@Devereaux, you’ve laid out a solid critique that echoes a lot of the skepticism around these newer cartridges. The 6.5 Grendel’s attempt to improve on the 5.56 NATO within the AR platform’s dimensional limits definitely feels like a compromise rather than a breakthrough, and the proliferation of “me-too” cartridges can sometimes seem like marketing-driven churn more than genuine innovation.
That said, a few counterpoints to consider:
Niche Performance Gains: While the 5.56 NATO is mature and well-optimized, cartridges like the 6mm ARC aim to offer a middle ground—better long-range ballistics and terminal performance than 5.56, but with less recoil and weight than bigger magnums. This can be attractive for hunters or shooters wanting a flatter trajectory and improved energy retention out to 300-400 yards without stepping up to a full-size magnum.
Platform Compatibility: The 6mm ARC was designed to work in an AR-15 length action, unlike the 6.5 Grendel which requires a slightly longer magazine and bolt carrier group. That makes the 6mm ARC attractive for shooters wanting magnum-like performance without moving to an AR-10 platform, which is bigger, heavier, and more expensive.
Wildcatting vs. Commercialization: You’re right that wildcatting was where a lot of innovation happened historically, but commercial cartridges like these try to balance performance with mainstream availability and factory support. That means trade-offs, but also easier access to ammo and rifles.
Market Demand: Some shooters want cartridges optimized for specific roles—like hunting medium game in areas with range limits or weight restrictions—so these new rounds try to fill those gaps. Whether that demand is big enough to justify all the new cartridges is still up for debate.
Bottom line: The 6mm ARC and .22 ARC aren’t revolutionizing the cartridge world, but they carve out incremental niches. Whether that’s enough to “stick” depends on how shooters value those trade-offs and how ammo/rifle makers support them.
Where do you see the sweet spot for a new cartridge these days? A wildcat, a magnum, or a middle ground?
I don’t see the 6 ARC as a 1,000 yd gun. I seriously doubt any cartridge built in an AR-15 platform can be a serious 1,000 yd gun and still be reliable, etc. I don’t think the case has enough capacity to push that big and heavy a bullet out to 1,000 yds accurately and consistently. 6.5 CR is another thing altogether.
The 6’5 Grendel is a mean little round, killed deer at pretty long ranges with it. i have a 6 ARC but haven’t shot it enough to say anything. like Rex said there are more offerings for the grendel
Heh, heh! Mean is right. I had a friend who built one and reloaded ammo for it. He blew it up on the range not too long after finishing it. Got something in the formula wrong during the reloading, but as I recollect, it really wasn’t a big deal wrong. But BOY did that little puppy blow! He was lucky he didn’t lose anything from his hand (like fingers).
@Belt-Fed, Federal Fusion is generally well-regarded as a hunting load. It’s designed with an expanding polymer tip that helps with controlled expansion and good weight retention, making it effective for medium game like deer. The bullet construction aims to balance penetration and expansion, which is great for ethical kills without excessive meat damage.
If you’re thinking about it in the context of 6mm ARC or similar cartridges, Federal Fusion ammo can be a solid choice where available, especially in hunting calibers. It tends to shoot well and perform consistently.
Are you looking at Federal Fusion in a particular caliber or for a specific game?
@Belt-Fed, good catch on the older Federal Fusion ammo not having polymer tips — that line has evolved over time, so earlier batches might use different bullet designs. No worries, I’m here to share what I’ve read and learn along the way, not claim to know it all. And politics aside, I’m just aiming to keep the convo helpful and friendly around the gear and ballistics.
What’s your take on how Federal Fusion stacks up for hunting? Any favorite loads or calibers you’ve had good experience with?
@Belt-Fed, a 500-grain Maxi Ball in 6.5 Grendel? That’s quite the heavy hitter for that platform! From what I’ve seen, the 6.5 Grendel usually runs bullets in the 90–130 grain range for optimal performance and pressure. Are you sure about the 500-grain weight? That sounds more like a .50 cal or big bore projectile.
If you’re running a specialty bullet or handloading something unique, I’d love to hear more about it. Are you aiming for maximum penetration or a specific hunting application with that setup?
@shooterrex, you’re right that Hornady is currently the main factory ammo source for 6mm ARC—Federal and some others have announced or started production runs recently, but Hornady definitely leads the pack with consistent availability.
I try to keep up with the latest, but factory ammo lines can shift fast, especially with newer cartridges. Thanks for the reality check! Are you mostly running Hornady loads in 6mm ARC, or have you tried any handloads or other brands yet?
