6MM ARC Full Review and Hunt Report from a Varmint Hunter's Perspective

[@varmintermagazine]

Please Subscribe, Like and Share! Also, let us know if the 6mm ARC has been on your radar, or if you already own one! If so, what are your thoughts?

[@snakeman48]

Today, 2024. Hornady has a 80gr ELD-VT offering. I just ordered a case from SGAMMO. Haven't used it yet. I have a 6ARC bolt and in orocess of building a gas gun 6RC

[@Kross8761]

Against varmints you *may* have had better luck with the ELD-M, it's constructed similarly to the ELD-X or Vmax bullets, the tip acts as a hydraulic ram on impact and forces more rapid expansion. If you cross section the ELD-M and ELD-X they're almost the exact same in construction, the only 2 differences on the ELD-M is that there's no mechanical locking ring between the jacket and core, and the jacket is a little thinner. I wouldn't necessarily say it's an ideal hunting bullet, but another KZbinr whose channel is called "long range hunting group" has tested ELD-M bullets in various calibers down to 1300fps impact velocity. It performs similarly to the ELD-X and can even perform slightly better at lower velocities but CAN come apart completely at very high velocities. To help my case a little bit, Hornady DOES advertise their ELD-M line of bullets in terms of terminal performance on their defense webpage when marketing to LE/MIL, and the ELD-M bullet is what the "notable DOD entity" designed the cartridge around when looking to improve the lethal range of the AR platform. It's not marketed specifically as an "expanding" bullet but Hornady does show images of gel tests on their LE/MIL website and they're pretty gnarly. I've used the 73gr ELD-M in my standard 5.56 upper for a few coyotes and one extremely unlucky groundhog and it acts like a heavy varmint bullet. It's got a higher sectional density so you do get a little more penetration than a "true" varmint bullet, but is still expands extremely rapidly at "sane" velocities. It's not exactly a pelt-saver as I did have exits on all but one of the coyotes, but it's a pretty solid performer if used intelligently.

[@gearguidesguns571]

Its great to see a realistic video regarding loads for the 6mm ARC. This is an ideal cartridge for the AR-15 Platform to extend the range and power over a 556/223. A friend and I are both getting 6 ARC uppers with 16" Proof Research steel barrels, to increase the range and killing power over the 223s we have now. My friend's upper parts arrived and it is shooting 2500-2600 fps with the Hornady factory 103 and 108 ELD Bullets. In my opinion, these bullets are too slow for varmint hunting and are more designed for banging long range steel targets. I already purchased 75 grain V-max, 80 gr Sierra boat tail, 80 grain Nosler Ballistic Tips for varmint and target shooting out to 500 yards. For hunting, I found some 80 grain Hornady CX, 80 grain Barnes TTSX and 80 grain Badlands Bulldozers. These bullets should all be around 2900 fps with CFE223 and LeveRevolution powders, which I was able to find this year. Luckily I have 6 ARC dies, plenty of CCI BR4 small rifle primers and we have about 600 rounds of factory Hornady ammo between the two of us, as I have not seen any new brass for over a year. I also see many shooters building 6mm ARC bolt rifles, but there are few advantages and many disadvantages when comparing the 6 ARC to the 6BR family of cartridges (6BR, 6BRA, 6BRX or 6 Dasher) or even a 6GT. I just don't feel the 6mm ARC is ideal in a bolt rifle, but it appears to be amazing in an AR platform. I am looking forward to loading these 75 to 80 grain bullets, which I feel are a better fit for hunting in such a small capacity case. Again, thanks for showing some logic and common sense when discussing more useful bullets for this cool little cartridge. Too many shooter are hunting with Target bullets and this is not ideal, especially for bigger animals at too close or too far of ranges. Those 70 grain varmint bullets you showed in the video were very lethal on rock chucks and coyotes. It reminded me of shooting 70 and 75 grain varmint bullets from my 243 when I was in high school and college. Keep up the great work.

