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6mm ARC Barrel Length

JaoeyP

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Minuteman
Nov 28, 2018
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Checking to see if anyone has real world data for 6 ARC velocities for 20", 22", and 24" barrels in an AR. Post what you have and ACTUAL recorded velocities.
 
In case you are interested in 18in barrel on a bolt gun
Factory Hornady 103 ELDX - 2641 avg
Factory Hornady 105 BTHP - 2644 avg
Factory Honrady 108 ELDM - 2623 avg
Varget 27.5 (think thats too hot for AR) 103 EDX is 2571 avg
 
Factory 108's for all. MV varies a bit with temp, my testing has shown ~1.7fps/degree F.

28" bolt gun 2800-2820fps ballpark.
24" AR-15 Bartlein 2725-2745fps
16" AR-15 Faxon "super match", 2540-2560fps
12" Bartlein Pistol (cut down bolt gun barrel)- 2310-2340fps
 
Here are a couple from a brand new rifle - Seekins DMR 6 ARC

22" AR 6 ARC - Factory Hornady Black 105 - 2630
22" AR 6 ARC - Handloads Berger 95 VLD - 2715
2715 fps on the 95gr? That's an unbelievably mild load. You've easily got another 150fps on the table there.
 
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In a 22" CLE/Criterion AR @ 1200' elevation, 80F

Hornady 103 ELD-X 2776 fps
Hornady 105 BTHP - 2714 fps
Hornady 108 ELD-M - 2699 fps

Sierra 107 SMK over 29.0 gr of Lever - 2730 fps
 
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For what it's worth shooting a 22" Ballistic Advantage barrel with 105 VLD's and 29.7gr of Lever or near equal CFE 223 I'm getting consistent 2765fps+/- depending on outside temp. I shoot @ basically sea level in Ellerbe NC,1400 rounds into this barrel so far.
 
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For what it's worth shooting a 22" Ballistic Advantage barrel with 105 VLD's and 29.7gr of Lever or near equal CFE 223 I'm getting consistent 2765fps+/- depending on outside temp. I shoot @ basically sea level in Ellerbe NC,1400 rounds into this barrel so far.
Awesome!

1. What level of precision are you getting from the Ballistic Advantage barrel?
2. Have you tried lighter bullets in the 7 twist? I'm specifically interested in the 87gr VMax and if there are any issues shooting them on a 7 twist. I've done it with my GT in a 7.5 twist without issue.
 
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Awesome!

1. What level of precision are you getting from the Ballistic Advantage barrel?
2. Have you tried lighter bullets in the 7 twist? I'm specifically interested in the 87gr VMax and if there are any issues shooting them on a 7 twist. I've done it with my GT in a 7.5 twist without issue.
Bought it last December just because it was so inexpensive while on sale, think I paid 220$ for it . I wanted to try a longer barrel and thought what the hell if it doesn't shoot I'll just toss it. To my surprise it shoots great, I've had other BA barrels and they've always shot decent so I knew this one had a good shot at shooting good as well. I'm getting consistent under MOA in the 3/4 to 1/2" range. Very pleased with the way it performs but I have to say the lightest projectile I've shot so far is the Berger 95gr VLD Hunter and they shoot in the same range under an inch no problem and seating depth is not an issue. I seat from 2.275 to 2.30 with everything I'm shooting. Never shot the VMax because I like shooting typically 600 to 1100+ and don't think the VMax would be well suited for that but my guess is they would do well. Yes, just an educated guess. Hope that helps, the 6 ARC is a great little gun that really can reach out if you want it to I'm enjoying it
 
Bought it last December just because it was so inexpensive while on sale, think I paid 220$ for it . I wanted to try a longer barrel and thought what the hell if it doesn't shoot I'll just toss it. To my surprise it shoots great, I've had other BA barrels and they've always shot decent so I knew this one had a good shot at shooting good as well. I'm getting consistent under MOA in the 3/4 to 1/2" range. Very pleased with the way it performs but I have to say the lightest projectile I've shot so far is the Berger 95gr VLD Hunter and they shoot in the same range under an inch no problem and seating depth is not an issue. I seat from 2.275 to 2.30 with everything I'm shooting. Never shot the VMax because I like shooting typically 600 to 1100+ and don't think the VMax would be well suited for that but my guess is they would do well. Yes, just an educated guess. Hope that helps, the 6 ARC is a great little gun that really can reach out if you want it to I'm enjoying it
That's awesome, thanks for the input. I ordered a Ballistic Advantage 22" barrel this morning. Looking forward to getting some data of my own!
 
