6mm ARC Ammo Guide: Ballistics, Best Factory Loads & Long-Range Performance
Introduction to 6mm ARC
The 6mm Advanced Rifle Cartridge (6mm ARC) is a modern, high-performance round designed for long-range shooting, hunting, and tactical applications. Developed by Hornady, the 6mm ARC offers superior ballistics, reduced recoil, and optimized efficiency, making it a top choice for shooters who need a versatile cartridge in both bolt-action and AR-platform rifles.
Best 6mm ARC We Sell At Pro Armory:
Why Choose 6mm ARC?
Shooters and hunters prefer 6mm ARC ammo for several reasons:
- Excellent Ballistic Performance – Provides a flat trajectory and reduced wind drift compared to other intermediate cartridges.
- Optimized for AR-15 Platforms – Unlike other long-range cartridges, 6mm ARC delivers outstanding performance while fitting in a standard AR-15 magazine.
- Low Recoil – Makes it easier for shooters to stay on target and take faster follow-up shots.
- Great for Hunting & Precision Shooting – Suitable for varmint hunting, deer hunting, and long-range precision competitions.
6mm ARC Ballistics: What to Expect
Factory-loaded 6mm ARC ammunition typically fires a 103- to 108-grain bullet at speeds around 2,750 to 2,800 fps, making it one of the most efficient long-range AR-15 cartridges available.
Typical Ballistics Data (Factory Ammo)
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Bullet Weight
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Muzzle Velocity (fps)
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Energy (ft-lbs)
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Wind Drift (10mph @ 500yds)
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Bullet Drop @ 500yds (inches)
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103 gr ELD-X
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2,800 fps
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1,790 ft-lbs
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~20 inches
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~55 inches
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108 gr ELD-M
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2,750 fps
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1,814 ft-lbs
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~18 inches
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~58 inches
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105 gr BTHP
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2,775 fps
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1,800 ft-lbs
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~19 inches
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~57 inches
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These numbers showcase why 6mm ARC factory ammo is a favorite for tactical shooters, hunters, and competition marksmen—it balances power, precision, and efficiency in a small, lightweight cartridge.
6mm ARC vs. 6.5 Grendel: Key Differences
Many shooters compare 6mm ARC vs. 6.5 Grendel when choosing an AR-15 long-range cartridge.
- 6mm ARC – Shoots lighter, high-BC bullets, leading to flatter trajectories and reduced wind drift, making it the better choice for long-range precision shooting.
- 6.5 Grendel – Fires heavier bullets that provide more energy on impact, making it more suitable for larger game hunting at mid-range.
Best 6mm ARC Factory Ammo
If you're looking for factory-loaded 6mm ARC ammunition, consider these top choices:
Match & Precision Shooting Ammo
- Hornady Match 108gr ELD-M – The go-to match ammo for long-range shooting, featuring a high ballistic coefficient and minimal wind drift.
- Hornady Black 105gr BTHP – Designed for semi-auto precision rifles, offering consistent accuracy and reliability.
- Federal Gold Medal 107gr Sierra MatchKing – A premium factory load for precision rifle competitions.
Hunting Ammo
- Hornady Precision Hunter 103gr ELD-X – One of the best hunting rounds, providing high energy retention and deep penetration.
- Barnes VOR-TX 95gr LRX – A lead-free hunting round with excellent expansion for medium-game hunting.
- Nosler 100gr Ballistic Tip – Great for deer hunting, offering rapid expansion and reliable performance.
Reloading 6mm ARC for Maximum Performance
For reloaders, 6mm ARC provides outstanding flexibility. Some of the best powders for accuracy and velocity include:
- H4895 – A versatile powder that offers consistent velocities.
- Varget – Ideal for maintaining temperature stability in various conditions.
- Alliant Power Pro Varmint – A high-performance powder for optimizing long-range ballistics.
Is 6mm ARC Good for Hunting?
Yes! The 6mm ARC is an excellent hunting cartridge, especially for deer, coyotes, and hogs. It provides great stopping power with low recoil, making it a fantastic option for hunters who prefer lightweight, maneuverable rifles.
Best Rifles Chambered in 6mm ARC
If you’re looking for a 6mm ARC rifle, here are some of the best options:
- CMMG Resolute 6mm ARC – A top AR-15 platform rifle, built for accuracy and reliability.
- Savage 110 Tactical 6mm ARC – A precision bolt-action rifle designed for long-range shooting.
- Ruger American Predator 6mm ARC – A lightweight, hunting-oriented bolt gun with exceptional accuracy.
- Howa Mini Action 6mm ARC – A compact bolt-action rifle optimized for varmint and deer hunting.
- Christensen Arms MPR 6mm ARC – A high-end precision rifle for long-range competition shooting.
Final Thoughts: Why 6mm ARC is a Top Choice
The 6mm ARC is one of the best long-range cartridges for AR-15 and bolt-action rifles, offering flat trajectories, reduced wind drift, and optimized efficiency. Whether you're a competitive shooter, tactical marksman, or serious hunter, 6mm ARC ammo delivers outstanding accuracy and energy retention.
For those looking for match-grade factory ammo, precision reloading data, or top-tier hunting performance, 6mm ARC is a versatile and powerful choice.
