Quick Answer
The 6mm ARC can be an effective cartridge for predator hunting, offering a good balance of range and terminal performance with its 103-grain bullet.
Ballistic Performance
The 6mm ARC is designed to excel at mid-range distances, and its trajectory is well-suited for predator hunting. With a 200-yard zero, the 6mm ARC will drop approximately 6 inches at 300 yards and 22 inches at 400 yards. This makes it a good choice for hunting predators at ranges of 200-400 yards.
Terminal Performance
The 103-grain bullet in the 6mm ARC is designed to expand reliably and deliver a deep wound channel. At 200 yards, the bullet is traveling at approximately 2,600 ft/s, and its kinetic energy is around 1,700 ft-lbs. This is sufficient to deliver a lethal wound to most predators, including coyotes and bobcats. When hunting predators, it’s essential to aim for the brain or heart to ensure a quick kill.
Upgrading Your AR-15 for Predator Hunting
To effectively use the 6mm ARC for predator hunting, you’ll need to upgrade your AR-15 rifle with the appropriate components. This includes a barrel with a 1:8 or 1:7 twist rate to stabilize the 6mm ARC’s bullet, a high-quality optic with a 3-12x or 4-16x magnification range, and a suppressor to reduce recoil and noise. Additionally, consider upgrading to a heavier-than-standard bolt carrier group to reduce recoil and cycle the action smoothly.
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