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I’ve been researching this cal for a gas gun upper build. How many loads are you getting on the Hornady brass? I’ve seen comments of 3 loads and primer pockets are toast. Could be over pressure load, but curious what everyone’s experience has been. Thanks.
 
It all depends on how you do your handloads. If you load stuff hot you will loose your primer pockets earlier, if you load by the book 8 or 10 loads no problem in my estimation. I load fairly hot ie: 29.7 to 30.2gr lever with a Berger VLD, Hybrid 105 etc @ around 2.295 COAL. I'm on load 5&6 with some of my Hornady cases and Lapua cases. So far so good, we'll see how long they last. If you like speed you'll loose brass quicker , thats the nature of the beast. I'm pleased so far with brass longevity, if I can average around 7 to 9 firings I'm good. My 2 cents
 
Here are a couple from a brand new rifle - Seekins DMR 6 ARC

22" AR 6 ARC - Factory Hornady Black 105 - 2630
22" AR 6 ARC - Handloads Berger 95 VLD - 2715
How are you liking the Seekins 6 ARC? Is the rifle length gas and 22” barrel causing and issues? Have you shot it suppressed? Does it shoot well?

Take your time, lots of questions. LOL.
 
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22" Bartlain, +2" gas, brake, & factory 108. Rounds 3-7 out of new barrel.
IMG_7326.JPG


22" Rainier UM, +2 gas, brake, & factory 108 same lot as above.
110 rounds on barrel = 2615
255 rounds = 2640
340ish rounds = 2673
 
22" Bartlain, +2" gas, brake, & factory 108. Rounds 3-7 out of new barrel.
View attachment 7993120

22" Rainier UM, +2 gas, brake, & factory 108 same lot as above.
110 rounds on barrel = 2615
255 rounds = 2640
340ish rounds = 2673
Thats good velocity. Wish they would release whatever powder they are using for those loads to the public.
 
Do you think it has leveled off yet?
I pulled the Rainier @ about 400 & switched to the Bartlain. I think it was leveled out.

The last loads I ran in the Rainier were:
Berger 95 VLD @2.270 - 31 Lever = 2942 SD 8.2
Berger 109LRHT @ 2.290 - 29.8 Lever = 2732 SD 6.7
Berger 105 Hyb @2.270 - 30.0 Lever = 2782 SD 7.0
Hornady 108 ELDM @2.290 - 29.8 Lever = 2778 SD 0.00, @2.270 = 2780 SD 7.4, @2.250 = 2774 SD 9.5
Sierra 100 TGK @2.250 - 30.5 Lever =2851 SD 3.8, @2.258 = 2846 SD 3.4
PVA 95 Seneca @2.372 - 30.7 Lever = 2847 SD 30.6

What I've seen with Lever is that the SD's come down when you get to upper the end. The above loads are certainly on the warm side, but were all worked up. The trend was always SD's dropping as the charge weight climbed. Also of note in the 6 ARC & 224 Valk, I did not see the large temp variation with Lever everyone talks about. I shot hot 224 Valk loads at 98 degrees that were worked up at 52 degrees, they were within 10-15 fps.
 
...FWIW, out of my early run 18" RLGS BalAdv tube from Brownell's during my build validation, brass fire forming & powder testing. Conditions: 85F/80% Humidity, ~400F elevation, powder=LeverEvoution, primer=CCI 400, brass=virgin Starline 6.5G converted to 6ARC, projectile= Hdy 87 VMAX, CBTO/COAL = 1.661 / 2.130.
No pressure signs on brass, 4-430 ejection pattern. I use a SLR Adjustable Gas block with standard carbine buffer & spring.

1667789210872.png
 

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I pulled the Rainier @ about 400 & switched to the Bartlain. I think it was leveled out.