[@varmintermagazine]

Thanks for the well thought out comment. We agree with you. We happen to have a new Howa Mini-Action in 6mm ARC in for testing. Although it's not ideal for a bolt-action, it sure is fun.

[@swiftyuras1]

I built a 6ARC. 21 inch Odinworks upper, and a lower that already owned. The Hornady Match ammo seemed to be over pressure, but Hornady said it was safe for gas guns... I'm handloading the 70gr NBTV that yall were. Starline just released their 6 arc brass. It's doing OK, .75-1.25 MOA. I'm still working up loads though.

[@TheDollarSportsman]

Always enjoy hunting with you, sir!! Awesome video!!

[@varmintermagazine]

...and you too! I look forward to the next time!

[@SikaSeeker]

I'm really looking forward to the 6mm Arc coming out in NZ in the Howa Mini, hopefully by Christmas 2023. I'm super keen to get their new carbon stock Mini action in 6 ARC, the 75gr VMAX would be awesome, I'm picking the 87 gr VMAX will make a great extended range deer bullet too

[@kevincollett1537]

I built a 6 ARC last year specifically as a coyote gun. Haven't gotten to take anything with it yet. Hopefully we see some more factory loadings for the 6ARC.

[@varmintermagazine]

We are going to chat with Hornady next week.

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Try the 80 grain Sierra Blitz King. Very good in my ARC. Great video as always.

[@varmintermagazine]

We have some 80 grain NBT, but not the Sierra. Although I have sold the 6mm ARC upper to another gun guy, I'll pick-up a box to try in another .243 based cartridge we are currently testing.

[@varmintermagazine]

Also, thanks! 👍

[@Cachecarlson]

I wound have loved to try the Sierra SBK in this rifle, Sierra just need to make them available.

[@OlTrailDog]

I appreciate your perspective on using the 105 Black for game. I have several boxes of 105 and 108s, but have not come across affordable 103s. I wanted to hunt deer with the 6mm ARC I built, but was hesitant in using the 105s. I also appreciate your "warning". When I was much younger I also "varmint" hunted. As I grew older, I came to appreciate the miracle and brevity of life. I am a hunting advocate and have no qualms against removing feral species, e.g. hogs, cats, magpies, or ravens, as well as honestly protecting property, livestock, and pets from depredation or injury, e.g. ground squirrel holes in livestock pastures. However, I am not a fan or advocate of gratuitously killing as exemplified by killing marmots or other species simply for the pleasure, no matter how it is rationalized.

[@varmintermagazine]

You are definitely watching the wrong channel then.

[@actionjksn]

I got the Oden works barrel, BCG, tube and gas block but in 20 inch heavy Grendel. This company makes great stuff. I was torn between getting Grendel or ARC, but went with Grendel because it's been on the market a lot longer and other companies load it.

[@Cachecarlson]

Odin does make great stuff. We use a lot of their products in our builds.

[@actionjksn]

@@Cachecarlson I didn't know about them until about a year ago.

[@Cachecarlson]

@@actionjksn if you look at most of our AR builds, we are using their hand guards and gas blocks. They make much more that just that though.

[@willo7734]

I just recently started handloading and because of that i really started looking at the 6 ARC. It looks like a real sweet spot in terms of velocity/range, mass and low recoil for the ar-15 platform. It’s too bad that only Hornady produces factory ammo for it but it’s a real handloader’s cartridge. I plan on making some 6ARC brass out of my 6.5 Grendel brass soon.

[@varmintermagazine]

Peterson Cartridge will be making brass later this year. I also believe Hornady will start offering components again soon.

[@chrisfisher3900]

Not to mention you can’t get ahold of 75gr vmax’s either. Finally found me some 72gr varmint grenades

[@IWatchedWhat]

I have been loading the 87gr vmax in my 6ARC, I have a 20" with a 1-7 twist barrel and it works well. The 115gr Berger also work very well.

