The 6mm ARC and the 6.5 Creedmoor are two popular cartridges that have gained a lot of attention in recent years. Both cartridges are designed for precision shooting, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. In this article, we will take a closer look at these two cartridges and compare their performance in various aspects.
Here is the short answer:
The 6.5 Creedmoor is a more established cartridge that has been around for over a decade and is known for its exceptional accuracy and long-range capabilities. The 6mm ARC is a less powerful newer cartridge that is more suited for hunting deer-sized game.
Now that we have looked at the short answer, we can look closer at the 6mm ARC, and the 6.5 Creedmoor, their ballistics, and see how they compare in-depth.
In-Depth Look at the 6mm ARC
The 6mm ARC (Advanced Rifle Cartridge) was developed by Hornady as a replacement for the 5.56 NATO
. It was designed to offer better long-range performance while still being suitable for use in an AR-15 platform. The cartridge features a 6mm bullet and a relatively short overall length of 2.26 inches.
The 6mm ARC has a maximum effective range of around 1,000 yards and offers excellent accuracy and consistency at long distances. It has a moderate recoil, making it comfortable to shoot even for novice shooters. The cartridge is also versatile and can be used for hunting, target shooting, and tactical applications.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 6mm ARC with a 108-grain ELD Match bullet:
| range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 2750 | 1813 |
| 50 | -0.1 | 0.2 | 2665 | 1703 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.6 | 2582 | 1598 |
| 150 | -1.1 | 1.4 | 2500 | 1499 |
| 200 | -3.7 | 2.5 | 2420 | 1404 |
| 250 | -7.7 | 4 | 2341 | 1314 |
| 300 | -13.4 | 5.9 | 2264 | 1229 |
| 350 | -20.7 | 8.2 | 2188 | 1148 |
| 400 | -29.9 | 10.9 | 2113 | 1071 |
| 450 | -40.9 | 14 | 2040 | 998 |
| 500 | -54 | 17.5 | 1969 | 929 |
In-Depth Look at the 6.5 Creedmoor
The 6.5 Creedmoor was developed in 2007 by Hornady as a precision long-range cartridge. It features a 308 Winchester case necked down to a 6.5mm bullet and an overall length of 2.825 inches. The cartridge has gained a reputation for its accuracy, consistency, and long-range capabilities.
The 6.5 Creedmoor has a maximum effective range of around 1,200 yards and offers excellent accuracy and consistency at long distances. It has moderate recoil, making it comfortable to shoot for extended periods, and a popular choice for youth model rifles.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 6.5 Creedmoor with a 140-grain soft point:
| range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 2750 | 2351 |
| 50 | -0.1 | 0.2 | 2647 | 2177 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.8 | 2546 | 2014 |
| 150 | -1.2 | 1.7 | 2447 | 1861 |
| 200 | -3.8 | 3.1 | 2350 | 1717 |
| 250 | -8.1 | 5 | 2256 | 1582 |
| 300 | -14.1 | 7.4 | 2163 | 1455 |
| 350 | -21.9 | 10.3 | 2073 | 1336 |
| 400 | -31.7 | 13.7 | 1985 | 1225 |
| 450 | -43.5 | 17.5 | 1899 | 1121 |
| 500 | -58 | 22.1 | 1816 | 1025 |
In-Depth Comparison
In comparison to the 6.5 Creedmoor, the 6mm ARC has a smaller bullet diameter, which can lead to less energy transfer upon impact. However, the 6mm ARC usually has a higher velocity and slightly flatter trajectory, making it a better option for longer-range shooting. Additionally, the 6mm ARC is a lighter cartridge, making it easier to carry and handle.
When it comes to hunting, both cartridges are effective for medium-sized game at moderate distances. The 6.5 Creedmoor has a proven track record for taking down larger game such as elk, while the 6mm ARC is not suitable for game any larger than a deer.
In terms of availability, the 6.5 Creedmoor is widely popular and can be found in most gun shops and sporting goods stores. On the other hand, the 6mm ARC is still relatively new and may be more difficult to find. However, as it gains popularity and more manufacturers begin to produce rifles and ammunition for it, availability should improve.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the 6mm ARC and 6.5 Creedmoor have their advantages and disadvantages. The 6mm ARC is faster, lighter, and flatter-shooting, making it a great option for long-range target shooting and medium-sized game hunting. The 6.5 Creedmoor is a proven performer for hunting larger game and has wider availability in terms of rifles and ammunition.