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6 mm ARC

We recommend xxlreloading.com for the most comprehensive 6 mm ARC load data, covering a wide range of powders and bullet brands or quickload.pro to calculate your individual load:

Caliber Description

The 6mm ARC (Advanced Rifle Cartridge) was officially introduced by Hornady in 2020, emerging as a response to the growing demand for a low-recoil, highly efficient cartridge that fits the AR-15 platform. Drawing on its extensive ballistic expertise, Hornady engineered the 6mm ARC to deliver impressive long-range performance while maintaining manageable recoil and compatibility with standard AR-15 magazines and bolts. The .243-caliber projectile used in the 6mm ARC is part of a long lineage of 6mm bullets that have proven their worth among precision shooters and reloaders worldwide. Its development was closely linked with military interest, as special operations units sought a versatile cartridge that could outperform the 5.56 NATO in terms of retained energy and reach, without the increase in weight and recoil found in the 7.62 NATO. Since its commercial release, the 6mm ARC has gained a growing following among civilian shooters, especially reloaders and precision rifle competitors.

The 6mm ARC stands out for its versatile applications, making it a solid choice for everyone from competitive shooters to hunters and tactical enthusiasts. It’s particularly appreciated in the world of precision shooting, where its flat trajectory, excellent wind resistance, and high ballistic coefficient are prized qualities. The cartridge’s efficient powder capacity and streamlined case design enable it to deliver high velocities and retained energy, especially with long, high-BC bullets. For reloaders, the 6mm ARC offers flexibility: its moderate case capacity maximizes barrel life and extends component longevity while still allowing impressive ballistic performance. In addition to the AR-15, the cartridge is also available in several bolt-action platforms, further broadening its appeal for those who seek to tailor handloads for both semi-automatic and bolt-action rifles.

When it comes to hunting, the 6mm ARC’s efficient ballistics and bullet versatility make it a top contender for a variety of game. It excels for varmints, predators, and medium-sized game, such as coyotes, bobcats, foxes, and deer, thanks to its flat trajectory and precision. For reloading hunters, this means the freedom to choose from a wide variety of bullet designs and weights optimized for their specific target species and field conditions. Its mild recoil makes it well-suited for youth and recoil-sensitive shooters, while its ability to maintain energy and accuracy at extended ranges ensures clean, ethical kills. The 6mm ARC’s ability to retain velocity and resist wind drift past 500 yards makes it particularly attractive for open-country hunting and varmint control.

Reloaders exploring the 6mm ARC will find that typical bullet weights range from 87 to 108 grains, with some loads going slightly lighter or heavier depending on the application. Common hornady factory offerings are the 103-grain ELD-X for hunting and the 108-grain ELD Match for target and competition use. The cartridge typically launches these bullets at velocities of 2,600–2,800 fps out of 24-inch barrels, but reloaders with shorter AR-15 barrels can tailor their powder charges for optimal performance. The long-throated chamber design accommodates long, sleek bullets, particularly those with high ballistic coefficients, a boon for precision shooters seeking reduced wind drift and better long-range energy retention. The 6mm ARC’s quality brass and commercially available reloading dies make case preparation and load development straightforward. Primarily using small rifle primers and burning moderate powder charges, reloaders benefit from efficient combustion and extended brass life. With an ever-growing selection of projectiles and load data, the 6mm ARC has quickly become a favorite for those who seek the perfect intersection of accuracy, efficiency, and versatility in the 6mm family.

Popular Load Recipes

- Hornady 108 gr ELD-Match, 26.0 gr H-4350, CCI 450 primer, Hornady brass, COAL 2.260"
- Hornady 103 gr ELD-X, 29.0 gr Power Pro Varmint, CCI 400 primer, Hornady brass, COAL 2.260"
- Hornady 110 gr A-Tip, 27.5 gr Varget, Federal 205 primer, Hornady brass, COAL 2.260"
- Sierra 107 gr TMK, 28.0 gr LeverEvolution, CCI 41 primer, Hornady brass, COAL 2.230"
- Barnes 95 gr LRX, 29.5 gr CFE 223, Remington 7 1/2 primer, Hornady brass, COAL 2.200"
- Berger 105 gr Hybrid, 28.0 gr RL-17, CCI BR4 primer, Hornady brass, COAL 2.245"
- Nosler 95 gr Varmageddon, 30.0 gr BL-C (2), Winchester SR primer, Hornady brass, COAL 2.210"
- Sierra 90 gr TGK, 30.2 gr AR-Comp, CCI 450 primer, Hornady brass, COAL 2.200"

Always check with published load data. Begin 10% lower than max charge and work up carefully—loads may vary by component lot and firearm.

Cost per Reloaded Round

Let’s compare the cost per round of reloading 6mm ARC versus buying factory ammo.

Factory 6mm ARC price (as of 2024):
Typical retail prices for Hornady 6mm ARC (Match or Varmint loads) are about $1.50 to $2.00 per round.

Reloading costs (per round, approximate):
- Brass: $0.30 (brass costs $0.60/case, reused 2x = $0.30/use)
- Primer: $0.08
- Powder: $0.12 (27 grains = 0.062 lbs; 1 lb powder = $40; $40/7000 gr ≈ $0.0057/gr; 27 gr × $0.0057 ≈ $0.15; round down for bulk buys)
- Bullet: $0.32 (typical match bullet or varmint, box of 100 for $32)

Total reload cost per round:
$0.30 (brass) + $0.08 (primer) + $0.12 (powder) + $0.32 (bullet) = **$0.82**

Factory ammo: $1.75 (use midpoint of range for rough comparison)

Savings per round: $1.75 (factory) – $0.82 (reload) = **$0.93 per round saved by reloading**

Technical Specifications

Safety Standard / Application

SAAMI / Rifle Caliber

Most Suitable Bullet Weights

59 - 109 Grains

Case Capacity / Average Charge

34.5 Grains of Water / 26.2 Grains

Average Muzzle Velocity / Energy

2766 fps / 1399 ft-lbf

Case Length / Max. C.O.L

1.5'' / 2.26''

Similar Calibers

.24 Nosler

.240 Belt. Riml. Nitr. Exp.

.240 Flang. Nitro Express

.240 Weath. Mag.

.243 Ackley Improved

.243 Ackley Improved

.243 WSSM

.243 Win.

.244 H&H Mag.

.244 Rem.

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