Thread: 6mm ARC - What would yours look like

Originally Posted by Hunter_Nick

This here is exactly why my 6x45 is in danger of being relegated to the bench. This reality dawned on me when I saw it and the model 7 side by side in the safe - the M7 action is basically the same size as the ‘little’ BSA Hunter, but has so much more power capability. Why try and wring the neck of a small cartridge when I can use a bigger one, in a package the same size. With no disadvantages…. Except a bit more powder burnt.

The ARC has merit in a true mini action, for a niche capability I think. I had contemplated it to go in the BSA action, but after this revelation, I won’t be.

Yes, agreed. Ive also been thinking about this recently, when ive been playing around with reduced loads for my 8 year old lad to shoot 243 and 6.5 Creed (both in Model 7 actions). You can easily load a bigger case down if need be, whereas you cannot load a smaller case up.

I originally was looking at getting another rifle for him, a small case 6mm, or another 6.5 Grendel etc (already briefly had a Howa Mini in 6.5G and didnt really like it for my use at that point).

I loaded the 243 down to around 6x45 velocities with an 80gr at 2700 fps, and I loaded the 6.5 Creed down to 6.5 Grendel velocities with a 123 gr eldm at 2570 fps, both using 30gr of IMR4198. Both of these loads each shot 3 shot groups in the .3s" area.

Obviously, both rifles/cartridges have the ability to step up the powder charge, bullet weight and velocity when my lad is ready for that. Also, more importantly, particually in the case of the M7 6.5 Creed, when im taking this rifle on a hunt where theres a chance my boy will be able to take a shot (if in range for him and his reduced ammo), if there is a shot on offer that is too far away for him and we cannot get closer, i can simply chamber a full power 140gr round at 2850 fps and take the shot myself, something i couldnt do if we had a 6.5 Grendel out on the hill with us.

And the M7's are smaller and lighter package than the Howa 'mini' anyway.

So this works for me and my intended use anyway.