Definitely, much better than a.223/5.56. It would have been good for the US to have upgraded their service round up to the 6.5 Grendel, or the 6mm ARC. Serbia did and I wonder if any other nations will follow. Military adaptation of loadings brings the availablility up and the cost down.
I did a 6mm ARC build earlier this year! Went with a 12.5” AR on an SBR lower and folding stock. Even from a short barrel the 6mm ARC easily out-performs a 77gr 223/5.56 from an 18” barrel. By 2-300 yards it’s overcome the initial velocity discrepancy and energy remains much better with the ARC. Even with a suppressor the gun is short enough folded to rest horizontal on my passenger seat.
My 6.5 grendel ruger american ranch rifle checked my intermediate scout/stick boxes for the most part. Added boyds at one stock, magpul moe bipod, and vortex strike eagle lpvo, iron sights. It's hands down my favorite
I love my 6 ARC bolt gun. Built it for more "tactical 1300yd gun" based on a Savage 110 SB. She's a sweet shooter and does well with Barnes 112 MB and Varget. The biggest issue with 6 ARC in the bolt gun is that the SAAMI spec leaves a lot on the table and requires handloading.
The 6mm arc is awesome in a gas gun! I just got done writing an article on it for Handloaders magazine. Should be in the next issue of there’s! Oh by the way it’s got a Vortex venom on top for an optic ! As always great show guys!
I'd love to see 6.5 grendel vs 6mm arc. Maybe even incorporate 224 Valkyrie and 22 Nosler or 204 Ruger. I think this area of the cartridge market is really interesting especially how it always seems like each is claimed to be better somehow. It would be extremely cool to see how each compares to each other in ballistics gel testing like you guys do it!!
I bought a Carbon 6.5 PRC Howa barreled action w/hinged floorplate this year and added Stocky's VG2 carbon stock (in carbon fiber) with a can on the front, and man, it's a slick Rick. (Y'all have a photo in a prior email, which Jimmy saw.) Shot it to 700 yards this past week. It's a lot of gun or barreled action for the dollar. I took a solid 4x4 Mule Deer at 330 yards last week with it as well. Can't speak to the 6 ARC but the Howa carbon action, me likey.
I took a big whitetail doe with my 6 ARC in a 20" AR this past season. Killed it just as dead as my 7 Mag killed the muley doe earlier in the season, far less meat loss, and the 7 Mag deer made it 20 yards further after the shot. I love the 6 ARC and I'm glad I came across this video. I'd been thinking about getting the Howa Mini bolt gun and this makes me want the dang thing even more.
Thanks for the heads up on the bottom metal! Definitely an upgrade. I’m building this rifle in 6.5 grendel. Barrel cut to 18.5” and cerakoted burnt bronze.
As someone who also has a 6 ARC and knows the benefits of it, a cartridge war between the 6 ARC and the 6.5 grendel would be awesome. The more people who get on the 6 ARC train, the more they'll produce and the more it'll be available Ryan, with the improved twist rate of 1:8, why are you going with the 80 grain TTSX instead of the 95 grain LRX? Is it only because of the extra velocity for proper expansion at a little longer distances?
I'd assume (and you know what they say about assuming) that since 1) he's been a big fan of the TTSX's for a while and 2) the heavier projectile would have that much more recoil, while the benefits only present themselves at longer ranges. He states at 8:35 that this isn't going to be used at particularly long ranges on larger game, only pushing the distance on smaller critters like antelope. That's my take and it's worth as much as you paid for it ;)
6.5 Grendel > 6 ARC for versatility and hunting and both would be INCREDIBLE using that new bi-metal case tech to get the velocities up. 6 ARC is a really cool round but the 6.5 Grendel can sling heavier bullets when desired. Ive been hunting with the Grendel for over 7 years here in the PNW and I've taken White Tail, Black Tail, Antelope, Coyotes and even a very large cow elk. Im hoping to supress my Grendel(s) soon as its easily my favorite round in its category. In an AR15 its all but unbeatable with the edge going to 6mm ARC for defensive/martial use IMO.
@ignaciovaccaro2745 he's also used the LRX, though, for other cartridges. And since the recoil is so minimal anyway, I personally don't see it being hardly noticeable. There are some benefits to the LRX even if he's shooting game at 300 yards. Higher BC and lower needed velocity for expansion would be the biggest ones. Don't get me wrong, I shot the 80 gr TTSX in my .243 and it killed a lot of deer, I just think the LRX line is better if your rifle has the twist rate to stabilize it
@DB.KOOPER that's why I think that'd be a fun cartridge war. The problem with the 6.5, in my opinion, is that it can't shoot high BC bullets, and even the lighter bullets are being shot at unimpressive velocities. The 6 ARC shoots almost the same weight bullets (I shoot the barnes matchburner 112gr in mine) as the 6.5 grendel (common loading that I've seen is 120) at almost the same speeds. I haven't done the calculations on it, but at some point down range, the 6 ARC will have more energy because of the higher BC bullets. When I first researched the 6.5 grendel (maybe 7 or 8 years ago), I was highly unimpressed, even with the hype about it. I said it doesn't shoot a heavy enough bullet, and it doesn't have the velocity. I got really excited when I saw the 6 ARC, though. By no means am I saying you're wrong for liking the 6.5. I know it has benefits over the 6 ARC.
@DB.KOOPER I wouldn't call the 6.5 Grendel more versatile. Both excel at varmints, coyotes, and deer with low recoil. Both are subpar for elk, though they can do the job with the right bullet and perfect placement. My only thing with the ARC from a bolt action is it is doing the same thing a 6BR Norma can do on a .308 bolt face.
