6mm ARC powder

[IAM Rand]

I just acquired a CMMG 6mm ARC. Looking at reload data, mainly from Hornady, shows all the powders I don’t have. I have seen the 6.5 Grendal compared to the ARC. I was thinking that if I drop the load down about 10% and work my way up. Most of my powders work well in an AR.

Any suggestions? I have Benchmark, AR15 and several others along that line.

 

[Dino1]

Leverevolution and CFE223 are the two best.
XBR8208
BL-C2
AR Comp

And a few others. Get the Hodgen manual, the new one just released it is in magazine form and cost like 10 bucks, it has the most listed powders. The loads in it are on the light side, but you will have to work up your own loads. It also does not have any bolt action loads.

I have been shooting and loading for the 6ARC since it was released June of 2020. I have four of them including a bolt action, and getting ready to add another bolt gun.

What powders do you have besides the ones you listed? Powders are starting to become more available as of late.

Benchmark and AR15 are a little to hot for this round, you might have cycling issues with them.

 

[IAM Rand]

That is the problem, it is still a powder desert. If I want to pay $50 or more for a pound of one of those powders then I am good to go. Most of my powders are for bigger calibers: 3031, 4350, RL 17-19-22, etc. They list benchmark for some of the lighter bullets. Just though that if a start with a smaller amount I could work my way up.

 

[Dino1]

Holy ****... 50 bucks a pound! Powder is plentiful in my area, along with primers and bullets as of late. Things are coming around, folks are not buying as much and prices are dropping every week.

It would be easier to help you if I knew what bullet you are loading. I have tried powders that are not on the published list with out much success except for BL-C2 which is now on the list of powders to use. You may just have to suck it up and purchase some approved powder or use a bullet between 58 and 90 grains for your benchmark. 4350 may work for a heavy, but it is pretty slow burning.

 

[IAM Rand]

I have looked on auction sites locally and a pound of powder routinely goes for 50+. Don't even get me started on GB. All of the local and national sporting goods have zero powder or primers. Bullets are barely on the shelf and ammo is just the stuff that no one wants.

Right now, I was able to find 200 rounds of Hornady 100gr boat tails. That was only at 1 sporting goods store. Bass Pro and Cabela's are not much better. I have also checked Midway USA, Mid South Shooters, Natchez, and many others. Brass is also non existent. I was lucky enough to get 200 rounds thrown in with the rifle which is why I am going to reload. I have seen the same ammo on GB for 400-500 for 200 rounds, crazy.

If I were you, I would buy up what I can and sell it on GB. People are just freaking out. You could retire in short order.

 

[IAM Rand]

By the way, what is your area. I might have to take my next vacation there. Make a big care package to send to myself.

 

[IAM Rand]

I need to go out and buy a lottery ticket. Just checked Midway USA and they had Leverevolution. Bought 2 lbs. I will believe it when I see them on the work bench.

 

[Dino1]

You can load just about anything with Lever, so it looks like your on the right path. I just purchased 200 Berger 109gn long range hybrid target bullets from Midsouth Shooters today for a total now of 1000 of them purchased in a week. Powder is very plentiful along with primers in my area Akron. Ohio. Prices are a little jacked but not to bad. I bought 1000 CCI 450 primers a month ago for 37 bucks, but you could only buy one brick, Lever was 172 bucks for 8# jug limit one, I picked up one of them as well. I'm pretty much set with supplies for at least two maybe three years with what I have now. But I buy more than I shoot to replace my inventory, that's why my stock is always plentiful. My insurance guy would freak if he walked in my loading room.

 

[IAM Rand]

That is good for the Lever. I paid about 35 and change per pound on Midway. Got 2#s. I am kinda anal though. I like testing several powders to try and find the best one. Hoping that Lever is the one. I am reloading more for hunting. Hornady claims that it is a good round up to an elk. Call me skeptical on that. Deer and Pronghorn, sure. Elk, eh. Not going to find out. I am going to be sticking with the heavier 90-100+ range.