6mm ARC vs 243 Win. Validating comparable data from my rifles only.

* See Disclaimer below.
Testing real world and actual data from my rifles. Comparing the Velocity and Accuracy difference between the 243 Win. and the 6mm ARC... Surprising results. Reminder: Your rifles data will differ.
Check my 6mmARC playlist for related videos.
#Hornady6mmARC #243Winchester
***Disclaimer: Reloading involves inherent risk. You should always follow the published safety guidelines of bullet and or powder manufactures. This video involves only my rifle and my experiences and should not be construed as advise.

[@justadad5040]

.243 is incredibly underrated, as are a few other calibers - love this sir

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Yes it is. Thanks for watching

[@Gieszkanne]

.243 to me was known as a barrel killer. Very short barrel life.

[@barrykennedy9947]

@@Gieszkanne Depends if you are a hunter or target shooter

[@BuckFoeJiden]

@@Gieszkanne a lot of that is going to depend on your barrel. 4150 CrMoV barrels will last about twice as long as a stainless. Cold hammer forged barrels are also far more durable, as are chrome lined barrels.

[@ronjones1414]

@Michael Hossle-Assle the information concerning the increased durability of hammer forging is new to me, can you point me in the direction of some reference material?

[@anthonymurphy2540]

I have new respect for the 243, going to build one:)

[@stephenhair5501]

Very interesting Dave. Thanks for sharing! God Bless.

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Thanks for watching

[@wilfredsalacup7810]

Godbless you too sir for sharing your experience.

[@whitebear9699]

Good job, thanks for the comparison.

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Thanks for watching.

[@BcFuTw9jt]

Need a bolt gun for the ARC for this to make sense. The new Hornady bolt gun data has a max pressure of 62,000 PSI for the ARC compared to 60,000 PSI in the 243. You can use less powder and about match the two rounds with equal barrel length and bullet weights with less powder in the ARC.

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

You can use either platform. The remarkable aspect of the ARC is the use of Longer higher BC bullets, (103-115gn) But Hornady did make this rifle to fit in a standard AR-15 setup same as the 6.5 Grendel. Buy both. Thanks for your comment and for watching.

[@bobcatforever3485]

Another good video. Really nice shooting. Take care.

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Thanks Bobcat.

[@jcnikoley]

Considering the difference in case capacity, it’s pretty impressive how efficient the 6 mm ARC is. I’ve heard you can load it hotter in a bolt gun, which would put it even closer to the 243.

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Modern bullets with high BC's and faster barrel twist contribute to the ARC's ballistics. However, the 243 win in a 24" barrel with a 95 gn bullet will produce 3,100fps and so will the 6mm Creedmoor. Thanks for your comment.

[@NoGoBu]

Very interesting, thank you very much🐘🪖🇺🇸

[@luvtahandload7692]

You could send Junior out after coyotes with the Camilla and he'd have a grand old time! I like the sling on the ARC. You really have a nice place to shoot there. Looks like you could easily stretch it out to 1000 yards, if you desired. Thanks for posting on YT.

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

The Camilla has taken deer for 2 of the youngers in my clan already...Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@MrRkboz]

Excellent info, thanks.

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Thanks for watching.

[@Oregun]

Nice comparison.That bolt gun is so nice looking.

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Thanks for watching.

[@richheipp1420]

Looks like you had an awesome birthday. Keep it up

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Thanks for watching.

[@bryonslatten3147]

Gret video. I'm thinking about getting the Ruger American Gen II in 6mm ARC.

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Thanks for watching.

[@NoelLucas]

