridge is NOT the limiting factor. Rather, it is the platform they are designing it for.

Again, you are on a site that most things have already been done on. There are people here that know from experience. But I'm willing to learn if you have anything to offer. Just don't pipe sunshine where it never sees. What is your experience with this cartridge?

If it makes it to production?

I've got a mess of reloading equipment, components, you name it, too. It's not a 'IF' cartridge. I've got two more barrels being turned as we speak.

 

[Bamban]

If it makes it to production?

I've got a mess of reloading equipment, components, you name it, too. It's not a 'IF' cartridge. I've got two more barrels being turned as we speak.

What twist are you getting these barrels?

 

[ormandj]

What twist are you getting these barrels?

1:7.5 is the only way to fly! I'm only shooting 100gr+ bullets (VLD/hybrid style - longer bearing surfaces) so the faster twist is a better fit, for me.

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

If it makes it to production?

I've got a mess of reloading equipment, components, you name it, too. It's not a 'IF' cartridge. I've got two more barrels being turned as we speak.

Lol! You must be a lib to take a snippet of my post and try to claim some sort of victory.

Got any actual chrono numbers? And, time will tell about bolt life.

I'm skeptical but I'm not against this cartridge. The more the merrier.

 

[ormandj]

Lol! You must be a lib to take a snippet of my post and try to claim some sort of victory.

Got any actual chrono numbers? And, time will tell about bolt life.

I'm skeptical but I'm not against this cartridge. The more the merrier.

I don’t know what political leanings (which you have incorrectly identified, I am a moderate on most issues) has to do with anything, I’m generally ignoring most of your posts as they are inflammatory with no real basis in reality. I’ll happily grab you some chronograph numbers once my next two barrels come in with my lab radar. I don’t know why you need that, as there are already plenty of chronograph results posted. I’m mobile so I attached a screenshot for you. It comes from: https://gununiversity.com/6mm-arc-review/

That’s out of an 18” barrel, and start at 100yds and move out from there. There’s a few dozen more sources if you absolutely need them, but the velocity is definitely there. Most people see +-50fps from the published numbers (adjusted for barrel length) which is in line with just about every other cartridge produced, because barrels and rifles are different.

I am not trying to claim a victory, I am just trying to address your factually inaccurate claims. Trust me, there is no pleasure in responding to your posts, but I also do not want to see falsities posted as facts influence others who may be interested in reality. This is a very nice cartridge for the intended purposes and does perform as stated as evidenced by the many who have been shooting it and collecting data. Have fun with your games, I won’t continue to respond to you as I do not want to derail what should be an informative thread with someone who seems to think calling people a “lib” is some kind of powerful statement. It just makes you look ignorant and childish.

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

I don’t know what political leanings (which you have incorrectly identified, I am a moderate on most issues) has to do with anything, I’m generally ignoring most of your posts as they are inflammatory with no real basis in reality. I’ll happily grab you some chronograph numbers once my next two barrels come in with my lab radar. I don’t know why you need that, as there are already plenty of chronograph results posted. I’m mobile so I attached a screenshot for you. It comes from: https://gununiversity.com/6mm-arc-review/

That’s out of an 18” barrel, and start at 100yds and move out from there. There’s a few dozen more sources if you absolutely need them, but the velocity is definitely there. Most people see +-50fps from the published numbers (adjusted for barrel length) which is in line with just about every other cartridge produced, because barrels and rifles are different.

I am not trying to claim a victory, I am just trying to address your factually inaccurate claims. Trust me, there is no pleasure in responding to your posts, but I also do not want to see falsities posted as facts influence others who may be interested in reality. This is a very nice cartridge for the intended purposes and does perform as stated as evidenced by the many who have been shooting it and collecting data. Have fun with your games, I won’t continue to respond to you as I do not want to derail what should be an informative thread with someone who seems to think calling people a “lib” is some kind of powerful statement. It just makes you look ignorant and childish.

Excellent! Enjoy, and I hope it works out for you and everyone. That "factually incorrect" statement was a prediction, not a statement of fact, in case you need me to explain that. I'll say it again, I truly do hope my prediction is wrong over the long haul. I don't see a down side to it working out well.

FWIW, the 30 Action Shooting that I mentioned earlier was also produced by Hornady for a short period of time.

Why such a hard on over the prediction of someone you don't even know?

 

[Grimstod]

Why? I'd be interested to hear your science/fact based perspective.

You must be new to shooting. The PPC holds more records for accuracy than all other cartridges combined.

 

[ormandj]

You must be new to shooting. The PPC holds more records for accuracy than all other cartridges combined.

Not new to shooting, but also not one to completely write off things that haven’t been validated yet. I am almost positive your prediction is correct, if for no other reason than your exact mentality. If people spent the time invested in the PPC cartridges developing others, and as many people shot them in matches, you’d probably see different outcomes. Either way, I don’t see this cartridge as trying to beat PPC on the bench, there are many other better tools for that job.