[@varmintermagazine]

Do you know what your velocity with the 87s is?

[@IWatchedWhat]

@@varmintermagazine I have not shot them over the chronograph yet as I keep forgetting to take it with me. I will try to remember for my next range trip.

[@varmintermagazine]

@@IWatchedWhat - Let me know!

[@BcFuTw9jt]

@@varmintermagazine 24 inch Mcgowen barrel on a Savage 110 with 32 grs of Leverevolution 87 gr Vmax is a hair over 3,000 fps 20 fps SD. I'm up at 7,000 ft above sea level

[@varmintermagazine]

@@BcFuTw9jt - Nice.

[@jbcaptain11]

Barnes 62grain VG is superb in this cartridge to. A high velocity flat base is a laser and dumps a bunch of energy to almost 400

[@varmintermagazine]

The 55 to 69 grain projectiles in the 6mm/.243 are excellent for what we do.

[@tommyrq180]

FWIW to viewers, it appears that one year after this video, Hornady does make a 75 grain VMAX. They now offer 6mm (.243) VMAX in 58gr, 65gr, 75gr, and 87gr.

[@taylor3880]

Eld-m does really well for medium game.

[@SocialRegressive]

Killer video! Your handloads turned out nicely.

[@varmintermagazine]

Thank you!

[@adamburns2452]

Been praying for a good 6mm on the ar platform but sounds like it might need a dedicated lower and was not designed for varmint hunters I like innovation but with so many new cartridge offering’s can’t even keep up with the basics so I really think they are stretched when it comes to production

[@varmintermagazine]

That is definitely possible why they don't have it. We just got word today that Howa has some Model 1500 rifles chambered in 6mm ARC, so we have one of those coming now.

[@raftr1]

Great video so far I've dropped 3 with my arc one with the 108 , one with a 78grn vmax , and one with the 80grn CX . I have some 90grn nosler LF I need to get around to doing load data on 👍

[@varmintermagazine]

Nice! I wish we tested some 90 grain projectiles.

[@brianeckert1278]

Just gave up on building a 6 ARC due to components. Built a 22 nosler in stead

[@varmintermagazine]

I still have my .22 Nosler! ;-)

[@dhwave1]

The first varmint hunt I have seen with the 6mm ARC. A great BC caliber but I would not have thought to build one for a varmint gun, seems to be a bit too much.

[@calebdavis3110]

Mine is virtually the same as what yours is on the rifle Odin works and arrow precision and I am getting .24 inch groups with handloads and right at half inch with store-bought.

[@ethanladymon6760]

I am jealous of your accuracy with the Odin upper. My 6 ARC build so far has not gone below 1 MOA with the 105s. 103s and 108s are roughly the same for me.

[@varmintermagazine]

Are you using the same barrel?

[@ethanladymon6760]

No, I used a stainless proof research barrel, jp bolt, and aero precision upper, lower, and handguard. It was my first top-to-bottom AR build.

[@varmintermagazine]

@@ethanladymon6760 - We'll, that's extremely disappointing. If you can, I would try to handload for it. If not now, save your brass for the future.

[@leonardboufford282]

Ran across your video on KZbin. Thanks. Subbed.

[@varmintermagazine]

Thanks for watching and subbing!

[@ReloadingQuest]

Good looking rifle! And it’s accurate. I know first hand 👍🏻 hood video bud!

[@varmintermagazine]

We look forward to seeing more of your results!

[@jerrybarrick2859]

Need to build a 20” 1-10 twist for the varmint bullets. Then you would definitely have a good combo.

[@varmintermagazine]

The 1:8" gives us amazing projectile choices.

[@jerrybarrick2859]

@@varmintermagazine true. Seems to work with most weights.

[@brysonhollar]

Could not agree with you more. I've had to shy away from using the Black on coyotes due to them running off.

[@varmintermagazine]

Yep. Unfortunately, I'll be shooting a couple of coyotes over the next couple of days using the black ammo in a 6.5 Grendel. It's shoulder/head-neck shots only for this hunt.