Great video series. I‘ve built 2 6ARCs over the past few months. Both M4E1 lowers and uppers, one an 18” BA 1:7 and the other a 22” Shaw 1:7.5. Both use the BA bolts, JP Heavy SCS, Raptor CH, TriggerTech Diamond Flat Bow, Radian ambi-saftey. 18” has a 15” Sgt of Arms ARCA hand guard, the 22” has a 17.5” Sgt of Arms ARCA hand guard. Both have a SS ECTunerbrake, A2 tube and PRS Gen3 stock. 18” has a cantilever mount by Swampfox with their 1-10x LVPO and the 22” has a Warne Skyline 20MOA cantilever mount with a Vortex Razor HD Gen2 4.5-27x56. Both are amazingly accurate, pleasurable to shoot, and a lot of fun. The 18” is my main go-to for most situations out to ~800, the 22” for anything beyond that. Load data both seem to love is slightly higher than max for gas guns, but not dangerously so. I clean & anneal between every firing, trim to 1.490 and chamfer/deburr. GM205M/CCI400/CCI41 all seem to be equal. LeverEvolution or CFE223 at 30.00g, auto-trickle to .01 grain accuracy, using Hornady ELDM 108g, Sierra MK107, and Hornady ELDx 103g for hunting, all seated to .080’ from the lands puts me at 2.260” COAL, and feed in my ARStoner 15rd mags flawlessly. I did polish the M4 Feedramps with a felt dremel with Jewelers rouge, and a bit of JB BORE Paste to clean up the tooling marks and leave a mirror finish. Both rifles shoot under 1/2MOA to 845yds, which is as far as I’ve taken them. The 22” shoots them average around 2950. The 18” averages around 2715. Seems the best velocity comes from CFE223 and LeverEvolution. AA2520 is also accurate among others similar in burn rate. I might swap a Vortex Razor HD Gen3 6-36-56 MRAD I have on another rifle to the 6ARC bolt gun I am building. Remington Model 7 LSS in 300SAUM. PTG sells a fine bolt for the PPC-style cases we use for it for ~$200, Putting an MDT chassis on it with a 26” Kreiger or K&P depending on what I choose to go with. www.kandpgunco.com/price-list/4959357 Great series!

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Sounds like you know your rifles and parts. Impressive brand names list of build parts also. My rifles are designed strictly for hunting, therefore limited to that distance when the foot lbs of energy falls below 1,000 lbs. The ARC is impressive and stays above 1,000 pounds out to 500 yards. (According to Hornady Ballistics charts, with my components and data.) Thanks again for your experience and for your comment.

[@NoelLucas]

@@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009 Anytime Dave. That's what makes this community as good as it is, people sharing experiences and knowledge. Did I go a bit overboard on some of that stuff? Absolutely. My primary purposes for building these are shooting matches (100-1800yds) for fun, and a bit of hunting as well, so more dual-purpose. Strictly hunting rigs don't require those extremes. Enjoying your content!

[@jeffreylucas3421]

This is the comparison I have been wanting to see. Not suprised to see the bolt .243win shot the best..... Nice demonstration thank you

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Thanks for commenting and for watching.

[@ronjones1414]

Even adding 100fps, maybe, with 4 extra inches of barrel, the ARC is definitely a valid option for most use cases. Put it in a mini mauser, run it at 65k and give it a longer barrel due to the shorter action and it is every bit the gun of the vanguard and probably a little lighter.

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

The ARC certainly performs well indeed. Thanks for your comment.

[@shanegibb997]

Excellent video Dave , i reckon you would have got a lot more velocity out of the 243w if it's barrel was 24 inch as well ... the 6mm does a good job tho , I wouldn't hesitate to take it on a hunt.

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Yes, Shane...Add another 25fps per additional inch of barrel length. But because of the newer longer higher BC, 6mm bullets designed for faster twist barrels, they will hold their speed for longer distance. In my case, shooting out to 500 yds max.

[@chadmcswain2534]

Yes this was a very invalid test to use a neutered 243 like that. A standard 24 inch barrel on a 243 would have left the 6mm ARC behind in the dust……

[@chadmcswain2534]

If your shooting 500 yards max you need to stick with the 243 because it takes that long for the ARC to catch it (unless your shooting the new higher BC 243 loadings and then the 243 still outperforms it…..

[@carloshathcock5518]

Not an apples to apples comparison but a DAMN fine backdrop you have sir!

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Thanks for watching...You are correct, that is why I said the comparison is on "My rifles." But the .243 cal. 95gn SST was used in both rifles.

[@bowhunt9968]

@@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009 How long is the barrel on the ARC?

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

@@bowhunt9968 24 inches. See more on this rifle in my ARC playlist. Thanks for watching.

[@stevenlewis6781]

Came back to this video for research purposes, great comparative video btw! I'm building a POF Revolution DI in 6mm Creedmore with a 20" light contour Lilja barrel. I'm shooting for >2900fps with the 109 eldx in a 7 pound rifle. Planning on all around rifle from varmints to deer and some competition.

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Sounds like you know what you want and how to get there. Best of wishes with your new rifle. Been toying with the idea of a rifle chambered for the 6mm Creedmoor. But my 6.5 Creedmoor, 243 win. and 6-ARC keep getting in the way. Thanks for watching and for your comment.