The last loads I ran in the Rainier were:
Berger 95 VLD @2.270 - 31 Lever = 2942 SD 8.2
Berger 109LRHT @ 2.290 - 29.8 Lever = 2732 SD 6.7
Berger 105 Hyb @2.270 - 30.0 Lever = 2782 SD 7.0
Hornady 108 ELDM @2.290 - 29.8 Lever = 2778 SD 0.00, @2.270 = 2780 SD 7.4, @2.250 = 2774 SD 9.5
Sierra 100 TGK @2.250 - 30.5 Lever =2851 SD 3.8, @2.258 = 2846 SD 3.4
PVA 95 Seneca @2.372 - 30.7 Lever = 2847 SD 30.6

What I've seen with Lever is that the SD's come down when you get to upper the end. The above loads are certainly on the warm side, but were all worked up. The trend was always SD's dropping as the charge weight climbed. Also of note in the 6 ARC & 224 Valk, I did not see the large temp variation with Lever everyone talks about. I shot hot 224 Valk loads at 98 degrees that were worked up at 52 degrees, they were within 10-15 fps.
Thats encouraging that you were seeing good temp insensitivity.
 
I pulled the Rainier @ about 400 & switched to the Bartlain. I think it was leveled out.

The last loads I ran in the Rainier were:
Berger 95 VLD @2.270 - 31 Lever = 2942 SD 8.2
Berger 109LRHT @ 2.290 - 29.8 Lever = 2732 SD 6.7
Berger 105 Hyb @2.270 - 30.0 Lever = 2782 SD 7.0
Hornady 108 ELDM @2.290 - 29.8 Lever = 2778 SD 0.00, @2.270 = 2780 SD 7.4, @2.250 = 2774 SD 9.5
Sierra 100 TGK @2.250 - 30.5 Lever =2851 SD 3.8, @2.258 = 2846 SD 3.4
PVA 95 Seneca @2.372 - 30.7 Lever = 2847 SD 30.6

What I've seen with Lever is that the SD's come down when you get to upper the end. The above loads are certainly on the warm side, but were all worked up. The trend was always SD's dropping as the charge weight climbed. Also of note in the 6 ARC & 224 Valk, I did not see the large temp variation with Lever everyone talks about. I shot hot 224 Valk loads at 98 degrees that were worked up at 52 degrees, they were within 10-15 fps.
I dont want to hit those load capacitys in my gas gun so if thats a case of increased capacity and pressure decreasing sensitivity...
 
I dont want to hit those load capacitys in my gas gun so if thats a case of increased capacity and pressure decreasing sensitivity...
Those loads I posted were past were the SD's dropped to single digits & shot in the heat 95 degrees. I wanted to confirm I had a little head room in case I shoot a match when it's hot as hell. I'd back off all those .3 for matches. Accept for the PVA 95 load, that one was still begging for more at that load length.

It's personal preference, but I try to pick powders that'll give me 92% + fill. I think it increases the chances for an efficient burn. Similar to increasing compression on an engine = higher efficiency given you run the correct octane fuel.
Single digit SD's seem to be easier to find in those conditions.
 
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How are you liking the Seekins 6 ARC? Is the rifle length gas and 22” barrel causing and issues? Have you shot it suppressed? Does it shoot well?

Take your time, lots of questions. LOL.
Very impressed and highly recommend the Seekins DMR. It is a quality built rifle and a great value. The lockup and fit/finish is excellent. It is good out of the box, but I tinker with everything so I added an Ergo straight grip, Wiebad cheek pad, grey ops weights, Area419 rail, JP SCS 2 tungsten, and JP bolt.

It is a rifle length gas system with adjustable gas block. I tuned it for a TBAC Ultra 7 and it runs great, but that can has so much back pressure I couldn’t get one good setting to switch between it and a brake. I just left it set for suppressed. It is sub-moa out of the box with factory ammo.

My hand loads with 95 VLDs were shooting fist sized groups at 750 on Friday and sub-Moa at 1000. Impacts are not easy to see, but it is a great little round.

18CD3B4C-1AAF-4BB0-B49C-00A7DBB7766C.jpeg
 
Those loads I posted were past were the SD's dropped to single digits & shot in the heat 95 degrees. I wanted to confirm I had a little head room in case I shoot a match when it's hot as hell. I'd back off all those .3 for matches. Accept for the PVA 95 load, that one was still begging for more at that load length.

