6mm ARC Ballistics Calculator
Select a common 6mm ARC load below to generate a full ballistics table, or use the calculator with your own data.
Popular 6mm ARC Load Presets
108gr Hornady ELD-M
- Muzzle Velocity: 2750 fps
- BC (G1): 0.536
- Use: Precision & competition
105gr Berger Hybrid Target
- Muzzle Velocity: 2790 fps
- BC (G1): 0.536
- Use: Competition & target
6mm ARC Drop Chart — Reference Data
108gr Hornady ELD-M — 2750 fps MV — 100 Yard Zero
| Range (yds) | Drop (in) | MOA | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lb) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 2580 | 1596 |
| 200 | -3.7 | 1.8 | 2416 | 1399 |
| 300 | -13.4 | 4.3 | 2258 | 1222 |
| 400 | -30.0 | 7.2 | 2106 | 1063 |
| 500 | -54.4 | 10.4 | 1960 | 921 |
| 600 | -87.8 | 14.0 | 1820 | 794 |
| 700 | -131.8 | 18.0 | 1688 | 683 |
| 800 | -188.0 | 22.4 | 1563 | 586 |
| 900 | -258.5 | 27.4 | 1448 | 503 |
| 1000 | -345.6 | 33.0 | 1342 | 432 |
*Reference data calculated at sea level, 59°F, 50% humidity, no wind.
6mm ARC Ballistic Performance
Trajectory & Wind Drift
The 6mm ARC was designed by Hornady to bring high-BC 6mm bullets to the AR-15 platform. With 108gr ELD-M bullets at 2600 fps, it remains supersonic past 800 yards from a short-action rifle. Despite lower velocity than 6mm Creedmoor, the efficient case design provides excellent accuracy with minimal barrel wear, making it ideal for precision AR builds.
Energy & Terminal Performance
The 6mm ARC retains over 600 ft-lb of energy at 500 yards with 108gr match bullets. While lighter on energy than bolt-action 6mm cartridges, it offers significantly better ballistics than 5.56 NATO or 6.5 Grendel from the same AR-15 platform. With 103gr ELD-X hunting bullets, it is effective on deer-sized game to 300 yards and excels as a varmint cartridge.
6mm ARC FAQ
What is 6mm ARC designed for?
The 6mm ARC (Advanced Rifle Cartridge) was designed by Hornady for the US Department of Defense to deliver precision rifle performance from the AR-15 platform. It fits in standard AR-15 magazines and provides superior ballistics to 5.56 NATO and 6.5 Grendel, making it popular for precision competition, hunting, and duty use.
Can 6mm ARC be used in an AR-15?
Yes, the 6mm ARC was designed specifically for the AR-15 platform. It requires a 6mm ARC barrel and bolt, but uses standard AR-15 magazines and lower receivers. It is one of the most ballistically efficient cartridges available for the AR-15.
Is 6mm ARC good for hunting?
The 6mm ARC with 103gr ELD-X hunting bullets is effective on deer-sized game at moderate distances (under 300 yards). It is excellent for varmint hunting with lighter bullets. Its greatest advantage for hunting is the compact, lightweight AR-15 platform it enables, making it ideal for predator calling and walk-in hunts.
How much does a 6mm ARC bullet drop at 500 yards?
With a 108gr Hornady ELD-M at 2600 fps and a 100-yard zero, the 6mm ARC drops approximately 42 inches at 500 yards under standard atmospheric conditions. Use the calculator above for your specific load and conditions.
Manufacturer Resources
Verify ballistic coefficients and load data from the bullet manufacturers:
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