[@stevenlewis6781]

@@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009 Thanks for the reply I came very close to building an upper in 6mm ARC until I discovered the POF Revolution. It's literally a AR-15 sized platform that's built for .308. As intriguing as the ARC is it seems everything and everybody is trying to get full power cartridge performance out of the AR 15 and it just isn't possible. The Creedmore has slightly less capacity than the x51 cartridges but the shorter OAL allows the high BC bullets to be seated to the correct length in a magazine. The original 308 barrel shoots under 1" and I'm expecting the stress relieved Lilja to be even more accurate. I also have a AR 10 in .260 with a heavy profile Lilja that will shoot in an inch at 300 yards.

[@stevenlewis6781]

Just anecdotally I did a quick search on ammofinder and while both the 6ARC and 6 Creedmore are available the ARC ammo is averaging 10 cents or more per round than the Creedmore. The advertised velocities are ~250 -300fps faster for the Creedmore. Go figure.

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

@@stevenlewis6781 6mm Creedmoor is intriguing. But my 25-06's are more proven on game with superior terminal energy and velocity. And I handload every caliber. But don't be surprised if you see a video by me on the 6mm Creedmoor.

[@jeffreynye3019]

Great video! I'm surprised that chrony attached to the barrel doesn't fuck up your harmonics)accuracy?

[@aarontaylor6000]

Thanks

[@bighornbasin6021]

I think you could try the 100 gr Sierra again for the 243 - if you watch your magnetospeed, it's slowly creeping toward the muzzle with each shot. I love my magnetospeed, but I don't shoot groups when attached. Thanks for the vid! a 6mm ARC is on my radar.

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Good catch! Yes I noticed that also. Thanks for watching and your comment.

[@justflylow]

Interesting video! Thank you for the comparison. What is the twist rate in the 243? I know the 6mm arc is 1in 7.5. The 95g SST in the 243 did an outstanding job! Isn’t the SST a hunting round? It would do a good job in either rifle.

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

243 Win standard twist rate is 1/10. SST is a Hornady hunting bullet.

[@janosvadas]

Less concerned with the length, more concerned about differences in twist rate. I’m learning manufacturers, especially for the .243, don’t give one near what they should for a twist to shoot larger bullets like the 100+ gr pills.

[@walterzimmer1352]

Good job 👍

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Thanks for watching

[@livingintheLight.]

Well done brother

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Thanks for the kind words and for watching

[@BornGaming32]

6mm Creedmoor offers the powder capacity of the .243 and 110-115 bullet weights of the ARC.

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Andrew, Yes...Click on my name and go to my Playlist, to see a video Re: 6mm/243 choices, Nov. 2020. Thanks for your comment

[@The340king]

I wonder how much the wind affected the group size.

[@cliffrose9492]

Checked out the 6mm arc because of your videos. Ammo is so darn expensive though. What would you hunt with the ARC?

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Medium sized deer and smaller game. Use hunting constructed bullets and not match bullets only. Hornady makes the 103 grain ELD-x bullets with a high BC to meet that need. Prices will come down soon, hopefully. Thanks for watching.

[@tylarhaugan7908]

My coworker uses the 95 grain barnes lrx for deer coyotes and hogs

[@mackenziejones4890]

I would like to have the load day you have on the 243 with the SST

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Superformance powder. Data is from the Hornady manual. About mid powder grain range. Work up cautiously. Thanks for your question.

[@christiandehlinger3731]

I have always liked little efficient cartridges. Rounds such as .221 FB from way back have always tickled me with what is capable from small powder charges. My family would say this is because I am cheap. Oldest of 8 and father of 7, I say "thrifty". With the 6 ARC what is your take on the bolt strength commentary regarding case head size?

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

You have my most sincere admiration Sir. (Father of 7, wow!) There is where your legacy is eternal!. The Fireball is not cheap and are hard to find. The 6mm ARC is a great, albeit limited cartridge. To answer your question, has 2 answers, one for the AR-15 platform (53,000 psi) and a Bolt action where bye pressures and velocities can be higher. Supposed Bolt head issues I have not experienced.

[@jimfields9491]

My uncle had a Remington xp100 in .221FB. 14 in barrel and 4” groups at 400 yards. And believe it or not he paid $40 for that xp100 brand new the year it was released I think around 1962-64. As for the 6mm arc vs the .243 I’m pretty sure that the deer will never know the difference lol.