[@RJBiteanerd]

I wish they'd make a lead free factory offering. My state requires it for all hunting and 6 ARC would be a perfect entry hunting rifle for my wife or kids.

[@varmintermagazine]

Very true! I think their having a hard enough time trying to put out regular ammo, let alone LF. Sucks!

[@blueeyeddevil1]

3:50 Finally someone mentions the Achilles heel of the 6 ARC...brass availability. I don't get it; this is a SAAMI cartridge now so, presumably, third-party manufacturers should be making it (hello, Starline?!). And even Hornady isn't making much brass available. Or ammo variety, as you pointed out. It's like they're deliberately trying to kill this round even as it struggles to gain a strong foothold. Truly puzzling. And pathetic. I haven't seen any other channels even mention this. Good on you; earned a like and subscription.

[@Cachecarlson]

Peterson will be making brass, not sure when that will hit the market though. I’m sure starline will follow at some point. But yes, brass availability and limited factory ammo selections is a huge problem.

[@russhayes4882]

Fixing to buy one and there is plenty of brass now front Starline!

[@johnmorrow5085]

I use the 85 gr. Sierra spitser flat base over 8208 Xbr 2900< FPS in a bolt gun very explosive, hunting at night with thermal. Love the arc.

[@varmintermagazine]

Nice! We haven't gone that heavy, yet!

[@jonathanrogers9961]

Cant agree more. Need a v-max factory load and brass availability. So much potential. Gonna die off if people cant get loads for it.

[@TylerVaden]

I reload the 70 NBT it’s awesome.

[@varmintermagazine]

It's a perfect projectile for varmints of all sizes!

[@Flburr99]

I have a huge stash of 6 mm bullets from an estate sale, I’d like to cut my powder use by half compared to a 243 and was contemplating getting a barrel in 6 ARC but the brass shortage is an issue. To bad, seems like a nice round. Maybe I’ll do a 6x45 thanks for the vids and other content.

[@varmintermagazine]

Yep. A lot are in the same position. 6x45 is an interesting cartridge though. It would be a good choice. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@lzxray6781]

You stated that the 6mm ARC may be sliding away because lack of components, that is also true for the 6.5 Grendel.

[@varmintermagazine]

Let's hope 2023 changes all of that for both cartridges!

[@dennisholle1005]

Great video!

[@varmintermagazine]

Thanks Dennis!

[@aklaunch]

Just found your channel. Thank you

[@varmintermagazine]

Awesome! Thanks for checking things out and commenting!

[@willbaker920]

What powder were you guys using to get 3200fps with the 70gr Noslers? Did you have any issues with the polymer tips deforming and causing a jam in the semi auto? Thanks.

[@Cachecarlson]

I was using AR Comp, there were zero issues with the polymer tips deforming at all, if fact they fed flawlessly.

[@Warmspringsrezbuck]

I’m excited as well I’m building a 6arc gas rifle with aero precision upper parts n bcg along with a proof barrel 18” 1:7.5 twist for coyotes and steel looking forward to it. What is the best fur friendly bullet for yotes n bobcats?

[@varmintermagazine]

Fur friendly and 6mm ARC don't really go together, but try the 70 grain NBTs, or SBKs. If the 55 grain Noslers do well, try those too.

[@gregerkkila6381]

What kind of stock do you have on the rifle that’s in one of the last images of the video? I like the rubber butt pad and cheek piece.

[@varmintermagazine]

That is an Adaptive Tactical stock. Inexpensive, but nice!

[@Tailwind1]

Have you considered the 22 Creedmoor?

[@Cachecarlson]

Yes, Eric and I both shoot a 22 creed. You can find my 22 creed video on this channel.

[@jimbograves1576]

How did the Covenant fair against the Odin build accuracy wise?

[@varmintermagazine]

They both shot about the same. Stag makes some nice rifles.