Running the Axis in the arc with 85 gr partitions and 32 gr of Leverevolution muzzle average is 3060 fps for me. Total that gun took 4 antelope and 2 muleys this season all within the 300 yrd envelope. Great performance
I debated the 6arc/6.5 Grengel option and went with the 6.5 and love the 120gr ttsx. I still wonder if the 6arc is any better in real world hunting. I really think it's a toss-up! I also giggled with the recoil of the 6.5. It's also a joy to shoot.
The 6.5 grendel is undoubtedly gonna be a bit better in real world hunting due to the wider frontal area. That said, it won't be terribly different. Ryan mentions that their are not lightweight projectiles in his preferred light weight solid copper type setup but Maker Rex and Barnes both make ±100gr range in 6.5. The Grendel can push those from a 22" barrel realistically in the 2900-3000fps range that his 6 ARC pushes the 85gr ttsx.
I have the 6 ARC in two target (heavy) rifles (bolt and gas). Both of them are tack drivers with the same hand loads. The only reason I haven't built a rifle like Ryan's is I already have a Kimber Hunter rifle in 243 that I like am happy with. If I didn't have the hunting 243 and got to pick from 243 or 6 ARC, I would get get the 6ARC without thinking about it. The 6 ARC has been stupid accurate for me. Ryan's rifle is a home run.
Ive bounced around getting an ARC in a bolt gun but I've had a Grendel since it came out and already have multiple AR's and a Howa bolt gun... I run the 100gr ttsx and I've killed lots of deer and a metric crap load of hogs. One day I'll make the leap to the ARC because it really is a phenomenal cartridge. Great video as always keepem coming guys!!!
I love my 6arc AR. Built it with an Aero enhanced upper and 18” Proof Research stainless match barrel w/ +1 rifle length gas block. It runs beautifully suppressed and unsuppressed. It is a hammer on hogs and coyotes and is everything I wanted. Gonna be handloading this weekend now that i have brass and excited to get some lighter weight (than factory) bullets loaded and see how it does on bobcats and coyotes then. Paired with my Iray thermal it’s amazing!
I absolutely love the Howa 1500 action. I have 3 Weatherby Vanguards. There isn’t anything wrong with the HACT trigger but I put a Timney on all of mine. The integral recoil lug alone makes it an upgrade over the Rem 700.
@@redleg84yes but make sure you are buying a mini action trigger. There are also spring kits available for the stock triggers. I swapped all 4 of mine to timney. Brownells is the place for howa parts
I do not have a Howa mini action personally but from what I have read the Howa Timney does fit. My Weatherbys are short and long action and the trigger fits them just fine. I have to agree with @kirkmartin2223 though, Brownells is a great place to inquire.
@@kirkmartin2223Timney doesn’t make a mini action trigger. I called Legacy Sports/Howa and Timney and had a conversation with both when I had a Howa superlite…because that rifle is kind of odd…it’s kind of a Howa 1500 but also kind of a mini action. Both Howa and Timney told me that there’s essentially no difference between the mini action trigger and the regular 1500 trigger, but I might have to cut a good portion of the front of the trigger housing off the Timney. There’s nothing in that part of the trigger assembly, but that’s not an ideal solution. I never messed with it…there were things I didn’t like about the Howa so it’s gone and I have a Tikka Superlite that I’m running instead
21:20 spot on Ryan. My previous rifle was a Rem 700 and I replaced it with a Howa 1500. Extremely well made action for the price. It's not as buttery smooth as a Tikka but holds it's own putting holes in paper / ringing steel.
Thirty years ago I bought a Mini Mauser barreled action in 7.62 X 39 and put it into a fiberglass stock. This was to be my daughters first deer rifle. Very similar idea!
I have a mini howa set up extremely similar to this, 20in 6.5 Grendel with a B&C stock, 2-12 scope on top, sub 6.5lb works great for light plinking and deer inside 300yds and is super easy to carry all day
I've been looking at the Howa mini actions as well. I sent Jefferson Outdoors an email inquiring about bottom metal availability. They've been out of stock for quite a while and I'm not going to be happy with the factory bottom plastic/detachable magazine. So if I can't get the bottom metal I might not get the rifle.
@@scotteger6271 watch their site semi regularly, the bottom metal comes in stock in little trickles. I myself need atleast one hinged bottom metal myself, last time I saw them in stock was 2-3 weeks ago
This is 100% the gun I asked hawa about last year! Glad they finally started making mini 1500 in 6 arc, hopefully the ruger American follows suit. It's already set up for it, just needa a barrel
I built an Aero Precision gas gun with a 20" bbl and I threw a can on it. I have 9 other gas guns all in different calibers and the 6 ARC is one of my favorites. It makes 1000 yards almost easy. The low recoil allows you to watch the bullet impact and adjust accordingly. For now Hornady and HSM are the only ammo manufacturers I know of. HSM has 3 or 4 options to choose from.
The Howa action is VERY strong! Years ago i had a S&W 1500 ,made by Howa, and mis read my power scale and over loaded a 7MM Rem mag by 10 grains! it sheared off the case face when I opened the bolt but the gun was still in good shape. I was embarrassed but VERY impressed! Quincy Thompson
This is exactly what im looking to put together. My shots typically range from 250 yds in on our property. I read an article years ago about the .243 win and the author said they perform so well on game and the reason was hunters aren’t scared to shoot them so their shot placement was significantly better. So I can imagine the 6 arc is even better.