[@BuckFoeJiden]

Experience with 7.62x39 AR builds show that extractors will be the bulk of your problem. When it comes to my AR builds, I spend the vast majority of the money going into those builds on bolt and barrel. If you get a high quality bolt, you won't have any issues. You can also take steps to mitigate stresses on your bolt. Running an adjustable gas block, and a slightly heavier buffer will slow bolt travel, and reduce stress on the lugs, bolt face and extractor. It's essentially the same casing as the 7.62x39, so I'd imagine everything in relation to the bolt would remain fairly consistent.

[@christiandehlinger3731]

@@BuckFoeJiden We used 6.8 SPC on hogs in Texas in 2010 and that cartridge tore them up. I was impressed.

[@BuckFoeJiden]

@@christiandehlinger3731 absolutely man. 6.8 has shown some great results. I've actually been looking hard at .338 Federal for larger game. Where I'm in the Appalachian mountains, I rarely have a shot that's over 300 yards, and the energy from .338 is massive.

[@chicorussianhammer]

GOOD SHOOTIN!

[@jb-dc1tt]

That 243 is a shooter!

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Yes. I am a Weatherby rifles fan.

[@rustynut1967]

Was you using CFE-223 in the ARC. Vert nice by the way.

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Yes, next test 103 eld-x with Leverevolution powder.

[@thomaspounds9031]

Good video

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Thanks for watching.

[@ChuckinTV]

Dang that Weatherby shoots! And those are impressive speeds for a 20 inch 243. The ARC is pretty close for being a much smaller case. Plus you have the added benefit of fast follow up shots with the AR platform.

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Yes to all you said Eric...Thanks for your comment.

[@MrBoo1963]

Looks like you had a flyer one the ARC 100 Gr.

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Yes at least one flyer pretty much with any bullet except lighter bullets.

[@sandybarnett7502]

I'll take the 243

[@johnknierim9017]

Arc had a 5 gr heavier bullet than the 243 I was still empress I’ve been shooting my arc since oct 2020 Very satisfied with it

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Yes, but the .243 had a 20" barrel also, so not an exact comparison. A 24 inch barrel would have produced 50-100fps higher velocity. Still pleased that the little Hornady ARC published data is accurate though. Thanks for your comment.

[@thomaspounds9031]

If you’re gonna go with a bolt gun edge goes to .243 win. If you want .243 performance out of an AR 15 platform go with 6mm ARC

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Agreed. "Buy both!" Thanks for watching.

[@anthonykaiser974]

Don't forget mini actions: CZ 527, Zastava M85, defunct Model 7. Maybe Remington could take advantage of these new intermediate cartridges and bring the 7 back. Just promise me you'll make it in a lefty for once!

[@delcoreno1528]

Good data. What was the range?

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

100 yards. Thanks for your question and for watching.

[@SDMacMan]

A 24 inch barrel on the .243 with the 95 grain projectiles would have gotten around 3050 fps. So quite a bit of difference if you compare apples to apples. Where the ARC shines is with the long, heavy projectiles because of its twist rate. And of course lower recoil and less powder. I'm still waiting for those darn bolt action ARC rifles to become available. I don't want it in an AR platform. Savage appears to be the only one that chambers for the ARC. but they are impossible to find. Come on Ruger, what the hell are you waiting for???

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Agreed., Your point is stated by me at the end of the video when comparing targets.

[@anthonykaiser974]

Fine as long as it's in a mini action. Else what's the point of going to the intermediate length cartridge if you're not going to take full advantage of it with shorter, lighter guns?

[@baileymitchell6650]

I’m thoroughly impressed with the 6mm a shorter cartridge same bullet weights pretty much moves out right around the same FPS tbh it is absolutely a better round especially since it was designed for ar style rifles and military use should make it extremely popular across hunting and sporting applications making this new ammo cheaper over time

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Thanks for your comment and for watching.

[@Paladin1873]

I would have exacted a much greater velocity difference. The 6mm ARC appears to be a very efficient cartridge. The difference in barrel length might account for 50 FPS.

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Yes the 243 barrel is 20" so 100 fps increase would be expected out of a 24" barrel. Thanks for watching.

[@Paladin1873]

@@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009 Were you ever able to confirm this with a 24" barrel? My only 243 is a Ruger International carbine with an 18.5" barrel, so I can't come close to replicating the potential performance of the round.

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

@@Paladin1873 Yes, I have owned the .243 Weatherby Vanguard with a 24" barrel and the velocity with a 100 grain bullet was right at 3,050+ fps.

[@Paladin1873]

@@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009 Thanks, now it makes a bit more sense.