[@robertjackson1407]

Thank you 😊

[@varmintermagazine]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@barryd.thomassr.9156]

Just bought 150 rnds Horn 6mm brass

[@waynemayle865]

The 105gr hornady I hand load in my 6 creed it is a good bullet I have taken lots of coyotes with them no runners furthest was 330 yds. But 65gr or 75gr in my 243 is the ticket

[@varmintermagazine]

We had mixed results at night. Shot placement isn't always ideal either. I'm glad you are havng better luck!

[@waynemayle865]

@@varmintermagazine I never did hunt coyotes at night always early morning or an hour before dark was my best luck . I do know hornady makes 87gr vmax for the 6 creed why they won't for the arc is just crazy to many people are into long range these days not enough hunter's anymore

[@BcFuTw9jt]

@@waynemayle865 How much powder you running in your load? Only need 32grs of Leverevolution to get 3,000 fps easy on the 87gr Vmax with a 24 inch barrel. Efficiency is why rounds like this exist, less powder more bang more reach.

[@waynemayle865]

@@BcFuTw9jt well first off I don't load 87gr vmax any more an I don't run a 24 inch barrel it's 26 or 28 inch as for powder it's 4350 varget 3031 4064 or 4320 remington or winchester primers

[@erichuntter2437]

Looks a good caliber, are you able to get a bolt acton in 6 ARC ? .. If the 6ARC was available here in Scotland it would be great round for Roe deer stalking and shooting fox's

[@WayStedYou]

Howa make a 6 arc bolt action with their mini action

[@Flburr99]

You can buy a custom savage barrel in any caliber and screw it on a savage action. But I do believe a few company’s are making them from the factory, including savage.

[@brentwinkelman1990]

6arc with light bullets is very intresting to me for varmints...the heavy bullets are mehh to me in AR

[@varmintermagazine]

The light bullet option for what we do is fantastic in this cartridge.

[@brentwinkelman1990]

@@varmintermagazine any stand out performers you have seen so far in AR platforms? Im even concidering doing a light weight bolt gun setup for yote hunting in 6 arc

[@outboardprsnlstndup]

Starline now making 6mm arc brass

[@keithalbrecht4785]

I would love to build a 6ARC! But finding brass is impossible??? I've been looking for some for a year now and nothing!!! Brass is the missing link!!!

[@varmintermagazine]

It definitely is. Peterson Cartridge will be making it soon, so that is a good sign!

[@russhayes4882]

Good luck getting anything from Hornady

[@varmintermagazine]

Hornady now offers their 80 grain ELD-VT bullet in factory ammo. It's a wicked projectile and does well on varmints.

[@BcFuTw9jt]

Get it out of a gas gun and into a bolt gun and you truly have something interesting. 62,000 PSI and 2,950 fps with a 100gr bullet in a 24 inch barrel with less powder than a 243 Win.

[@varmintermagazine]

Yep. Bolt-actions are best when pushing the upper end of the load data!

[@tompanek7511]

Sad to have to beg for ammo. Love my ARC but bullets are hard to find and when I find them they are expensive.

[@varmintermagazine]

I agree.

[@marcussamson7640]

how about a long varmint bullet but is still light high BC high velocity kina like the 22 53gr vmax long and light

[@Cachecarlson]

87gr vmax probably has the highest BC available. That would be a awesome offering from hornady, I just don’t think they will do it.

[@dkn2128]

What can do you run on it?

[@varmintermagazine]

Gemtech One

[@re-nz3sk]

do antelope eat cantalope?

[@varmintermagazine]

Antelope don't eat cantaloupe. But Jackalope eat cantaloupe.

[@jeffreywilson690]

Load up the CX also

[@varmintermagazine]

We have a California hunt planned. We may end up doing that.

