6 mm ARC (bolt action rifles only)

Developed by Hornady and introduced in 2020, the 6mm Advanced Rifle Cartridge (ARC) was designed primarily for the AR-15 platform, but it has gained significant traction among bolt action rifle enthusiasts. Its origins trace back to a quest for a highly efficient, low recoil cartridge with superior ballistics compared to legacy 5.56mm and 6.5mm Grendel rounds. While the 6mm ARC sprung from military and law enforcement interests, its potential as a precision bolt action cartridge was quickly recognized by civilian shooters and reloaders. The 6mm ARC takes advantage of increased case efficiency and high ballistic coefficient (BC) bullets, quickly carving out its place among those seeking optimal long-range accuracy and consistency, attributes highly valued in the precision bolt action community.

For bolt-action rifle users, the 6mm ARC shines in both competitive target shooting and practical field applications. Its mild recoil, flat trajectory, and inherent accuracy make it an attractive choice for precision rifle series (PRS) events and other long-range disciplines. Hunters have also adopted the 6mm ARC for medium-sized game where shot placement and high terminal performance are critical. The cartridge’s design allows reloaders to take full advantage of heavier, high-BC projectiles in a case that fits short action bolt rifles, maximizing both velocity and energy retention at distant ranges. Reloaders looking to tailor their loads to specific rifles or performance requirements will appreciate the flexibility this caliber offers.

When it comes to target species, the 6mm ARC is ideal for varmint and predator hunting—coyotes, foxes, and similar-sized animals are dispatched cleanly at extended ranges due to the cartridge’s high velocity and flat trajectory. It also performs well for smaller deer species such as whitetails and pronghorns within its effective range, where ethical shot placement is achievable. The high sectional density and controlled expansion of modern 6mm bullets provide effective penetration and energy transfer, making it a versatile option for hunters who need a single rifle that can seamlessly transition from the bench to the field.

Reloaders working with the 6mm ARC will typically encounter bullet weights ranging from 90 to 108 grains, with popular match and hunting bullets including Hornady ELD-M, Sierra MatchKing, and Nosler Ballistic Tip. Typical velocities for handloads in bolt action rifles run from 2,750 to 2,950 fps, depending on barrel length and powder selection. The ARC’s design emphasizes efficient powder burn, making it less sensitive to minor case capacity variations—a boon for precise reloaders. The mild recoil facilitates faster follow-up shots and less shooter fatigue, while the high BC projectiles minimize wind drift and maximize retained energy at distance. For those seeking to balance reloading economy, barrel life, and ballistic performance, the 6mm ARC stands as a modern, highly adaptable choice in the world of bolt action precision shooting.