[@organicmaterialsciencecorp6115]

Ill take the .243 first its old and Proven and you just showed everybody. Thanks

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Thanks for your comment and for watching.

[@stevenmike1878]

out of the same lenght barrel the 243 win has %6-7 more energy from the muzzle. but the arc with a longer bc bullet at 200 yards they match each other in energy, around 400 yards the 6 arc surpasses the 243 win having %6-7 more energy. bullet drop is less then a 1" difference between each other almost negligible. the fact they got a cartridge this good in an ar-15 platform astounds me. its basically a modern 243 Winchester with better long range performance and wind drift.

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Your comment matches the ballistics calculator comparison shown in another of my videos. Thanks for watching.

[@stevenmike1878]

@@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009 nice, thx for the cross analysis. really hoping in a couple of years this cartridge really takes off, so uppers receivers in it become much more common and affordable.

[@anthonykaiser974]

Imagine it in a stout mini action.

[@mackenziejones4890]

I believe I'll stick with the 243

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Good choice.

[@nmelkhunter1]

I would not want to be an antelope or mulie anywhere near you and that Weatherby in 243 Win!

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Thanks for watching and your kind comment.

[@Eric--zs6um]

Give the .243 the 4" and it's not really close. My Savage .243 gets 3100 single sd/especially and 3015 with same 105 bthp all with a 22" barrel. You all can keep the arc and creeds.they are just a new bandwagon rolling through. I'll rebarrel before to a faster twist if I feel the need.

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Yes I state the speed difference at the end of the video for the 243 with a 24" barrel. I like and own both, including 2 of the 25-06's mentioned in your moniker. Thanks for your comment and for watching.

[@anthonykaiser974]

Sure, but you can't put a 243 in a mini action.

[@EvanField6380]

You were shooting the six mm after the wind had picked up a bunch

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

My Arc is very accurate indeed. Wind is a real world condition often encountered while hunting, therefore the data collected, targets, velocity, sd's and extreme spreads are needed for future load development. Thanks for watching and your comment.

[@102Montana]

Since I don’t load ….I assume the 243 would be a better choice …given the cost of the 6mm ARC…is that assumption correct??? 243 is considerably cheaper. I hunt coyotes and p-dogs.

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

The .243 has a barrel twist of 1-10 therefore the factory Ammo loaded with 100 grain bullets or less, is appropriate. The ARC was designed to shoot the heavier 103-115 grain bullets because of the 1.78 barrel twist. Maybe "Buy Both" HaHa!

[@treece1]

95 sat shoots in .the .3s .4s in one of my barrels

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

That is very good shooting!

[@sideshowbilly3755]

Fast-forward to 2023... 243 ammo still available and **relatively** affordable. 6mm Arc, unavailable and costs way more than 243 if you can even find it. 243 wins.... again.

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Hornady sure did not do a good job on the roll out of the ARC as far as more factory ammo availability. As stated the 2 cartridges are not equal but they are comparable. I handload so ammo availability is not an issue. Thanks for watching and for your comment here.

[@sideshowbilly3755]

@@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009 Federal did the same with 224 Val. They promoted it, made it plentiful, reduced the price... now its gone or ultra expensive. Love your channel, sir. Thank you for taking the time to make and share them (the videos).

[@jimlerum]

Forgot your eyes on the ARC shooting. Safety first Dave!

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Thanks for watching and your comment.

[@jimlerum]

Good shooting guns Dave. Very impressed!

[@chadmcswain2534]

This test is totally invalid brother. You used a neutered 243 by only running a 20 inch barrel. The 243 was designed to run 24+ inch barrels. Anything less than that and the powder is just burned up and wasted outside of the barrel. Yes lots of people run the shorter 243 barrels in compact and youth guns but to get a 243 to really perform it needs to have the length barrel on it that it was designed for. You run a 24inch barrel on that 243 and you’ll see the velocity will be at least 300+ fps faster than the 6mm ARC. Don’t get me wrong I love the little ARC and Grendel both ( I have both in ARs and Bolts), but they will never be a 243 in the field, never…..regardless of what ballistic charts show!👍

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Agree, somewhat! But as stated in the title, "Validating comparable data from (My Rifles Only)." Winchester, Savage, Remington and Browning make "most" of their .243 Win. factory rifles in a 22" barrel. Thanks for your comment here and for watching.

[@0-doller-bill923]

1:20 lol designed by women for Wetherby. XD

[@wilfredsalacup7810]

Godbless you too sir for sharing your experience.

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Thanks for watching and for your kind comment here.