AR-15Bolt face: 6.5 Grendel

6mm ARC Ballistics

Developed by Hornady for SOCOM, the 6mm ARC delivers exceptional long-range performance from an AR-15. It uses the 6.5 Grendel bolt face and excels at precision shooting and competition.

Cartridge Specifications

SAAMI Max Pressure

52,000 psi

Bullet Diameter

0.243 in

Case Length

1.496 in

Overall Length

2.26 in

Parent Case

6.5 Grendel

Bolt Face

6.5 Grendel

Min Barrel

18 in

Platform

AR-15

Common Bullet Weights and Types

Hornady 103 gr ELD-XHornady 105 gr BTHPHornady 108 gr ELD-M

Muzzle Velocity by Barrel Length

Muzzle Energy by Barrel Length

Bullet Drop Table

Values in inches. 16-inch barrel reference data. Positive values rise above line of sight, negative values fall below.

Load	Zero	100 yd	300 yd	400 yd	500 yd
103 gr ELD-X	200 yd	1.4	-5.8	-16.2	-31.5
103 gr ELD-X	200 yd	1.4	-5.8	-16.2	-31.5
103 gr ELD-X	200 yd	1.4	-5.8	-16.2	-31.5
105 gr BTHP	200 yd	1.4	-5.7	-15.9	-30.8
105 gr BTHP	200 yd	1.4	-5.7	-15.9	-30.8
105 gr BTHP	200 yd	1.4	-5.7	-15.9	-30.8
108 gr ELD-M	200 yd	1.5	-5.9	-16.5	-32
108 gr ELD-M	200 yd	1.5	-5.9	-16.5	-32
108 gr ELD-M	200 yd	1.5	-5.9	-16.5	-32

Wind Drift at 10 mph Crosswind

Drift in inches at a 90 degree full value wind. Estimated from muzzle velocity and G1 ballistic coefficient.

Load	100 yd	200 yd	300 yd	400 yd	500 yd
103 gr ELD-X	3.2	6.5	9.7	12.9	16.2
103 gr ELD-X	3.2	6.3	9.5	12.6	15.8
103 gr ELD-X	3	6.1	9.1	12.1	15.2
105 gr BTHP	3	6	9.1	12.1	15.1
105 gr BTHP	2.9	5.9	8.8	11.8	14.7
105 gr BTHP	2.8	5.7	8.5	11.3	14.2
108 gr ELD-M	3	5.9	8.9	11.9	14.9
108 gr ELD-M	2.9	5.8	8.7	11.6	14.5
108 gr ELD-M	2.8	5.6	8.4	11.2	13.9

Effective Range by Application

Competition0 to 1000 yd

Precision0 to 800 yd

Medium game0 to 500 yd

Barrel Twist Rate Recommendations

103 to 108 gr1:7.5

108 gr and heavier1:7

Published Load Data

Weight	Type	Barrel	MV (fps)	ME (ft-lb)	BC (G1)	Source
103 gr	ELD-X	18 in	2,750	1,729	0.512	Hornady 6mm ARC 103 ELD-X published load data
103 gr	ELD-X	20 in	2,820	1,818	0.512	Hornady 6mm ARC 103 ELD-X published load data
103 gr	ELD-X	24 in	2,930	1,963	0.512	Hornady 6mm ARC 103 ELD-X published load data
105 gr	BTHP	18 in	2,730	1,737	0.53	Hornady 6mm ARC 105 BTHP published load data
105 gr	BTHP	20 in	2,800	1,828	0.53	Hornady 6mm ARC 105 BTHP published load data
105 gr	BTHP	24 in	2,910	1,974	0.53	Hornady 6mm ARC 105 BTHP published load data
108 gr	ELD-M	18 in	2,700	1,748	0.536	Hornady 6mm ARC 108 ELD-M published load data
108 gr	ELD-M	20 in	2,770	1,840	0.536	Hornady 6mm ARC 108 ELD-M published load data
108 gr	ELD-M	24 in	2,880	1,989	0.536	Hornady 6mm ARC 108 ELD-M published load data

Data Disclaimer

Ballistic data is approximate and varies by ammunition lot, barrel condition, altitude, and temperature. Data sourced from Hornady 6mm ARC 103 ELD-X published load data; Hornady 6mm ARC 105 BTHP published load data; Hornady 6mm ARC 108 ELD-M published load data. Always confirm zero and trajectory with your specific firearm.

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Pick the right barrel

Twist rate should match the bullet weights you plan to shoot. See barrel steel grades, profiles, chamber types, and twist rate guidance on the barrel specs page, then jump into the builder to filter barrels chambered in 6mm ARC.

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