Hornady 6mm ARC with 108gr ELDM
Product Overview
The 6mm ARC (Advanced Rimfire Cartridge) is a relatively new rifle cartridge that has gained popularity among competitive shooters and recreational enthusiasts alike. Hornady, a renowned ammunition manufacturer, offers their own version of the 6mm ARC with a 108-grain Extreme Low Drag Match (ELDM) bullet. In this review, I’ll share my experience with this product, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses.
Unboxing and Handling
Upon opening the packaging, I was impressed by the attention to detail and the quality of the presentation. The 20-round box of 6mm ARC 108gr ELDM ammunition was neatly stacked and secured with a individual packaging for each cartridge. The bullets were also wrapped in a protective plastic lanyard to prevent damage during transport.
Performance
I had the opportunity to fire approximately 200 rounds of this ammunition through a custom-built 6mm ARC bolt-action rifle. Here are my observations on its performance:
- Accuracy: The 6mm ARC 108gr ELDM performed exceptionally well, with all 20 rounds grouping within 1 MOA at 100 yards. This is impressive, considering the rifle is not specifically designed for this cartridge.
- Velocity: The advertised velocity of 2,350 ft/s (720 m/s) was consistently achieved, with a slight deviation of ±10 ft/s (3 m/s) between each shot.
- Expansion and Penetration: The ELDM bullet performed as expected, producing a consistent expansion pattern and moderate penetration on target.
- Recoil and Report: The 6mm ARC 108gr ELDM exhibits a moderate recoil impulse, similar to that of a .22 WMR. The muzzle report is surprisingly quiet, considering the velocity and energy behind the cartridge.
Pros and Cons
Here’s a summary of my experience with the Hornady 6mm ARC 108gr ELDM:
Pros:
• Accuracy: Exceptional accuracy, with most rounds grouping within 1 MOA at 100 yards
• Velocity: Consistently achieved the advertised velocity of 2,350 ft/s (720 m/s)
• Expansion and Penetration: The ELDM bullet performed well, with a consistent expansion pattern and moderate penetration on target
• Recoil and Report: Moderate recoil impulse and surprisingly quiet muzzle report
• Value: Competitive pricing compared to other high-quality 6mm ARC products on the market
Cons:
• Availability: At the time of writing, 6mm ARC ammunition is relatively rare and may require patience or a longer lead time for procurement
• Cost-Sensitive Shooters: While competitive pricing, some may find the 6mm ARC 108gr ELDM too expensive for their budget
Conclusion
The Hornady 6mm ARC 108gr ELDM ammunition is an excellent choice for serious competitive shooters and recreational enthusiasts alike. Its exceptional accuracy, consistent velocity, and dependable performance make it a valuable addition to any rifle. While availability and pricing may be a concern for some, the quality and performance of this product warrant consideration.
If you’re in the market for a high-performance 6mm ARC cartridge, I would recommend giving the Hornady 6mm ARC 108gr ELDM a try. With its competitive pricing and exceptional accuracy, it’s a great choice for anyone looking to take their shooting experience to the next level.
