...don't you just hate those range days that go bad from the get go?  

Went to test my recently acquired Sierra 107 SMK's in a ladder test, along with some seating depth tests for Nosler 105 RDF's and Hornady 108 ELDM's.  

1st shot of SMK's over the chrony registered 2538 (28.5 LVR/1.715 CBTO), 2nd shot clipped the chrony....arrrghhh!  Oh well, now I have reason enough to order the MagnetoSpeed v3.  Was still able to pressure test the 28.8 & 29.1 loads, all was good, no pressure signs. 

Tested out the Berger recommendations for VLD seating and ran the 105VLD's at CBTO's of 1.643, 1.673 and 1.710 w/29.1 LVR.  Berger claims a "significant" difference would be noted in these large jump amounts.  In my test the difference between 1.673 & 1.710 was "somewhat" significant compared to the 1.643 -vs- 1.673, but because I was already bummed over the chrony mishap, I wasn't really "focused" for shooting groups, more like just blasting thru my anger.  I paid the range fee already so I was gonna make smoke & noise at least, LOL.

The Hornady tests (1.662, 1.722 & 1.742 CBTO's) was pretty much the same, BUT....I did discover something different between my Duramag & E-Lander mags.  With the Hornady 108 ELDM seated to a 1.742" CBTO, they were too long to fit the E-Landers.  The same rounds would fit in the Duramags easily with no problem.  During the loading, EACH cartridge was seated & measured so the CBTO was consistent.  I would seat a bit long and adjust the micrometer down, measure, repeat until I hit the mark.  I also confirmed & re-measured a week later before heading to the range to ensure no movement occurred.  None of the loads felt compressed, but it was just a precaution I took to gather good data.  Again, the group sizes were not what I would call "significantly" different between them, again, the caveat of being in a bad mood not making for some focused shooting.

Hopefully Graf's will get my MagnetoSpeed order out quickly, I'm kind of anxious to really test out these SMK's.  The single captured 2538 FPS of the lowest charge has JBM predicting it will be supersonic to 1200 yds.

Currently 6mm ARC ammo is harder to come by than 6mm Creedmoor. In a bolt action The 6 Creedmoor rifle is easier to come by in good rifles. Why would a guy opt for the ARC over the Creedmoor in a bolt action?

https://www.brownells.com/ammunition/rif...ntent=Ammo

Will probably go fast. Don't dally, order quickly...

Blemmed, 70¢ per in boxes of 50. I ordered 300. https://www.shootersproshop.com/6-5mm-gr...-blem.html

I have about 350 pieces of Nosler .223 brass that I converted to 6x45 and that are at 7x and 8x. I haven't lost a single one due to a loosening primer pocket. I don't anneal and I haven't lost a single one to neck cracking or loss of tension - and going to 6x45 from .223 makes it thinner at the neck. The only pieces I've lost were literally lost.

I'm flabbergasted. I plugged Hornday's data for a 24" barrel the JBM Ballistics calculator using the environmentals described the video. The result says the bullet goes subsonic at around 1,400 yards. Link below.

2,000 Yard Shot with 6mm Arc and New Harvester EVO - YouTube

Local gun shop near me sent a flyer stating that they have these on sale for $350.

Never having dealt with Savage, and only going by what I found on the internet these seem to be a pretty good rifle for the money.  want to use it to fire form cases and use for a general plinking bolt action.

Now the real question. It pnly comes with one magazine with a 4+1 capacity, that's a real turn off. After searching the web I can not find mags for this gun. I would settle for extra mags, or better yet at least a 10 round one. I know they do not offer the 10 rounder but wondering if anyone has used a different one with any success. I saw a thread were someone used a 308 AICS magazine. Can they be used and what modifications needed to be done.

I did find these, and was wondering if they might work.

https://badrockrifles.com/accessories/

I am trying to find load data for some 6ARC loads but not that much is out there so I am relying on Quickload, Gordons Reloading Tool, and Hodgdons website to make my decisions BUT.....

Hogdons website  shows 27.5-30.6 LVR  and for that load 2678-2957 ft/sec and 37800-51300 PSI pressure

QL use the same charge of 27.5-30.6 LVR and for that load 2555-2867 ft/sec and 34500-48400 PSI pressure

GRT use the same charge of 27.5-30.6 LVR and for that load 2759-3083 ft/sec and 39800-58400 PSI pressure

I am using the same information for all 3 loads: same bullet, same COAL, same trim length. Same everything.

The velocity is not that big of initially but the pressures are. Does Hodgdon do test firing for each load. I don't think so. What do you guys rely on to make your initial loads?

Hornady’s team discusses the 6mmARC in THIS YouTube video and at 15:14 one says, “Terminally, the goal of the original project was to meet or exceed .308 terminal performance at distance…. And it did exceed that…. When you went to 6mm, you had that.” Another chimes in, “That’s interesting: You picked up terminal performance by reducing the bullet weight and diameter — because of the velocity performance. So, now you have a warfighter that is equipped with the small, lightweight AR15-sized platform that’s been the standard, but you have all the external characteristics of the .308 Winchester at range.”

They're saying the same thing we've always said about the 6.5 Grendel, and now the 6mm ARC.

I don't know if this is the proper area to ask but what custom ear plugs do you guys use and/or recommend?

Building my first 6mm ARC on the AR platform. Found lots of good info lurking around the last few days. I hope I can contribute something as I get some actual experience with this new round. I'll be starting with Hornady 108gr ELD Match factory ammo and switching to reloads with the fired brass.

I'm right in the middle of building my rifle. Barrel and gas block should arrive this week, so I can finish up assembly.

Build Details:
Aero M4E1 Upper and Lower
Proof Research 18" SS Barrel +1 Rifle
RCA Standard Grendel/ARC BCG
SA adjustable gas block
Glass - Not sure yet