Love the 6 arc shot two big up north white tails with it last year can't go wrong low recoil running the hornady black 105 gr BTHP. They didn't go 20 both of them
I have the 6mm arc in ar15 have the 6.5 creedmoor in ar10 and the 6.5 prc in bolt action love them all can't pick a favorite from a 100 yards to 300 yards they all work and drop deer the best past 300 6.5 prc all the way
I have been wanting a 6 arc ever since they came out. The only that has kept me from it has been ammo availability. I wish somebody(hornady) would start making varmint loads for it considering they already do for the 243 big brother and some more deer sized game hunting loads for us non-handloaders. Im very happy to see the cartridge gaining traction and hearing somebody so knowledgeable on the subject talking it up only makes me want one even more
The 6mm arc in an AR is amazing. I’d argue a great dmr round but just great for recoil to capacity to function. It’s fun to mag dump. My 20” barrel is arguably just as controllable or more so than my 16” 5.56 upper
I just bought a heavy 20" barrel Howa Mini action in 6mm ARC and I'm excited to get my hands on it after the background check is approved. I view it as the perfect light weight deer/varmint gun. The Ruger American Gen 2 is also a good option.
I have the same rifle in 6.5 Grendel with the Jefferson CZ mag conversion and I absolutely love it, I can't say enough good things about this rifle. I also bought a blind floor plate for hunting season and it runs great too. With a 6mm ARC barreled action on backorder to pair with a new Stocky's Vertical Grip Carbon Fiber stock, I'll just be waiting for Howa to release a 22 ARC version to complete the family. Then and only maybe I'll do a wildcat .257 cal Grendel just for fun.
I have a stock savage axis in 6arc with a 18" heavy threaded barrel, 7.5 twist, around 7lb and it is a sweet shooter. Very comfortable to shoot for long periods of time. Not a nice as the howa set up but its a similar set up. I'll be upgrading to vortex glass once i make up my mind on which scope fits my needs.
From Hornady, the 300 PRC has what our military was asking, or at least the important stuff in that range of a cartridge. And, Ryan, nice rifle/cartridge setup.
Just got mine two weeks ago,have run 20 factory, and 50 hand loads. The hornady black was first and had real stiff bolt lift, medium reloads since and 4 cleanings have eased that a bit. Loading up the next round for the range now, 75 vmax, 100gr.sgk, and 107ssmk, step on these a little. Agree with leverevolution and cfe 223. By the way my barrel is stamped 1 and 7.5 twist !
I wanted a compact and lightweight semi-auto 243 for the longest time, for a woods deer killer. Never found one that was the right fit for me. Decided to build a 6ARC gas gun a few months after Hornady announced it. Zero regrets. Glad i never found the 243 I was after.
I have a CZ 527 in 6.5 Grendel with a 16 " barrel/threaded that is very nice for this exact purpose (I'm in MT too). I no longer hunt elk as a deer is now sufficient for my needs. I also have a DIY gas 22" 6ARC build and thoroughly enjoy it. I'm considering rebarreling the Grendel into 6ARC and keep reloading to just the 6ARC, but most likely will go a Howa Mini 6ARC instead and keep the CZ 527 as is. The CZ 527 has a version of a two stage or set trigger that allows you to do either.
I didn’t know about the bottom metal option for the minis, now I have to find one of those probably a Grendel. I love my carbon stalker (7-08) but I couldn’t make myself like that trigger. Timney makes a drop in for it!
My 4 year old rang steel at 100 yards with a red dot 2 weeks ago with my 6mm arc AR. It’s a great child/light weight framed person white tail cartridge
Ryan stated it accurately... the Howa 1500 is an upgrade on the venerable Remington 700 (not a small statement)... and does not get the love it deserves...
I bought that same bottom metal for my mini action x39 and its actually 3 oz heavier than the atrocious plastic factory mag and trigger guard but its worth the xtra weight....I also swapped out the trigger for a timney 611 and a basic b&c stock ..now its 7.3lbs all in... nice and handy little woods guns
Tried the ttsx because of your cartilage talk last year and love it in the Arc. Mirrored a lot of Johnny's loads and seen the same results as him, me also in the Odin 18 barrel like his. Slightly less performance from the LRX and CX but do have a 10rd mag of CXs for the next pig. LVR powder is the only thing that I use because speed is superior. First time out to 625 yd on target, hit 2 of 3 at 750 and only miss was because I wasn't sure I hit the first shot. Was using eld x and LVR powder. I have also found that I can shoot it all day without worrying about the heat minus the case pickup.
I've got a 6.5 Grendel mini-lite for my son to grow into. It has the standard OD green youth stock and a Kryptek HTI stock. I got myself a 6mm ARC and it is the 22 inch standard barrel with a B&C M40 stock. Both have the same Jefferson Outdoor bottom metal. Factory 108 Hornady uses 30.0 gr of Lever.
My current dream rifle is a howa carbon stalker in 350 legend but I'm waiting on Jefferson Outdoors to create a hinged floor specifically for the 350 before I pull the trigger. I currently have the same rifle in 450bm and it is a handful even suppressed. The 450bm with a sling, suppressor, and vortex optic it comes in about 7lbs. PS I ordered the stock for the 450 since it never came from the factory that way. Ryan happy hunting with your new rifle.
I’ve never clicked a video so fast. This is essentially the build I’ve been planning, but yours is honestly a little heavier than what I envision. I’d go with a shorter barrel and I want to make my own custom carbon stock. With the mini action and those mods I think it’s not unrealistic to build a sub-5lb hunting rifle. I just wish Vortex sold a super lightweight fixed power scope to put on it like the Leupold 4x rimfire.
Speaking of versatile cartridges, it would be really interesting to see y’all do a cartridge talk on 357 magnum. From the number of handguns and nifty rifles it suits to fit it would be good to hear more about its history and famed do all defense/hunting uses.
