6mm ARC: Difference between revisions

The 6mm ARC is a medium-power cartridge comparable to the [[6.5mm Grendel]], but with better ballistics thanks to the greater muzzle velocity achieved by using lighter 6mm bullets and enough power to make use of the heavy 6mm bullets. Some have stated that it offers comparable ballistics to larger 6mm cartridges like the 6mm Creedmoor and [[.243 Winchester]], but out of a smaller cartridge, however this simply is not true when comparing muzzle velocities between them.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.loaddevelopment.com/6mm-creedmoor-hunt-and-competition/|title=6mm ARC vs 6mm Creedmoor|website=loaddevelopment.com}}</ref> What the 6mm ARC does offer though, is almost comparable velocities and ballistic performance, but out of a compact cartridge that has lowerlessened feltperceived recoil and fits ininto the standard [[AR-15]] length actions.

In addition to the above comments, there is some confusion with regards toregarding the 6 mm ARC’s performance. This is because loading data given in some manuals, such as the 11th Edition Hornady Reloading Manual<ref>[https://www.hornady.com/reloading/handbook Hornady 11th Edition Reloading Manual]</ref> ,for example, has two sets of data. The first set of data is loaded to the SAAMI MAP (Maximum Average Pressure) of 52,000 PSIpsi, which is stated to be suitable for gas-operated firearms, such as the AR-15 platform and its derivatives. The second set of data is loaded to a MAP of 62,000 PSIpsi, which is stated to be for use with bolt action guns, such as the [[CZ 527]]. The Hornady manual states that this second set of data should not be used in gas-guns. Due to the lower MAP, the performance of 6 mm ARC ammunition loaded to gas-gun pressures will, on average, be less than firearms loaded to bolt action pressures when using the same barrel length. When using shorter barrels, which are common on gas-guns, the difference will be even more pronounced.

An additional likely performance handicap, applicable to any magazine-fed firearm, will be to the maximum round length that can be used in its magazine. A shorter maximum cartridge overall length (COAL) lowers powder capacity, and-- hence potential performance, -- due to the bullet’s parasitic intrusion into the case. Due to the length of the heavy bullets the 6 mm ARC is designed to use and its limited COAL, this factor is an issue unless over-length rounds are single-fed.