 

[David Milisock]

Not new to shooting, but also not one to completely write off things that haven’t been validated yet. I am almost positive your prediction is correct, if for no other reason than your exact mentality. If people spent the time invested in the PPC cartridges developing others, and as many people shot them in matches, you’d probably see different outcomes. Either way, I don’t see this cartridge as trying to beat PPC on the bench, there are many other better tools for that job.

Please keep us posted on your progress. A nationally standardized 6MM cartridge for the AR that achieves what this one is advertised to do at 52,000 PSI in my opinion is the best thing to happen since the A2.

 

[ormandj]

Please keep us posted on your progress. A nationally standardized 6MM cartridge for the AR that achieves what this one is advertised to do at 52,000 PSI in my opinion is the best thing to happen since the A2.

Absolutely. In fact, if any of you are ever in South Texas (hopefully a vaccine is sooner rather than later, my state of TX is hurting due to some unfortunate ignorance), I'm happy to take you out to shoot out to a mile on steel (or paper hastily taped on steel, for those who prefer, hah). That includes you, gunsandgunsmithing. There's nothing like in-person presence and hands-on experience to turn would-be enemies into the best of friends, and really put the cards on the table.

I think everyone is going to be quite happy with this cartridge who understands the limitations of the AR15 platform. I've got a SCAR17 chambered in 6.5mm Creedmoor (match barrel) which will make hits on steel at 1000yds repeatably (3/4 MOA at 100yds, 5 shot groups, all day long), round after round. On the bolt action side, I've got Impact 737r actions in 6.5CM/PRC with heavy barrels which make 1000yds seem like a few hundred with a good wind call - they shoot 1/4 MOA at 100 without issue with reloads, 1/2MOA all day with factory ammo. I won't be shooting those nearly as much as I have in the past. The AR15 in 6mm ARC is much nicer to shoot than the SCAR, because while the SCAR soaks up recoil, the disruption in each firing cycle to sight picture is a major issue. It's easy to shoot, but it's hard to shoot at the same time. AR15 in ARC is a totally different scenario.

Once I've got the new barrels in, I'll talk more about them and the performance, and include quantitative data. It's not a good cartridge for the 1000yd+ crowd/ELR group, and it's definitely not a 400yd+ antelope cartridge. It's not meant to be either of those things. It's a 0-1000yd target, 0-400yd medium-sized game cartridge, out of a tiny AR15 (18" barrel for those numbers), with a lower weight per round so you can carry more as needed. I'm able to fill my Duramags and empty them without issue, the feeding issues with the magazines seem to be resolved. I'd much rather have 26 rounds of 6mm ARC than 30rds of 5.56mm.

 

[ormandj]

BTW, for those interested in weight on factory 108 ELD-M cartridges, here you go:

Yes, that's is a class 1 check weight off to the left, yes the measurement is accurate.

 

[ormandj]

6mm ARC vs. 6.5mm CM

 

[Bamban]

Absolutely. In fact, if any of you are ever in South Texas (hopefully a vaccine is sooner rather than later, my state of TX is hurting due to some unfortunate ignorance), I'm happy to take you out to shoot out to a mile on steel (or paper hastily taped on steel, for those who prefer, hah). That includes you, gunsandgunsmithing. There's nothing like in-person presence and hands-on experience to turn would-be enemies into the best of friends, and really put the cards on the table.

I think everyone is going to be quite happy with this cartridge who understands the limitations of the AR15 platform. I've got a SCAR17 chambered in 6.5mm Creedmoor (match barrel) which will make hits on steel at 1000yds repeatably (3/4 MOA at 100yds, 5 shot groups, all day long), round after round. On the bolt action side, I've got Impact 737r actions in 6.5CM/PRC with heavy barrels which make 1000yds seem like a few hundred with a good wind call - they shoot 1/4 MOA at 100 without issue with reloads, 1/2MOA all day with factory ammo. I won't be shooting those nearly as much as I have in the past. The AR15 in 6mm ARC is much nicer to shoot than the SCAR, because while the SCAR soaks up recoil, the disruption in each firing cycle to sight picture is a major issue. It's easy to shoot, but it's hard to shoot at the same time. AR15 in ARC is a totally different scenario.

Once I've got the new barrels in, I'll talk more about them and the performance, and include quantitative data. It's not a good cartridge for the 1000yd+ crowd/ELR group, and it's definitely not a 400yd+ antelope cartridge. It's not meant to be either of those things. It's a 0-1000yd target, 0-400yd medium-sized game cartridge, out of a tiny AR15 (18" barrel for those numbers), with a lower weight per round so you can carry more as needed. I'm able to fill my Duramags and empty them without issue, the feeding issues with the magazines seem to be resolved. I'd much rather have 26 rounds of 6mm ARC than 30rds of 5.56mm.