I just got mine in today. Out of the box it weighed 4 lbs. 15 oz. I'm going to put my Trijicon that weighs 13.4 oz on it, so I'm hoping it will come in right around 6 lbs. give or take a hair. Rings will be DNZ one piece game reaper. I can't put it down. I'm falling in love, LOL!
25:59 the reason the barrel length doesn't make as big of a difference for the accuracy of the 6 ARC is because of the small powder capacity. The less powder, the less things affect it
remember those Howas that are sold as weatherbys. seems like a great rifle to scratch for Ryan that itch, whereas for many of us a classic 243 wood stock old classic or a modeern version, or a 6 creed might be what we want for same targets.
Worked up one ladder test of 80 ttsx in 6 arc. 65 thou off the lands and TAC powder. 1 grain below hornady book max for their 80 gr cx bullet gives me over 3,100 and 3/4 moa 5 shot
#10minutetalk Hopefully Ryan films 🎥 his hunts with this rifle. Would love to see more 6 ARC bolt gun hunting videos. Trying to see how well it works on critters like whitetail deer, mule deer, hogs etc.
Kimber’s Adirondack has a blind magazine, single stage trigger and in 6.5 Creed with an Aimpont T2 Micro is my Eastern version of Ryan’s rifle. It is what I’d grab for so many applications.
Put together nearly the same rifle but in Grendel. Same Stocky’s carbon stock, same Jefferson bottom metal, 20” lightweight Howa barreled action. As interested as I am in the 6ARC, I’m invested in Grendel at this point and don’t think I can justify switching for the minuscule improvements inside 400yds.
Not sure if Ryan will see this but I love the Barnes bullets for hunting just as much as him. That being said I would try and get the 80 gr CX to shoot out of the 6arc vs the TTSX. A number of my own tests have shown in that grain weight and diameter out of the .243 the CX gets a fairly consistent 150 yards of extra range with useful expansion on the bullets at the same muzzle velocity.
I found myself in much the same place and 3 years ago I built a 6.5 Grendel in an AR. I have ammo, dies, brass, factory ammo, spare barrels and bolts so no switching out now to 6 Arc since I am already this invested in 6.5 Grendel.
Happy that the ARC is finally catching on with the bolt gun world, their was a guy on Texas Plinking a couple weeks ago that got a 3rd round impact at 1000 yards with a bone stock Savage 110 tactical in 6 ARC.
Just ordered my action with a 20in heavy barrel. And a jtac elf owl chassis. Quite excited, had a gas gun for about 1.5 years but sadly it just won't shoot what I'd like it to.
I’ve been on the Howa Carbon Stalker in 6mm ARC bandwagon for a long time. Throw a short, lightweight can on the end like the OCL Hydrogen K and you’re golden.
I love how carefully and deliberately Ryan speaks. Dude knows his stuff and articulates himself in a maner which exudes professionalism
I wish I could be a quarter as articulate and and deliberate as Ryan. But ADHD mouth go brrr to the point I trip over my own words.
@@wongkeebs4327I feel that. Ohh squirrel!
So glad Ryan finally jumped on the 6mm ARC. The cartridge needs more love.
It does. The Grendel is bread, but the 6ARC is garlic bread.
That makes sense.
We need better mags desperately
Loving mine
No
6mm arc vs 6.5 Grendel next cartridge shoot out? Would be interesting to see more about these 2 cases as a hunter.
I agree, especially in factory available ammunition offerings. Hand loading is fine and all, but off the shelf makes it more apples to apples.
6nn arc
The 6mm ARC is the best all around cartridge for an AR anywhere too. It deserves more love for sure.
Definitely, much better than a.223/5.56. It would have been good for the US to have upgraded their service round up to the 6.5 Grendel, or the 6mm ARC. Serbia did and I wonder if any other nations will follow. Military adaptation of loadings brings the availablility up and the cost down.
Even Hornady has moved on from 6 arc
@@DinoNucci no they didn't
@@austindiaz6767 wrong
@@DinoNucci ok if that's true tell me where you found this info
Ryan has been talking about a stick gun for a while now. Happy you got close to what you wanted
I did a 6mm ARC build earlier this year! Went with a 12.5” AR on an SBR lower and folding stock. Even from a short barrel the 6mm ARC easily out-performs a 77gr 223/5.56 from an 18” barrel. By 2-300 yards it’s overcome the initial velocity discrepancy and energy remains much better with the ARC. Even with a suppressor the gun is short enough folded to rest horizontal on my passenger seat.
My 6.5 grendel ruger american ranch rifle checked my intermediate scout/stick boxes for the most part. Added boyds at one stock, magpul moe bipod, and vortex strike eagle lpvo, iron sights. It's hands down my favorite
How’s the accuracy with factory ammo?
I love my 6 ARC bolt gun. Built it for more "tactical 1300yd gun" based on a Savage 110 SB. She's a sweet shooter and does well with Barnes 112 MB and Varget.
The biggest issue with 6 ARC in the bolt gun is that the SAAMI spec leaves a lot on the table and requires handloading.
The 6mm arc is awesome in a gas gun! I just got done writing an article on it for Handloaders magazine. Should be in the next issue of there’s! Oh by the way it’s got a Vortex venom on top for an optic ! As always great show guys!
Will keep an eye out for that
Stop shouting. "Theirs" by the way.
