Is the 6mm ARC the Best Caliber for a Bolt Action Rifle in Canada?
The 6mm ARC (Advanced Rifle Cartridge) has generated significant buzz in the firearms community since its introduction. Developed by Hornady to deliver exceptional long-range performance from the AR-15 platform, it has also found its way into bolt-action rifles. The question for many shooters in Canada is whether this cartridge, designed for a semi-automatic, is truly the “best” choice for a dedicated bolt-action rifle. The answer lies in understanding its unique strengths and where it fits in a crowded field of excellent 6mm calibers.
The 6mm ARC’s Strengths in a Bolt Action
The 6mm ARC is far from a slouch in a bolt-action rifle. Its design gives it several key advantages that make it an appealing option for a variety of shooters.
- Remarkably Low Recoil: The 6mm ARC produces very little recoil, often compared to the .223 Remington. This is a significant benefit for new shooters or those who prioritize comfort and the ability to spot their own shots at long range, as it prevents flinching and makes extended practice sessions more enjoyable.
- Efficient and Accurate: The cartridge is designed to push heavy-for-caliber, high-ballistic-coefficient (BC) bullets at moderate velocities, resulting in a flat trajectory and excellent wind resistance. This inherent accuracy makes it a forgiving and rewarding caliber to shoot, whether for target practice or hunting.
- Excellent Barrel Life: Because it uses less powder and operates at lower pressures than some of its larger 6mm counterparts, the 6mm ARC can deliver a longer barrel life, making it a more economical choice in the long run for high-volume shooters.
Where the 6mm ARC is Not the “Best”
While the 6mm ARC is an outstanding all-around cartridge, its status as the “best” for a bolt action is debatable. The primary reason is that its design was constrained by the limitations of the AR-15 magazine. In a bolt-action rifle, these constraints don’t apply, opening the door for other cartridges to excel.
- Better Dedicated Calibers Exist: For pure long-range competition, many shooters prefer purpose-built cartridges like the 6mm BR or 6mm Dasher. These calibers are often considered easier to handload for ultimate accuracy. For those who want more velocity and don’t mind a slight increase in recoil and a shorter barrel life, the 6mm Creedmoor offers a notable performance boost.
- Limited Rifle Platforms: The 6mm ARC uses a small bolt face, often requiring a “mini-action” receiver. While excellent rifles like the Howa Mini Action are available, the selection is more limited compared to the vast number of rifles chambered in more common calibers like the 6.5 Creedmoor or .308 Winchester.
Conclusion: A Specialized Niche, Not a Universal Best
The 6mm ARC is a phenomenal cartridge that delivers a unique blend of minimal recoil, high accuracy, and efficiency. It is arguably the best caliber for an AR-15-style rifle, but for a dedicated bolt-action, it occupies a more specialized niche. It is a fantastic choice for a shooter who values low recoil and long barrel life and wants a rifle that can bridge the gap between a varmint gun and a medium-game hunter.
However, if your goal is to compete in open-class precision shooting or to get the absolute maximum velocity out of a 6mm bullet, other calibers might be a better fit.
Ready to find out if the 6mm ARC is the right choice for your next bolt-action rifle? Visit us at Rangeview Sports in Newmarket, Ontario. Our experts can help you compare the 6mm ARC with other calibers and find a rifle that perfectly matches your shooting goals.