I am from NW Austin area, Williamson County,, I may track you down sometime to shoot steel at 1K. I have not had the chance to do that since they closed Best of the West range near us.

I don't know you, nor have I had the opportunity to meet you on the high power matches across the state. Maybe we could very well have, but I don't know.

I was pretty much impressed with your posts until these "all day long" stuff came out. A gas gun to agg at 3/4 MOA is a tall order - "all day long". My applause if indeed your shooting system is indeed capable of such claims.

 

[RustyPin]

I wish I had a pound (Sterling) for every new cartridge, the military - in particular the US Army and MC - were about to adopt over the last 20 years! (These adoptions are usually definite and imminent too! )

There are three constants in all this: 1) 5.56 has NO future and simply cannot survive in service much longer (it is said!); 2) 5.56 continues to be 'developed' with each 'development' overcoming any and all previous problems / weaknesses (it is said!), but in any event the cartridge keeps rolling along irrespective; and 3) the whole saga provides endless amusement, interest, work, copy for journalists, forum members et al and presumably also bankrupts the occasional unwise rifle and cartridge developer who believes his own and blogger hype.

Now as a Brit, I have to say that the British War Office Ideal Calibre Panel and the UK government arsenal cartridge designers aided and abetted by FN in Belgium got it about right way back just after WW2. The EM1 and EM2 bullpup assault rifles no, the original 7X43mm FN FAL which was [fully] automatique and truly legere / light yes, and the .279 (6.8mm) and 280 (7mm) 'intermediate' cartridges were sweeties, especially the 280/30 British aka 7X43mm

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.280_British

Its COAL? 2.54" right on where we know know we want to be in an assault rifle platform half way between the AR-15 and AR-10.

But that's all water that's not only long under the bridge, but reached the sea and done the rounds on the hydrographic cycle 100 times since then. There was an attempt over here in the UK to revive the 280/30 as a modern sporting cartridge for deer and targets 20, maybe 30 years ago, but without government backing and with competition from established and proven 'big name' sporting numbers, it's never got beyond being an interesting wildcat that's also an intriguing piece of military firearms history. I believe you can buy a chamber reamer still and dies are still listed as custom order jobs, but it'd be a bolt-rifle number only, especially in the UK with our firearms laws.

........... and none of that changes the debate over the ARC which is with us in the here and now and is going to provide a lot of interest and debate as people adopt and use it especially in the AR-15 platform. As @Mazdayasna says as a sporting / recreational number, not a chance as a military player and I'd add as a definitely viable and nice little number in baby bolt-gun actions, ARs .... we'll have to see how that turns out, but this is way outside my competence or involvement, so my tuppence-halfpenny aka 2 cents worth would be worthless except to note the 6ARC would surely be FUN in an AR-15 providing the bolt holds up.

........... and then of course, the 600 lb gorilla in the corner. There's great interest here on AS and other forums, amongst bloggers, and no doubt in gun mags. But will it sell to the great US MSR-shooting public when it and its rifles are available in local gunshops and BassPro, or will it sink quietly with barely a ripple like so many others in the past?

Oh you've gone and done it, you brought up the 280-Brit. It never made it due to excessive 30 caliber bullet stores, or so we're told today. IMO the 7mm is too large a Caliber for the AR platform yet the 6mm is just right. Given the extra Eleven Millimetres makes the "box" roughly 2.6 Inches.

Look what We did: we took a successful platform designed for close combat and Three times we sent it into the Desert.

implement the 6mm SAW!
look no further than the 350 LEGEND Case. LEGEND case non-rebated and 6mm = SAW recreated. they already produce the two piece steel 9mm Luger Case to further Improve strength and lose weight & Increase Case Capacity. Now how about we get too it? Lets stop all this posturing and offer our Troops what's required, a simple mid-range Cartridge that was designed near 50 Years ago and is easily available today. 244 LEGEND coming to a store err a Combat Unit near you!!

 

[ormandj]

I am from NW Austin area, Williamson County,, I may track you down sometime to shoot steel at 1K. I have not had the chance to do that since they closed Best of the West range near us.

I don't know you, nor have I had the opportunity to meet you on the high power matches across the state. Maybe we could very well have, but I don't know.

I was pretty much impressed with your posts until these "all day long" stuff came out. A gas gun to agg at 3/4 MOA is a tall order - "all day long". My applause if indeed your shooting system is indeed capable of such claims.