I love these podcasts. Ryan is a stud. Guy knows his stuff
I'd love to see 6.5 grendel vs 6mm arc. Maybe even incorporate 224 Valkyrie and 22 Nosler or 204 Ruger. I think this area of the cartridge market is really interesting especially how it always seems like each is claimed to be better somehow. It would be extremely cool to see how each compares to each other in ballistics gel testing like you guys do it!!
yes
22 ARC for uniformity. That would be an awesome three way competition with the bullets doing most of the talking
Good stuff, I can't get enough of the content these guys are putting out. I believe it may make me a cartridge nerd, and I'm OK with that. 😂
I bought a Carbon 6.5 PRC Howa barreled action w/hinged floorplate this year and added Stocky's VG2 carbon stock (in carbon fiber) with a can on the front, and man, it's a slick Rick. (Y'all have a photo in a prior email, which Jimmy saw.) Shot it to 700 yards this past week. It's a lot of gun or barreled action for the dollar. I took a solid 4x4 Mule Deer at 330 yards last week with it as well. Can't speak to the 6 ARC but the Howa carbon action, me likey.
I took a big whitetail doe with my 6 ARC in a 20" AR this past season. Killed it just as dead as my 7 Mag killed the muley doe earlier in the season, far less meat loss, and the 7 Mag deer made it 20 yards further after the shot.
I love the 6 ARC and I'm glad I came across this video. I'd been thinking about getting the Howa Mini bolt gun and this makes me want the dang thing even more.
Thanks for the heads up on the bottom metal! Definitely an upgrade. I’m building this rifle in 6.5 grendel. Barrel cut to 18.5” and cerakoted burnt bronze.
As someone who also has a 6 ARC and knows the benefits of it, a cartridge war between the 6 ARC and the 6.5 grendel would be awesome. The more people who get on the 6 ARC train, the more they'll produce and the more it'll be available
Ryan, with the improved twist rate of 1:8, why are you going with the 80 grain TTSX instead of the 95 grain LRX? Is it only because of the extra velocity for proper expansion at a little longer distances?
I'd assume (and you know what they say about assuming) that since 1) he's been a big fan of the TTSX's for a while and 2) the heavier projectile would have that much more recoil, while the benefits only present themselves at longer ranges. He states at 8:35 that this isn't going to be used at particularly long ranges on larger game, only pushing the distance on smaller critters like antelope. That's my take and it's worth as much as you paid for it ;)
6.5 Grendel > 6 ARC for versatility and hunting and both would be INCREDIBLE using that new bi-metal case tech to get the velocities up. 6 ARC is a really cool round but the 6.5 Grendel can sling heavier bullets when desired. Ive been hunting with the Grendel for over 7 years here in the PNW and I've taken White Tail, Black Tail, Antelope, Coyotes and even a very large cow elk. Im hoping to supress my Grendel(s) soon as its easily my favorite round in its category. In an AR15 its all but unbeatable with the edge going to 6mm ARC for defensive/martial use IMO.
@ignaciovaccaro2745 he's also used the LRX, though, for other cartridges. And since the recoil is so minimal anyway, I personally don't see it being hardly noticeable. There are some benefits to the LRX even if he's shooting game at 300 yards. Higher BC and lower needed velocity for expansion would be the biggest ones. Don't get me wrong, I shot the 80 gr TTSX in my .243 and it killed a lot of deer, I just think the LRX line is better if your rifle has the twist rate to stabilize it
@DB.KOOPER that's why I think that'd be a fun cartridge war. The problem with the 6.5, in my opinion, is that it can't shoot high BC bullets, and even the lighter bullets are being shot at unimpressive velocities. The 6 ARC shoots almost the same weight bullets (I shoot the barnes matchburner 112gr in mine) as the 6.5 grendel (common loading that I've seen is 120) at almost the same speeds. I haven't done the calculations on it, but at some point down range, the 6 ARC will have more energy because of the higher BC bullets. When I first researched the 6.5 grendel (maybe 7 or 8 years ago), I was highly unimpressed, even with the hype about it. I said it doesn't shoot a heavy enough bullet, and it doesn't have the velocity. I got really excited when I saw the 6 ARC, though. By no means am I saying you're wrong for liking the 6.5. I know it has benefits over the 6 ARC.
@DB.KOOPER I wouldn't call the 6.5 Grendel more versatile. Both excel at varmints, coyotes, and deer with low recoil. Both are subpar for elk, though they can do the job with the right bullet and perfect placement. My only thing with the ARC from a bolt action is it is doing the same thing a 6BR Norma can do on a .308 bolt face.
Running the Axis in the arc with 85 gr partitions and 32 gr of Leverevolution muzzle average is 3060 fps for me. Total that gun took 4 antelope and 2 muleys this season all within the 300 yrd envelope. Great performance
I debated the 6arc/6.5 Grengel option and went with the 6.5 and love the 120gr ttsx. I still wonder if the 6arc is any better in real world hunting. I really think it's a toss-up! I also giggled with the recoil of the 6.5. It's also a joy to shoot.
The 6.5 grendel is undoubtedly gonna be a bit better in real world hunting due to the wider frontal area.
That said, it won't be terribly different. Ryan mentions that their are not lightweight projectiles in his preferred light weight solid copper type setup but Maker Rex and Barnes both make ±100gr range in 6.5. The Grendel can push those from a 22" barrel realistically in the 2900-3000fps range that his 6 ARC pushes the 85gr ttsx.
I have the 6 ARC in two target (heavy) rifles (bolt and gas). Both of them are tack drivers with the same hand loads. The only reason I haven't built a rifle like Ryan's is I already have a Kimber Hunter rifle in 243 that I like am happy with.
If I didn't have the hunting 243 and got to pick from 243 or 6 ARC, I would get get the 6ARC without thinking about it. The 6 ARC has been stupid accurate for me.
Ryan's rifle is a home run.
