6mm AR Range Report (95 VLDH - TAC, CFE)

[Bache Kermooni]

Went to the range today with my semi-custom 6mm AR based on the HOWA Mini action with a 22", 8 twist and Weaver Grand Slam 4-16x glass.
Temperature 68 - 82 F - slight breeze from 7 o'clock - 100 Yards - Labradar. Did not see any pressure signs with any load. CCI 450 primer. COL 2.235" - 0.065" from lands.
Please do not use my data in your firearm. This is FYI.
First I did a load "ladder" test with TAC - Grains - FPS
29.0 - 2764
29.2 - 2796
29.4 - 2826
29.6 - 2859
29.8 - 2892


Then a "ladder" with CFE 223
31.0 - 2789
31.2 - 2837
31.4 - 2834 Pulled it?
31.6 - 2864
31.8 - 2898


Then a 3-shot group with CFE at 31.7: 0.215" group
2897, 2877, 2857


Then a 3-shot group with CFE at 31.4: .435" group
2827, 2819, 2860


Then a 3-shot group with TAC at 29.5: 1.015" group - ouch.
2753 (what?), 2888, 2840


Finally another 3-shot group with TAC at 29.8: 0.991" - did I pull the first one?
2885, 2899, 2905


This is my antelope/deer rifle. So any where around 2850 FPS will do.
Stand by for more results.
Cheers.

EDIT:
Next time, before switching powders, I will clean with boresnake (dry) and send two shots with the 87 VLD with the next powder before testing. Hoping this will clean the prior powder residue somewhat and lay down new powder residue with the same make of bullet.

I love the small bearing surface of the Berger VLDs. It seems it produces less friction, hence less pressure. I was getting more pressure signs with Hornady 90 ELD-X at 29.8 of TAC.

 

[BadAccountant]

I can't wait for the Howa to offer this in a mini action. My wife is getting another antelope gun.

 

[Bache Kermooni]

I can't wait for the Howa to offer this in a mini action. My wife is getting another antelope gun.

Yes. It will be great to have a non-wildcat with readily available components and factory ammo. With this setup, just over 2100 fps and around 960 ft-lb are reached at 500 yards in 4500 ft elevation (near Gillette, WY where I hunt). Perfect for mid-sized game - IMHO.

 

[BadAccountant]

Yes. It will be great to have a non-wildcat with readily available components and factory ammo. With this setup, just over 2100 fps and around 960 ft-lb are reached at 500 yards in 4500 ft elevation (near Gillette, WY where I hunt). Perfect for mid-sized game - IMHO.

I like the Thermopolis area, the antelope and deer like eating the leftover sugar beets left over after harvest, and they haven't been hunted much, so they don't scare when you fire your first shot. I can fill tags in less than a minute most of the time, lol.

 

[Bache Kermooni]

What Antelope area is that? Private, public, or walk-in land?

 

[BadAccountant]

What Antelope area is that? Private, public, or walk-in land?

Almost exclusively private.

 

[FrozenMinnesotan]

I can't wait for the Howa to offer this in a mini action. My wife is getting another antelope gun.

Howa mini in 6arc possibly?

 

[Bache Kermooni]

Howa mini in 6arc possibly?

Hornady has HOWA listed as one of the vendors signed up to support ARC. I am assuming it will be their Mini 1500 action. All they need is to make a barrel, they already make everything else. It will a great rifle. The little 6mm AR is a real accurate firecracker.

 

[FrozenMinnesotan]

Hornady has HOWA listed as one of the vendors signed up to support ARC. I am assuming it will be their Mini 1500 action. All they need is to make a barrel, they already make everything else. It will a great rifle. The little 6mm AR is a real accurate firecracker.

I want one but after the 6.5gr mini feeding issues I'm just gonna get a barrel for my origin

 

[Bache Kermooni]

I want one but after the 6.5gr mini feeding issues I'm just gonna get a barrel for my origin

wow. Feeding issues!!! I have had zero issues with about 200 rounds thru mine. Of course it has custom barrel and my GS trued the action and inletted the stock for me. PacNor did a marvelous job with the #1 profile, 3-groove barrel.

 

[Bache Kermooni]

I want one but after the 6.5gr mini feeding issues I'm just gonna get a barrel for my origin

Spent 36 years in TC - the mosquitoes eventually chased me away ;-)

 

[FrozenMinnesotan]

Spent 36 years in TC - the mosquitoes eventually chased me away ;-)

Tc?

 

[Bache Kermooni]

Twin Cities.

 

[FrozenMinnesotan]

Twin Cities.

Ah. I live up north of duluth. Iron range

 

[Bache Kermooni]

Beautiful country. Did much grouse hunting up there. Humbled by them.

 

[FrozenMinnesotan]

Beautiful country. Did much grouse hunting up there. Humbled by them.

Yea. I get to walk 2 blocks north out of town right into great grouse/deer woods.

 

[Bache Kermooni]

Ah, I miss that. I even drew a wolf tag a few years back, no luck. I miss MN.