You’re welcome to shoot it. I should qualify, it’s up to the shooter, and I have off days just like anyone else, but on a day I’m doing my part, it’s never let me down. There are plenty of half MOA gas guns out there, I don’t currently own one. That’s what the AR project is about - I’m at the limit of what the SCAR can do. It’s over ten pounds without optic now, the barrel is a very heavy profile compared to what it came with. It also interrupts sight picture due to the cycling mass being so heavy, so it’s a pain to shoot solo and spot at longer distances, which is what I enjoy. I’m hopefully I can get into the half MOA range with the DI rifle.

I should also be clear, because it appears you are taking me very literally, I do not mean shooting 50 shot groups 8 hours straight. I mean five shot groups with cool down in-between. It’s not a BR gun, though sometimes with the weight, I feel like it’s trending that direction!

To be fair, I haven’t sat down and measured every group and averaged them over the period of ownership. I do know when I get out to the range and shoot for groups to ensure zero before I start shooting steel, and periodically after, it’s sub MOA every single time. I apologize if my wording was a little bit of hyperbole, I had intended to convey something different than the absolute literal interpretation, which I think would be a tall order for any rifle and shooter combo, even bolt, shy of a BR setup that weighs 20lbs+.

To your point, I’m sure if I shot ten five shot groups back to back, there would be a flier or two in the mix, related to my performance. So again, apologies if I was misleading in my statements, I was not expecting a BR interpretation as I should have been on this forum!

I don’t shoot matches so we haven’t met. But definitely let me know if you ever want to go out and stretch your rifle’s legs. Im hoping to have my barrels in the next month, and I’ve got plenty of components, so we can go run it out at distance.

 

[David Milisock]

It will not come anywhere here to the repeatability of a PPC. Which is just a tinny bit shorter.

You're aware that being the best at bench rest repeatability is irrelevant for a tactical rifle?. There's not a military adopted tactical rifle in the world that is a bench rest competitor.

A new field rifle/cartridge combination of optimum design needs to shoot accurately enough to hit a man at 800 yards with a skilled shooter, shoot fast with an ease of handling for the average soldier to defend themselve and their team inside a 15 foot area.

All from one cartridge!

Today we are limited to 500 yards and our tactical situation requires more reach. I hope the 6MM ARC performs as promised.

 

[David Milisock]

Absolutely. In fact, if any of you are ever in South Texas (hopefully a vaccine is sooner rather than later, my state of TX is hurting due to some unfortunate ignorance), I'm happy to take you out to shoot out to a mile on steel (or paper hastily taped on steel, for those who prefer, hah). That includes you, gunsandgunsmithing. There's nothing like in-person presence and hands-on experience to turn would-be enemies into the best of friends, and really put the cards on the table.

I think everyone is going to be quite happy with this cartridge who understands the limitations of the AR15 platform. I've got a SCAR17 chambered in 6.5mm Creedmoor (match barrel) which will make hits on steel at 1000yds repeatably (3/4 MOA at 100yds, 5 shot groups, all day long), round after round. On the bolt action side, I've got Impact 737r actions in 6.5CM/PRC with heavy barrels which make 1000yds seem like a few hundred with a good wind call - they shoot 1/4 MOA at 100 without issue with reloads, 1/2MOA all day with factory ammo. I won't be shooting those nearly as much as I have in the past. The AR15 in 6mm ARC is much nicer to shoot than the SCAR, because while the SCAR soaks up recoil, the disruption in each firing cycle to sight picture is a major issue. It's easy to shoot, but it's hard to shoot at the same time. AR15 in ARC is a totally different scenario.

Once I've got the new barrels in, I'll talk more about them and the performance, and include quantitative data. It's not a good cartridge for the 1000yd+ crowd/ELR group, and it's definitely not a 400yd+ antelope cartridge. It's not meant to be either of those things. It's a 0-1000yd target, 0-400yd medium-sized game cartridge, out of a tiny AR15 (18" barrel for those numbers), with a lower weight per round so you can carry more as needed. I'm able to fill my Duramags and empty them without issue, the feeding issues with the magazines seem to be resolved. I'd much rather have 26 rounds of 6mm ARC than 30rds of 5.56mm.

When I get your way I'll look you up, semi-retired now with some time to travel. I look at firearms as tools. I've been looking forward to a real improvement to the AR 15 A2 platform for many years. Don't get me wrong the AR has served me well but I've been disappointed with the results of the past efforts to lengthen the reach without compromising the effectiveness in close.

The same concepts apply to working hunting rifles, if it pans out a shorty with a 16" barrel and A2 sights is plenty for medium game. If you can't hit deer with a clean hit at 250 with this cartridge with A2 iron sights, I suggest more practice. A second upper in 24" some varmint loads and a heavy deer load makes a great general rifle.

At my age I want to give my children many of my tools and consolidate my own inventory. The AR in 6MM ARC may move me that way faster. I've been impressed with 6mm since age 17 when working as a guide helper I watched a 100 lb woman take a one shot clean kill on a polar bear at under 100 yards with a 243.