Ryan looks at that rifle build like it's his first born , love it 😀
Ive bounced around getting an ARC in a bolt gun but I've had a Grendel since it came out and already have multiple AR's and a Howa bolt gun... I run the 100gr ttsx and I've killed lots of deer and a metric crap load of hogs. One day I'll make the leap to the ARC because it really is a phenomenal cartridge. Great video as always keepem coming guys!!!
Ryan has excellent taste. I'm drooling over that rifle.
I love my 6arc AR. Built it with an Aero enhanced upper and 18” Proof Research stainless match barrel w/ +1 rifle length gas block. It runs beautifully suppressed and unsuppressed. It is a hammer on hogs and coyotes and is everything I wanted. Gonna be handloading this weekend now that i have brass and excited to get some lighter weight (than factory) bullets loaded and see how it does on bobcats and coyotes then. Paired with my Iray thermal it’s amazing!
I absolutely love the Howa 1500 action. I have 3 Weatherby Vanguards. There isn’t anything wrong with the HACT trigger but I put a Timney on all of mine. The integral recoil lug alone makes it an upgrade over the Rem 700.
Does the timney work on the mini action?
@@redleg84yes but make sure you are buying a mini action trigger. There are also spring kits available for the stock triggers. I swapped all 4 of mine to timney. Brownells is the place for howa parts
I do not have a Howa mini action personally but from what I have read the Howa Timney does fit. My Weatherbys are short and long action and the trigger fits them just fine. I have to agree with @kirkmartin2223 though, Brownells is a great place to inquire.
@@kirkmartin2223Timney doesn’t make a mini action trigger.
I called Legacy Sports/Howa and Timney and had a conversation with both when I had a Howa superlite…because that rifle is kind of odd…it’s kind of a Howa 1500 but also kind of a mini action.
Both Howa and Timney told me that there’s essentially no difference between the mini action trigger and the regular 1500 trigger, but I might have to cut a good portion of the front of the trigger housing off the Timney. There’s nothing in that part of the trigger assembly, but that’s not an ideal solution.
I never messed with it…there were things I didn’t like about the Howa so it’s gone and I have a Tikka Superlite that I’m running instead
21:20 spot on Ryan. My previous rifle was a Rem 700 and I replaced it with a Howa 1500. Extremely well made action for the price. It's not as buttery smooth as a Tikka but holds it's own putting holes in paper / ringing steel.
I'm shocked that Ruger still hasn't released an American chambered in 6 ARC.
They just launched the Gen2 Americans and the ARC was included
I opened up a box of 6 ARC in the gun store the other day and yeah, that little cartridge is just adorable
Thirty years ago I bought a Mini Mauser barreled action in 7.62 X 39 and put it into a fiberglass stock. This was to be my daughters first deer rifle. Very similar idea!
Tikka needs to make a 6mm arc rifle
I have a mini howa set up extremely similar to this, 20in 6.5 Grendel with a B&C stock, 2-12 scope on top, sub 6.5lb works great for light plinking and deer inside 300yds and is super easy to carry all day
I've been looking at the Howa mini actions as well. I sent Jefferson Outdoors an email inquiring about bottom metal availability. They've been out of stock for quite a while and I'm not going to be happy with the factory bottom plastic/detachable magazine. So if I can't get the bottom metal I might not get the rifle.
@@scotteger6271 watch their site semi regularly, the bottom metal comes in stock in little trickles. I myself need atleast one hinged bottom metal myself, last time I saw them in stock was 2-3 weeks ago
@@scotteger6271 They are back in stock as of 5min ago, I just picked one up, hope you can grab one too
This is 100% the gun I asked hawa about last year! Glad they finally started making mini 1500 in 6 arc, hopefully the ruger American follows suit. It's already set up for it, just needa a barrel
Glad you finally got THE piece. And thanks for showing it and discussing. Another great podcast, men ... keep it coming.
The Howa was on my list, But i went with a Christensen Ridgeline fft all carbon..
I built an Aero Precision gas gun with a 20" bbl and I threw a can on it. I have 9 other gas guns all in different calibers and the 6 ARC is one of my favorites. It makes 1000 yards almost easy. The low recoil allows you to watch the bullet impact and adjust accordingly. For now Hornady and HSM are the only ammo manufacturers I know of. HSM has 3 or 4 options to choose from.
The Howa action is VERY strong! Years ago i had a S&W 1500 ,made by Howa, and mis read my power scale and over loaded a 7MM Rem mag by 10 grains! it sheared off the case face when I opened the bolt but the gun was still in good shape. I was embarrassed but VERY impressed! Quincy Thompson
This is exactly what im looking to put together. My shots typically range from 250 yds in on our property. I read an article years ago about the .243 win and the author said they perform so well on game and the reason was hunters aren’t scared to shoot them so their shot placement was significantly better. So I can imagine the 6 arc is even better.
LOVE LOVE LOVE my Howa rifles. Smoothest action on the market and shoot lights out.
Love the 6 arc shot two big up north white tails with it last year can't go wrong low recoil running the hornady black 105 gr BTHP. They didn't go 20 both of them
I have the 6mm arc in ar15 have the 6.5 creedmoor in ar10 and the 6.5 prc in bolt action love them all can't pick a favorite from a 100 yards to 300 yards they all work and drop deer the best past 300 6.5 prc all the way
I have been wanting a 6 arc ever since they came out. The only that has kept me from it has been ammo availability. I wish somebody(hornady) would start making varmint loads for it considering they already do for the 243 big brother and some more deer sized game hunting loads for us non-handloaders. Im very happy to see the cartridge gaining traction and hearing somebody so knowledgeable on the subject talking it up only makes me want one even more
Thanks for tuning in and we hope you are able to pull the trigger (pun intended) on a 6ARC rifle sometime soon!
