Since the topic of reloading the 6mm ARC has come up, let’s talk all about the 6mm MAX (not just reloading for it). I have to admit, at first I thought it was kind of gimmicky and was never going to catch on, but the more I read and watch about it, the more intrigued I am by it. It seems like the biggest failing of the 6mm ARC is its reliability in the AR platform. They have to really take a bunch of metal out of the bolt face in order for the 6mm ARC to work and that seems to really prevent the 6mm ARC from reaching its full potential. Indeed Hornady offers loadings for gas guns and some for bolt guns only because the gas guns can’t take the pressure that the 6mm ARC is capable of generating. To me the whole purpose of the 6mm ARC is for use in a typical AR platform so I have no interest in it I’m a bolt gun.

There’s no shortage or discussions about 6mm ARC gas guns being very finicky - essentially requiring adjustable gas block (something I’m not a big fan of if I’m honest). Ballistically the 6mm ARC seems to be a legit 1000 yard shooter, amd pretty darn accurate with the right barrels to boot. But again, if it’s not really behaving reliably in AR platform guns, or seriously shortening component life (like bolts for example) then to me it’s not living up to its potential. On the plus side, the 6mm ARC does seem to be catching on with a number of manufacturers and there are several factory load options as well as a good selection of brass.

Now the 6mm MAX comes along and I’m very intrigued. It uses the same bolt as a standard .223 AR. While the number of gun makers cranking out 6mm MAX guns is far more limited, it does appear to not suffer some of the reliability and component life concerns of the 6mm ARC. Now it also seems to give up a little ballistically to the 6mm ARC, but it doesn’t seem to give up much comparing gas gun pressure loadings. It seems to still be a pretty significant step up from 5.56, even in 77 grain loadings and seems to stay with the 6mm ARC as long as barrel length doesn’t get cut down to SBR territory.

The downside for the 6mm ARC is the lack of a major ammo company offering factory loadings, although commercial ammo does seem to still be readily available. It also is more limited in brass availability as well. There’s definitely less firearm manufacturers doing much for the 6mm MAX as well, hit that doesn’t bother me as much. If I were going to have a 6mm MAX gun, it would be setup pretty much as a precision rifle, where I would have Craddock Precision or similar chamber an 18” or 20” Bartlein blank. In other words, I wouldn’t be buying a factory rifle anyway.

So what!s the word on the 6mm MAX from the SIGforum collective? One of my favorite gun tubers, Ray Helms (X-Ring on YouTube) seems to be a pretty strong proponent of the cartridge. He’s using it in gas gun matches, DMR competitions etc. and kicking butt with it. I think if Alpha or Lapua offer brass for the caliber, I might put my name on the waiting list for a barrel. Even if Starline brought the brass to market itself I’d feel comfortable enough to give it a try. Lyman is making dies for the caliber and hopefully others will too if it begins to catch on as it is definitely much newer than the 6mm ARC. Looking forward to hearing more from our enthusiasts here.

Interesting.
Before seeing this I was relatively unfamiliar with 6mm Max.
Looking at some other discussions on some other forums it seems to revolve around the bolt.
Seems you have a similar view.
Didn't see much on ballistics.
So what do you think and what application do you see it fills that something else doesn't?

quote:

Originally posted by smschulz:
Interesting.
Before seeing this I was relatively unfamiliar with 6mm Max.
Looking at some other discussions on some other forums it seems to revolve around the bolt.
Seems you have a similar view.
Didn't see much on ballistics.
So what do you think and what application do you see it fills that something else doesn't?

From what I’ve gathered it appears the ballistics are close to, but not quite equal to the 6mm ARC. It seems that the 6mm MAX requires a slightly longer barrel to be efficient though, so the sweet spot seems to be more 16” to 20” barrels whereas the 6mm ARC is still pretty potent down to the 10.5” barrel length range. For me, that’s ok as I would be wanting to build something along the lines of a Mk 12 SPR type rifle with an 18” barrel. And yes, it does seem to be mostly about the bolt, and basically the accompanying increase in longevity and reliability that comes from not using the modified bolt that the 6mm ARC requires. I’m definitely intrigued by it.

As for what I’d use it for, I’d mostly be interested in a precision rifle build. I’d want a gas gun the same size as a traditional AR-15. Something that could reliably perform at 1,000 yards on the rare opportunities that I can shoot beyond 600 yards, as well as something that could do a little better with wind at distance than 5.56. Going for sort of my interpretation of a semi auto police sniper type rifle for grins.

If you haven't already checked out Paramount Tactical's channel and his videos about the 6 MAX, definitely check him out. He teaches long range shooting with Ray Helms.

A big thing for some will be the ability to use 6 MAX in a select fire weapon. Imagine the 18 inch barrel with a selector, awesome at any range.

Enjoy Paramount's videos on any topic. I ran across his channel after last July 13th, he had content that I didn't and couldn't find anywhere else. I respect the way he presents his information.

quote:

Originally posted by 4.40s1nine:
If you haven't already checked out Paramount Tactical's channel and his videos about the 6 MAX, definitely check him out. He teaches long range shooting with Ray Helms.

A big thing for some will be the ability to use 6 MAX in a select fire weapon. Imagine the 18 inch barrel with a selector, awesome at any range.

Enjoy Paramount's videos on any topic. I ran across his channel after last July 13th, he had content that I didn't and couldn't find anywhere else. I respect the way he presents his information.

Paramount definitely seems to be amongst those leading the informational front on the 6mm MAX. I too have come to really like their videos. I like how they tend to peel more below the surface than a lot of other gun tubers, not just a few short words with film of shooting. I think my next high dollar piece of glass may be a Zero Compromise based in part on Paramount Tactical’s coverage of them. On second thought, maybe I shouldn’t be watching so many of their videos lol.

It can be dangerous financially for me to look at any of his content. He really doesn't come off as shill, which is so refreshing with so many others that have half of their video as an ad read, and then the rest of their content is a thinly disguised paid ad from whatever manufacturer sent them free gear.

So far, I want one of his bolt guns from MDT, and then there are a few courses that I would like to go out and attend. Definitely would do their precision long range class with him and Ray (might not have stated the course title correctly). I also really want to take his driving course. Oh, and the SG Pulse Pro whenever it finally comes to market.