6 mm ARC (bolt action rifles only) Load Data

The 6 mm ARC (Advanced Rifle Cartridge) is a relatively recent addition to the world of modern rifle cartridges, introduced by Hornady in 2020. While its initial fame came from its intended use in the AR-15 platform, bolt-action rifle shooters quickly recognized its versatile performance and ballistic efficiency. The cartridge was designed to deliver excellent long-range accuracy, low recoil, and high performance from a compact package. In the bolt-action community, its rise in popularity reflects a broader trend toward efficient, mid-sized 6 mm cartridges that balance velocity with barrel life and terminal performance. Reloaders especially appreciate the 6 mm ARC for its modern design, optimized for high ballistic coefficient bullets, making it a compelling choice for a new generation of precision shooting enthusiasts.

For bolt-action rifle users, the 6 mm ARC provides a unique blend of capabilities that cover both competitive and practical shooting scenarios. Its inherently accurate case geometry, combined with readily available high-BC 6 mm projectiles, means it punches well above its weight for mid- and long-range applications. Tactical precision matches, such as PRS (Precision Rifle Series), benefit from the 6 mm ARC’s ability to maintain supersonic speeds out to significant distances, while offering manageable recoil that allows shooters to spot their shots. Additionally, its efficient powder capacity results in less barrel wear compared to some higher-pressure 6 mm cartridges, which is a notable consideration for volume shooters and reloaders looking to maximize barrel life.

Hunters and varminters have found the 6 mm ARC to be a superb choice for medium game and pest control. In a bolt-action platform, the cartridge delivers reliable accuracy and terminal performance, making it suitable for species such as coyotes, groundhogs, and even deer-sized game with proper bullet selection. The moderate recoil helps facilitate quick follow-up shots, especially when sinking multiple rounds into pest animals or targeting fast-moving game. For reloaders, the wide array of suitable 6 mm bullets on the market means there’s a load to match nearly any target species, from lightweight varmint pills to controlled-expansion hunting bullets. The 6 mm ARC’s performance envelope in bolt-action rifles covers the needs of small-to-medium game hunters effectively, while also being a solid choice for precision range work.

Typical bullet weights for the 6 mm ARC in bolt-action rifles range between 90 and 110 grains, with popular choices clustering around the 103 to 108-grain mark for long-range precision applications, thanks to their high ballistic coefficients. These projectiles allow shooters to exploit the full external ballistic capabilities of the cartridge, providing flat trajectories and impressive wind resistance. The 6 mm ARC operates at a maximum average pressure of 52,000 psi, which enables it to push these bullets at velocities commonly exceeding 2,700 feet per second from a 24-inch bolt-action barrel. Brass longevity and easy case forming (either from direct factory brass or forming from 6.5 Grendel parent cases) add to its appeal for reloaders. Overall, its combination of efficiency, accuracy, and bullet selection make the 6 mm ARC a highly versatile option in the bolt-action reloader’s arsenal.