I've got my 6arc with 95 grain Barnes lrx to 2900fps with varget. Very accurate in 22" savage switchback. Just another good deer bullet option
The 6mm arc in an AR is amazing. I’d argue a great dmr round but just great for recoil to capacity to function. It’s fun to mag dump. My 20” barrel is arguably just as controllable or more so than my 16” 5.56 upper
The new SilencerCo Scythe Ti would fit super well on that lightweight build! I’m dying to get that can on my hunting rifle!
I just bought a heavy 20" barrel Howa Mini action in 6mm ARC and I'm excited to get my hands on it after the background check is approved.
I view it as the perfect light weight deer/varmint gun.
The Ruger American Gen 2 is also a good option.
I have a Grendel mini carbon stalker and a .308 Superlite. Both are fantastic hunting rifles.
YEEEEEEESSSSSSSSS finally somebody talking about this rifle. I have been starving for info before i make a decision to buy.
Need an update on the hunt and rifle!
I have the same rifle in 6.5 Grendel with the Jefferson CZ mag conversion and I absolutely love it, I can't say enough good things about this rifle. I also bought a blind floor plate for hunting season and it runs great too. With a 6mm ARC barreled action on backorder to pair with a new Stocky's Vertical Grip Carbon Fiber stock, I'll just be waiting for Howa to release a 22 ARC version to complete the family. Then and only maybe I'll do a wildcat .257 cal Grendel just for fun.
I have a stock savage axis in 6arc with a 18" heavy threaded barrel, 7.5 twist, around 7lb and it is a sweet shooter. Very comfortable to shoot for long periods of time.
Not a nice as the howa set up but its a similar set up. I'll be upgrading to vortex glass once i make up my mind on which scope fits my needs.
I’d love to see Ryan go over his bullet selection for his selection of hunts! Enjoy the podcast boys.
Had Howa here in Oz for years and they are known as a good honest rifle for a decent price. Have a 7mm REM mag and it shoots sub MOA every day
From Hornady, the 300 PRC has what our military was asking, or at least the important stuff in that range of a cartridge.
And, Ryan, nice rifle/cartridge setup.
Just got mine two weeks ago,have run 20 factory, and 50 hand loads. The hornady black was first and had real stiff bolt lift, medium reloads since and 4 cleanings have eased that a bit. Loading up the next round for the range now, 75 vmax, 100gr.sgk, and 107ssmk, step on these a little. Agree with leverevolution and cfe 223. By the way my barrel is stamped 1 and 7.5 twist !
I wanted a compact and lightweight semi-auto 243 for the longest time, for a woods deer killer. Never found one that was the right fit for me.
Decided to build a 6ARC gas gun a few months after Hornady announced it. Zero regrets. Glad i never found the 243 I was after.
I have a CZ 527 in 6.5 Grendel with a 16 " barrel/threaded that is very nice for this exact purpose (I'm in MT too). I no longer hunt elk as a deer is now sufficient for my needs. I also have a DIY gas 22" 6ARC build and thoroughly enjoy it. I'm considering rebarreling the Grendel into 6ARC and keep reloading to just the 6ARC, but most likely will go a Howa Mini 6ARC instead and keep the CZ 527 as is. The CZ 527 has a version of a two stage or set trigger that allows you to do either.
I didn’t know about the bottom metal option for the minis, now I have to find one of those probably a Grendel. I love my carbon stalker (7-08) but I couldn’t make myself like that trigger. Timney makes a drop in for it!
I love my Howa 6 Arc
With the 108 Eld x .33 MOA @ 700 yards
Everyone who has shot my rifle wants one now
What model howa do you have?
My 4 year old rang steel at 100 yards with a red dot 2 weeks ago with my 6mm arc AR. It’s a great child/light weight framed person white tail cartridge
Ryan stated it accurately... the Howa 1500 is an upgrade on the venerable Remington 700 (not a small statement)... and does not get the love it deserves...
My buddy just bought one we’re loading the 80g ttsx in the rifle. I’m very impressed with the gun. Velocity is key.
I have the mini elevate. Cf barrel and stock. Exact floor plate as well. I'm enjoying this rifle very much
Totally agree with the hinged floor plate for a hunting rifle. Most Howa rifles come with a hinged floor plate.
Time for an update from Ryan on this rifle and how it has played out. #rereview
Great gun and great cartrage would love to shoot one some day. Still will take my 350 legend for 300 and in though
I have two howa mini's and love them both. One 20" heavy and a 22" Grendel ultralight. Just wish Howa would put out a left handed action
I love that Hornady released bolt gun reloading data. Which wakes up the cartridge considerably.
So many episodes ive watched and just now noticed Costanza in the background. Nice touch.
I bought that same bottom metal for my mini action x39 and its actually 3 oz heavier than the atrocious plastic factory mag and trigger guard but its worth the xtra weight....I also swapped out the trigger for a timney 611 and a basic b&c stock ..now its 7.3lbs all in... nice and handy little woods guns
I have the same gun in 6.5 Grendel, by far my favorite deer gun
Tried the ttsx because of your cartilage talk last year and love it in the Arc. Mirrored a lot of Johnny's loads and seen the same results as him, me also in the Odin 18 barrel like his. Slightly less performance from the LRX and CX but do have a 10rd mag of CXs for the next pig. LVR powder is the only thing that I use because speed is superior. First time out to 625 yd on target, hit 2 of 3 at 750 and only miss was because I wasn't sure I hit the first shot. Was using eld x and LVR powder. I have also found that I can shoot it all day without worrying about the heat minus the case pickup.
