I've reviewed Hodgdon's load data for same bullets and powder for 6mmPPC and 6BR Remington and their data almost raises more questions than it answers.
Figured I'd go about 1 grain heavier than 6PPC data and about 1 grain lighter than 6BR data to get 6mmARC starting points.
However, Hodgdon's data seems off in some cases.
For example, the 6mm 107gr SMK from 6PPC with 28.5 CFE at 48,600 CUP nets 2,702 fps.
Same bullet from 6BR with 30.0 CFE at 49,000 CUP nets 2,632 fps.
More powder. More pressure. Same bullet. Same 24" barrel length. Less velocity?
Doesn't compute.
I suppose one test barrel could be "fast" and the other "slow." That's a plausible explanation, but doesn't really help us rely on the data.
Anyway, screen grabs of Hodgdon data are attached for your convenience.
Hornady specs the OAL to be 2.245, The factory 105 grain bullets that I recently fired through my gun measured 2.245-2.247. The bullets are to long at this unit of measure. They would stick in the chamber and have to be mortared to get them to eject with the unfired case. The bullet is getting pushed into the rifling upon loading. They would eject when fired.
I read on the internet where others were having the same problem, but the bullets was staying stuck in the chamber and just the case was ejecting spilling powder all over the place. Hornady is aware of this issue and the next batch of bullets will be shortened to 2.220-2.230. I am going to load some 108 ELD's today and report back with my findings. The cases that I resized and primed last night go into the chamber and fall right out when you tilt the rifle, these are the same cases that were getting stuck with the bullet in them.
I will start with 2.245 and shorten them in .05 increments till they do not stick. I really should get this camber measured to know what length will be optimal for maybe a .10 lead jump.
I spoke to the folks at Hornady yesterday and they have started production of the 108 grain loads and they said that they should start shipping the first week of August. The 105 loads are later in the month and should be available the end of August. Don't kill the messenger if this doesn't happen... this is what I was told by them.
Saw last night that Johnny’s Reloading Bench is posting on his YouTube channel again. He has a 6mm ARC (Odin Works 18” ) and will be doing load development and post the videos soon. He says that he his is going to be working on the heavies but If enough people request on his channel to do something with the lighter projectiles he may oblige us, but at any rate thought I’d let everyone know so if you want to keep an on his channel.
Looking for any and all reporting you can find on 6 ARC efficiency and performance in shorter barreled setups.
The interest in lighter weight builds, whether that be pistols or non-SBR 14.5” (pin and welded muzzle breaks) rifles, for hunting applications is going to be a new focal point with 6 ARC.
Comparisons welcome between 6.8 / 6.5 grendel / 6ARC in 14 and 16” barrels if you find articles or the time to test and report back here...
I found a proof research 18", stainless, online in stock so I went ahead and bought it.
It's only 18" and I really wanted a 20" but right now they're all scarce as hen's teeth lol.
So they told me it's actually "in stock," not just "order and we'll back-order ya" type of thing, so we'll see.
The real question mark for many potential 6 ARC users are good magazines. Unfortunately all the common 6.5 Grendel magazines suffer from random quality control issues.
Since there aren’t a lot of members on this site I thought I’d pass on some info. C Products Defense/Duramag has finally released a twenty round curved body 6.5 Grendel magazine. Aim Surplus had these mags in stock a few days ago.
As it stands right now the current 6.5 Grendel magazine manufacturers are:
ASC which are also rebranded AR Stoner from Midway USA, with 5, 10, 15 and 25 round capacity.
E-Lander with 5, 10, 17 and 24 round capacity
C Products Defense, Duramag with 5, 10, 20 and 26 round capacity.
Amend2, 10 round polymer.
D&H sold by PSA has a 10 round 6.5 Grendel metal mag with orange follower.
I sent an email to Lancer today requesting they introduce a new polymer magazine that will work with 6.5 Grendel and 6 MM ARC. It might not hurt for a couple others send in a request for 6.5 G/6 ARC magazines.
If anyone is aware of any other AR-15 6.5 Grendel mags please advise.
I’ve read some users of PRI 6.8 SPC magazines work with 6.5 Grendel. It might be worth sending an email requesting a 6.5 G/6 ARC mag from PRI.
I saw where Midsouth Shooters Supply advertised ProMag 6.5 Grendel/6.8 SPC mag but I never investigated further with ProMag past history.
Like most short range benchresters I have many, like hundreds, of Lapua 6ppc brass that still have a great deal of useful life left. I'm thinking of building an 6ARC for my grandson so thinking it would be nice to be able to use all that great Lapua brass. So I'm looking for your thoughts on the feasability of being able to fireform the PPC brass, just blow it out longer. Any problems forseen with that approach?
Ok while I'm at it what about the practicality of taking one of my PPC barrels and just running a ARC reamer into it for a rechamber job?
I first heard about this a few months back and was going to build a Grendel. But the 6 ARC caught my interest and I started doing research on it. Although info was limited, and not much was being released about all the testing. I started gathering parts needed to do a build, whether it be a Grendel or an ARC I wanted an AR in a different caliber besides 5.56, and I am not into pistol caliber, 300 BLK just doesn't do much for me. I also kicked around doing a Valkyrie.
About eight months later this came to fruition, thanks to the fine folks at Odin Works. They build some fine barrels and are just great to deal with.
Odin Works 18" 1X7.5 twist, Rifle +2 gas, Odin adj gas block, Odin Atlas compesator, 416 stainless, hand lapped, Odin BCG, Luth AR rifle stock, Vortex Viper HSTII 6X25 50mm scope, and a bunch more good stuff.
Just found this site this morning, and just received my Odin Works barrel and accessories this morning as well. Spent the day yesterday Cerakoting the rail upper and lower receivers as well as the stock. really looking forward to learning more about this platform. And being that we are all on the front side of this we can all help each other out as we learn about it. I reload... thank God. As this ammo seems to be made out of unobtainiom, I got lucky and scored 440 rounds, some of it I have not received yet. Should be seeing it today or tomorrow, utill thenI have 240 rounds to play with for now.