It's personal preference, but I try to pick powders that'll give me 92% + fill. I think it increases the chances for an efficient burn. Similar to increasing compression on an engine = higher efficiency given you run the correct octane fuel.
Single digit SD's seem to be easier to find in those conditions.
I agree. I did this with rl33 in 338 lapua, everyone said it shot much cleaner and with lower SDs at higher powder weights. I think for the same reason you suggest here. Still more temp sensativity than id like for that powder but there was less at higher weights.
 
Very impressed and highly recommend the Seekins DMR. It is a quality built rifle and a great value. The lockup and fit/finish is excellent. It is good out of the box, but I tinker with everything so I added an Ergo straight grip, Wiebad cheek pad, grey ops weights, Area419 rail, JP SCS 2 tungsten, and JP bolt.

It is a rifle length gas system with adjustable gas block. I tuned it for a TBAC Ultra 7 and it runs great, but that can has so much back pressure I couldn’t get one good setting to switch between it and a brake. I just left it set for suppressed. It is sub-moa out of the box with factory ammo.

My hand loads with 95 VLDs were shooting fist sized groups at 750 on Friday and sub-Moa at 1000. Impacts are not easy to see, but it is a great little round.

View attachment 7993158
I have an SP10 that is a great rifle. The rifle length gas with a 22” is what was my biggest question considering plus 1 and plus 2 seems common. Is it relatively easy on brass when running your Ultra 7?
 
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I have an SP10 that is a great rifle. The rifle length gas with a 22” is what was my biggest question considering plus 1 and plus 2 seems common. Is it relatively easy on brass when running your Ultra 7?
Not too hard on brass if you don’t load it too hard or run it super hot. The factory Hornady black was pretty sooty with the suppressor, but tuning down the gas helped. Other than that all good
 
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That's awesome, thanks for the input. I ordered a Ballistic Advantage 22" barrel this morning. Looking forward to getting some data of my own!
How are you liking that 6 Arc BA barrel?
 
Does anyone have experience with the 6ARC out of a 12.5” barrel? Wondering if it will still make it out to 800yds.
 
Balistics calc says it will based on hornadys factory ammo data for barrel length. Their factory ammo-barrel length is pretty close for my rifle, close enough for a effective max range estimate for sure, not for a zero but a little velocity variation doesnt effect the max range of high bc bullets much.
 
How are you liking that 6 Arc BA barrel?
Too early to tell. I've only shot 40 rounds so far. I don't worry too much about velocity or accuracy until I've got about 150 rounds through them. Only shot Precision Hunter with 103grs. Hope to have shot enough through it to really tell in the next month.
 
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Good stuff, I just snagged a used 22” bartlein in the buy/sell thread after typing that. Guy already put 200 rounds through it so I get to skip that step :)
 
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Does anyone have experience with the 6ARC out of a 12.5” barrel? Wondering if it will still make it out to 800yds.
I get 2344fps out of my 12” with the 103 ELD-X. The ELD-M and Black each gave 2395fps. The TAP gives 2335, but group size is twice that of the others.

Here’s what JBM says about the -X.

Hope this helps!



69478D5B-7A8E-4232-AEE7-6D49E3ACFE04.png
 
Good stuff, I just snagged a used 22” bartlein in the buy/sell thread after typing that. Guy already put 200 rounds through it so I get to skip that step :)
Lucky!! I came pretty close to having Compass Lake do a Bartlein or Criterion for this build but didn't want to wait....you know so I can play with my new toy NOW....and now I haven't had time to play...
 
Haha I know, I was looking at that 6-8month lead time with tears in my eyes. So grateful to get this barrel on thanksgiving no less! Hope you get some time to play in the near future.
 
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I get 2344fps out of my 12” with the 103 ELD-X. The ELD-M and Black each gave 2395fps. The TAP gives 2335, but group size is twice that of the others.

Here’s what JBM says about the -X.

Hope this helps!



View attachment 8006600
Thanks for that. Looks to still be supersonic at 900yds.

What’s the furthest you taken it out?
 
Thanks for that. Looks to still be supersonic at 900yds.

What’s the furthest you taken it out?
Sadly, my local range goes only to 200 yards. Grrr!

My barrel is a $160 type. I get about 1.25 moa out of it. I might rebarrel with a better one. Or keep it for what it is, a midwest under 100 yard deer gun!

For reference, I’ve been getting .4 to .7 moa out of my 18” Odin barrel.