Hornady 6mm ARC 80gr ELD-VT™ V-Match™ – 20 Rounds
A Short History of the 6mm ARC:
The 6mm Advanced Rifle Cartridge (ARC) was introduced by Hornady in 2020 to fill a gap between high-speed varmint rounds and heavier long-range precision cartridges—all while functioning flawlessly in the AR-15 platform. Designed to maximize ballistic efficiency, it uses a short-action case length but supports high-BC 6mm bullets, making it ideal for precision shooters and hunters alike. The 6mm ARC was quickly adopted by the shooting community for its exceptional performance in both gas guns and bolt actions.
Product Overview:
The Hornady 6mm ARC 80gr ELD-VT™ delivers precision, speed, and ballistic efficiency, making it a top choice for varmint hunters and competitive shooters. As part of the V-Match™ line, this cartridge utilizes Extremely Low Drag (ELD-VT™) technology to provide flat trajectories, minimal wind drift, and superior precision.
Designed for both AR-15 platforms and bolt-action rifles, the 6mm ARC 80gr ELD-VT™ is optimized for varmint hunting (under 50 lbs), long-range target shooting, and match applications.
Specifications (Tested with a 24" Hornady Test Barrel):
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Cartridge: 6mm ARC
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Bullet Weight: 80 Grains
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Bullet Type: ELD-VT™ (Extremely Low Drag – Varmint Tip)
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Muzzle Velocity: 2,935 fps
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Ballistic Coefficient: .410 (G1) / .206 (G7)
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Recommended Twist Rate: TBD
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Casing: Brass (Reloadable)
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Primer: Boxer
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Corrosive: No
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Lead-Free: No
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Rounds per Box: 20
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Hornady Item Number: TBD
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Country of Origin: United States of America
Ballistician’s Notes (Wade Chandler):
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Gas Tuning Considerations: The 80gr ELD-VT™ requires additional gas and/or lighter buffer weights in AR-15s due to its lower pressure. Run your gas block wide open or lighten your buffer for reliable cycling.
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Suppressor Use: Traditional suppressors do not appear to cause gas-related issues.
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Barrel Compatibility: This round has proven to be barrel-sensitive. Some barrels shoot it extremely well; others do not. More data to come.
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Expansion Requirements: Ensure impact velocity stays above 2,000 fps for proper expansion. Use a ballistic calculator for effective range estimates.
Chronographed Velocity Data:
Test Conditions: 70°F | 30% Humidity | Elevation: 2,550 ft
(All rifles properly broken in, cleaned, and fouled.)
| Barrel Length | Velocity (fps) | Standard Deviation |
|---|---|---|
| 12.5" | 2,620 fps | 15 fps SD |
| 14.5" | 2,750 fps | 20 fps SD |
| 16" | 2,844 fps | 10 fps SD |
| 18" | 2,876 fps | 10 fps SD |
| 20" | 2,935 fps | 12 fps SD |
Why Choose Hornady 6mm ARC 80gr ELD-VT™?
Engineered for superior downrange performance, the Hornady 6mm ARC 80gr ELD-VT™ excels in precision varmint hunting and long-range shooting. The high BC and efficient design deliver flat-shooting performance and minimal wind drift—ideal for today’s demanding marksman.
Legal Notice:
You must be 18 years or older to purchase rifle ammunition. Check your local and state laws before ordering. All ammunition sales are final.
