There are two types of firearms that I enjoy shooting: precision rifles and AR15s.
The struggle for me was that there was never a great way to combine those loves. The .223/5.56 cartridge is very versatile, but it's light, gets blown around in the wind, and the small case limits its capability for long-range shooting.
Many wildcat-type cartridges have aimed to turn the AR15 into a long-range hammer, but they all have their own issues, until now.
The 6mm Advanced Rifle Cartridge (ARC) was designed to increase the capabilities of the M4/AR15 platform beyond what the 5.56 could provide, and it does that with incredible results.
The 6ARC is popular among long-range precision shooters, hunters, and tactical applications.
Table of Contents
What is 6 ARC?
The 6mm Advanced Rifle Cartridge (6 ARC) was developed by Hornady to bring long-range performance to the AR-15 platform. It bridges the gap between light 5.56 cartridges and heavier .308 loads, offering flatter trajectories, less recoil, and more retained energy downrange.
Built for versatility, the 6 ARC performs well in both AR-15 gas guns and bolt-action rifles, making it a favorite for precision shooters, hunters, and tactical marksmen alike.
Credit: @Alabama_Arsenal
Development of the 6 ARC
Hornady designed the 6 ARC to deliver near-.308 performance while maintaining the lightweight handling of the AR-15.
- Based on the 6.5 Grendel case, necked down to 6mm.
- Originally tested by U.S. DoD special units.
- Released publicly in 2020.
The goal was simple: match the ballistic power of a .308 with less recoil, less weight, and more magazine capacity.
6 ARC Ammo Ballistics and Effective Range
The primary advantage of the 6mm ARC is its excellent ballistic performance. The cartridge can achieve high velocities and maintain a flat trajectory, making it ideal for long-range shooting. Its high ballistic coefficient (BC) bullets offer superior wind resistance and energy retention compared to other cartridges in its class.
The 6mm ARC cartridge has 54% less recoil than the .308, is 30% lighter weight than the SR25 loadout, and has better magazine capacity. Thanks to its highly efficient 6 mm projectiles, the ARC can make consistent impacts out to 1000 yards with less bullet drop than the .308.
Once I finally got my 6 ARC rifle assembled, I quickly took it to the range and tested its capabilities for myself, and I was blown away. It felt like shooting a .223; there was almost no recoil. Despite feeling familiar, I knew the round had a lot more to offer. With my 18" rifle, I was effortlessly getting first-round impacts out to 700 yards, the maximum range I had available.
| Load Type | Bullet Weight (gr) | Velocity (fps) | Drop @1000 yds | Recoil vs. .308 |
| Hornady 108 ELD-M | 108 | 2750 | -330" | 54% less recoil |
| Hornady 103 ELD-X | 103 | 2800 | -315" | 50 % less recoil |
| Custom 105 BTHP | 105 | 2780 | -325" | -55% less recoil |
- Effective Range: 800–1000 yards
- Recoil Reduction: ~50% compared to .308
- Ballistic Coefficient (BC): 0.530–0.550 average
This combination means less wind drift, more consistent impact energy, and better barrel life than high-velocity 6mm wildcats.
6 ARC vs 6.5 Grendel vs 300 Blackout
| Catridge | Effective Range | Energy @600 yds | Recoil | Platform |
|
6mm ARC |
1000 yds | 900 ft-lbs | Light | AR-15 |
|
6.5 Grendel |
800 yds | 950 fr-lbs | Moderate | AR-15 |
|
300 Blackout |
300 yds | 500 ft-lbs | Very Low | AR-15 |
Summary:
- 6 ARC extends long-range precision further than both 6.5 Grendel and 300 BLK.
- Retains lighter recoil and excellent suppressor compatibility.
- Perfect for mixed roles, hunting, DMR, and competitive shooting.
Best 6mm ARC Rifles and Builds
Some excellent factory and custom rifle options for the 6 ARC include:
- Noveske 6 ARC – Precision barrel builds with 18” options.
- Aero Precision M4E1 6 ARC – Budget-friendly, high-performance AR build platform.
- Hornady Factory Rifles – Optimized for gas and bolt configurations.
Pro Tip: For suppressed shooting, tune your build with:
- Adjustable gas block
- Heavy buffer (H2 or A5H2)
- Low-backpressure suppressor (CAT NOAH, HUXWRX Flow 6K, CGS SCI-SIX)
6mm ARC for Hunting and Tactical Use
Hunting:
- Light bullets (58–90gr): coyotes, prairie dogs, varmints.
- Medium bullets (100–115gr): deer, antelope, and hogs.
- Works effectively even with short 12.5” barrels due to high pressure efficiency.
Tactical / Competition:
- Chosen by special units for extended range and accuracy.
- Dominates PRS Gas Gun Division and NRL events.
- Less recoil means faster follow-up shots and easier spotting.
6 ARC with Suppressors
The 6 ARC pairs naturally with suppressors due to its moderate gas pressure. Suppressing enhances its already soft recoil and increases consistency.
Top-performing silencers for 6 ARC rifles include:
When suppressed properly with a tuned gas block and buffer system, the 6 ARC delivers an incredibly flat, quiet, and smooth shooting experience.
My 6 ARC Build (Example)
Barrel: Noveske 18” 6 ARC, stainless steel precision profile
BCG: JP Enterprises FMOS for smooth cycling
Handguard: VLTOR Freedom ARCA rail
Trigger: Geissele SD-E
Stock: LUTH-AR MBA-3
Optic: Meopta Optika 6 3–18x
FAQ: 6 ARC Ammo
Q1: Who makes 6 ARC ammo?
A: Hornady developed and produces most 6 ARC loads. Other brands like Federal and Winchester have begun offering factory ammo as well.
Q2: What is 6mm ARC good for?
A: Excellent for long-range precision, hunting medium game, and tactical applications where a lightweight AR-15 is preferred.
Q3: What’s the effective range of 6 ARC?
A: Around 1000 yards in optimized builds.
Q4: Is 6mm ARC better than 6.5 Grendel?
A: For long-range precision, yes. 6 ARC maintains higher velocity and flatter trajectory, though Grendel offers more energy on impact inside 400 yards.
Q5: What’s the best suppressor for 6 ARC?
A: Low-backpressure 6mm models like HUXWRX Flow 6K or CGS SCI-SIX work best.