[@Threegunmaster]

Why are no other manufacturers making ammo for this and doesn't anyone offer a complete upper with a 1in 10 twist for varmint loads

[@Cachecarlson]

The biggest issue is brass availability. Peterson will be releasing theirs soon, and I’m sure that other ammo manufacturers will be loading 6 arc. I’m really hoping that Ally Munitions comes out with 6 arc Varmint ammo using Peterson brass.

[@Cachecarlson]

You can order a barrel with a 10 twist from many manufacturers, but the standard barrels are 7.5 twist because they want you to shoot 108’s.

[@shelbyhoughton7247]

Savage makes a bolt action in 6mm arc. It's a fuckin tack driver... I bought one and out of the box I'm sub moa at 200 with 103 eldx ammo. (Factory)

[@Red-dj3uy]

What scope is that?

[@varmintermagazine]

Which one? Hit the article for more information on the optics we used.

[@Red-dj3uy]

@@varmintermagazine the one thats on the antelope rifle

[@varmintermagazine]

@@Red-dj3uy - It is the Vortex Viper 6-24x50mm scope. That is one of the optics that gets moved from project rifle to project rifle.

[@Red-dj3uy]

@@varmintermagazine alright thanks for responding

[@realsavour]

Hornady Black are not meant for hunting... They BTHP. You need like an ELD-X a CX or VT for proper expansion.

[@stay_based]

Just make brass from Lapua 220 Russian brass.

[@varmintermagazine]

Thankfully, brass is becoming more available from companies like Starline Brass.

[@daneblackburn613]

I load 6.5 Grendel with 95 vmax. I have had good luck

[@BrienFinnegan-hx3ed]

Starline has plenty of brass.

[@jadsonaraujo2267]

👏👏👏👏👍

[@Soravia]

You should use Aero Enhanced upper for stiffer barrel mounting. Needs Enhanced handguard to work.

[@Cachecarlson]

As compared to what exactly? We’ve built countless rifles on many different uppers and lowers without any issues with accuracy or what you call “stiffness”, whatever that means.

[@stanleymarucha8194]

ya hornady shelf the new ideas and put some effort toward the getting things on the shelf for your new born

[@2acritter4life]

Just me or does he sound like a young not crazy Mel Gibson?

[@Cachecarlson]

FREEEEEEDDDDOMMMMM!!!!

[@varmintermagazine]

I had a bad cold when recording that. You should hear me when I have a stomach ache! Gilbert Godfrey all day long! ;-)

[@mylesharvey6488]

6mm is so overkill for pronghorn. 223 is commonly used for those tiny animals!

[@Cachecarlson]

😂🤣

[@varmintermagazine]

I've killed them with .224, .243 and larger. I'm all about shot placement, no matter what the cartridge.

[@wheelguns4wheelmen802]

@@varmintermagazine you should try black powder; perfect animal for that at the distance you used your 6mm AR.

[@toolman9081]

Sounds like 223 is still the kind then lol

[@varmintermagazine]

Always was and always will be.

[@TheWoodsman1983]

The Hornady black is not a hunting bullet

[@varmintermagazine]

As we stated.

[@Justadude2906]

is cash hunting with a road like 2 miles away, yea yea i know he isn't shooting that direction but all it takes is one mistake

[@varmintermagazine]

@Justadude2906 - I'm not sure what part of the video you are referring to, but we collectively have over 120 years of hunting and we have never had an issue. Trying to explain each hunting scenario, the direction of fire, vegetation and distances of roads/lights/houses, would be an impossible task. Keep the former in mind and trust that we always go far beyond the standard safety protocols.

[@TheWoodsman1983]

HSM has a 75gr vmax in 6arc

[@varmintermagazine]

Nice! Good to know!

[@Justadude2906]

is cash hunting with a road like 2 miles away, yea yea i know he isn't shooting that direction but all it takes is one mistake

[@Cachecarlson]

Yes there is a road 2+ miles away, we can thank gravity for assuring that the bullet will never reach that far at that shallow angle. I’m not sure how many hundred of yards hold over I’d need to have to reach out that far.