I've got a 6.5 Grendel mini-lite for my son to grow into. It has the standard OD green youth stock and a Kryptek HTI stock. I got myself a 6mm ARC and it is the 22 inch standard barrel with a B&C M40 stock. Both have the same Jefferson Outdoor bottom metal. Factory 108 Hornady uses 30.0 gr of Lever.
My current dream rifle is a howa carbon stalker in 350 legend but I'm waiting on Jefferson Outdoors to create a hinged floor specifically for the 350 before I pull the trigger. I currently have the same rifle in 450bm and it is a handful even suppressed. The 450bm with a sling, suppressor, and vortex optic it comes in about 7lbs. PS I ordered the stock for the 450 since it never came from the factory that way. Ryan happy hunting with your new rifle.
I’ve never clicked a video so fast. This is essentially the build I’ve been planning, but yours is honestly a little heavier than what I envision. I’d go with a shorter barrel and I want to make my own custom carbon stock. With the mini action and those mods I think it’s not unrealistic to build a sub-5lb hunting rifle. I just wish Vortex sold a super lightweight fixed power scope to put on it like the Leupold 4x rimfire.
Howa has been my go to for years
Speaking of versatile cartridges, it would be really interesting to see y’all do a cartridge talk on 357 magnum. From the number of handguns and nifty rifles it suits to fit it would be good to hear more about its history and famed do all defense/hunting uses.
Respect for the detachable magazine snub.
🤜💥🤛
I ordered one two months ago bc of this podcast and I’m still waiting on it
I have the howa mini action in 6.5 Grendel, I'm going to eventually look for a used carbon stalker stock
Nice rifle and cartridge! My stick gun is a Ruger American compact in .243 Win with a Leupold vx1. It weighs just 6 lbs 13oz total.
Working on a 6ARC upper for my Kodiak WK-180C rifle currently. Going to use it for Coyote to Deer and maybe Black Bear.
I just got mine in today. Out of the box it weighed 4 lbs. 15 oz. I'm going to put my Trijicon that weighs 13.4 oz on it, so I'm hoping it will come in right around 6 lbs. give or take a hair. Rings will be DNZ one piece game reaper. I can't put it down. I'm falling in love, LOL!
This is wild, i watched your 6mm arc vid yesterday morning and bought a howa mini walnut stock 6mm yesterday evening lol
25:59 the reason the barrel length doesn't make as big of a difference for the accuracy of the 6 ARC is because of the small powder capacity. The less powder, the less things affect it
Recently picked up a Savage 110 Carbon Predator in 6ARC. Love it so far. Haven't completed the break in process yet.
Ryan told me about this gun a couple weeks ago super cool
Man Ryan sure loves his Barnes bullets
remember those Howas that are sold as weatherbys. seems like a great rifle to scratch for Ryan that itch, whereas for many of us a classic 243 wood stock old classic or a modeern version, or a 6 creed might be what we want for same targets.
Worked up one ladder test of 80 ttsx in 6 arc. 65 thou off the lands and TAC powder. 1 grain below hornady book max for their 80 gr cx bullet gives me over 3,100 and 3/4 moa 5 shot
I would say that when the ARC steps into a bolt rig and you have a press things really open up for the arc.
Once you're no longer restricted to magazine length COAL or gas port pressures the possibilities are almost endless.
#10minutetalk Hopefully Ryan films 🎥 his hunts with this rifle. Would love to see more 6 ARC bolt gun hunting videos. Trying to see how well it works on critters like whitetail deer, mule deer, hogs etc.
Kimber’s Adirondack has a blind magazine, single stage trigger and in 6.5 Creed with an Aimpont T2 Micro is my Eastern version of Ryan’s rifle. It is what I’d grab for so many applications.
Put together nearly the same rifle but in Grendel. Same Stocky’s carbon stock, same Jefferson bottom metal, 20” lightweight Howa barreled action. As interested as I am in the 6ARC, I’m invested in Grendel at this point and don’t think I can justify switching for the minuscule improvements inside 400yds.
My Jefferson State 527 bottom metal is a work of art and feeds great. The stock mag is also fine I just hated the front mag release.
Y'all need to look at the Savage switchback!! Sportsman's warehouse is the only place that I've seen it /bought it but WOW what a shooter!
Not sure if Ryan will see this but I love the Barnes bullets for hunting just as much as him. That being said I would try and get the 80 gr CX to shoot out of the 6arc vs the TTSX. A number of my own tests have shown in that grain weight and diameter out of the .243 the CX gets a fairly consistent 150 yards of extra range with useful expansion on the bullets at the same muzzle velocity.
I found myself in much the same place and 3 years ago I built a 6.5 Grendel in an AR. I have ammo, dies, brass, factory ammo, spare barrels and bolts so no switching out now to 6 Arc since I am already this invested in 6.5 Grendel.
Happy that the ARC is finally catching on with the bolt gun world, their was a guy on Texas Plinking a couple weeks ago that got a 3rd round impact at 1000 yards with a bone stock Savage 110 tactical in 6 ARC.
Just ordered my action with a 20in heavy barrel. And a jtac elf owl chassis. Quite excited, had a gas gun for about 1.5 years but sadly it just won't shoot what I'd like it to.
Yes definitely intrigued!! Good luck on your antelope hunt Ryan.
Your interest in front area made sense after you said you wanted to shoot Barnes.
I would compare them to the 103 eldx
I’ve been on the Howa Carbon Stalker in 6mm ARC bandwagon for a long time. Throw a short, lightweight can on the end like the OCL Hydrogen K and you’re golden.