6mm Creedmoor vs 6mm ARC: both fire the same .243 bullets, but the 6mm Creedmoor uses a larger case in an AR10 or short action and drives a 108 gr bullet about 200 fps faster than the AR15-sized 6mm ARC. The 6mm Creedmoor drops less and carries more energy; the 6mm ARC gives a lighter, more compact AR15 with less recoil. Chattahoochee Munitions manufactures both: the CM10 6mm Creedmoor at Predator Plains and the CM15 and CM7S 6mm ARC at Overwatch 6.
6mm Creedmoor vs 6mm ARC Specifications
| Specification | 6mm Creedmoor | 6mm ARC |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | 6.5 Creedmoor necked down; SAAMI 2017 | Hornady, 2020, from the 6.5 Grendel family |
| Bullet diameter | .243 inch | .243 inch |
| Case length | 1.920 inches | 1.490 inches |
| Platform | AR10, short action | AR15, mini or short action |
| Published load (24 in) | 108 gr ELD Match, 2,960 fps | 108 gr ELD Match, 2,750 fps |
| Chattahoochee Munitions twist | 1:7.5 (CM10, 18 in) | 1:7 (CM15 16 and 18 in; CM7S 12.5 and 18 in) |
6mm Creedmoor vs 6mm ARC Dimensions follow the ANSI/SAAMI centerfire rifle standard.
6mm Creedmoor vs 6mm ARC Ballistics
Same bullet in both: the 108 gr ELD Match (published G7 BC 0.270). The 24-inch muzzle velocities are Hornady’s published figures. The 18-inch rows and all downrange values are Chattahoochee Munitions calculations (200-yard zero, standard atmosphere, 10 mph full-value wind; 30 fps per inch below 24 inches). They are not chronograph data.
| 108 gr ELD Match | Muzzle | 300 yd | 500 yd | Drop at 500 yd | Wind at 500 yd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6mm Creedmoor, 24 in | 2,960 fps / 2,101 ft-lb | 2,446 fps / 1,435 ft-lb | 2,133 fps / 1,091 ft-lb | -38.1 in | 15.9 in |
| 6mm ARC, 24 in | 2,750 fps / 1,813 ft-lb | 2,257 fps / 1,221 ft-lb | 1,959 fps / 920 ft-lb | -45.0 in | 17.8 in |
| 6mm Creedmoor, 18 in CM10 | 2,780 fps / 1,853 ft-lb | 2,284 fps / 1,251 ft-lb | 1,984 fps / 944 ft-lb | -43.9 in | 17.5 in |
| 6mm ARC, 18 in | 2,570 fps / 1,584 ft-lb | 2,096 fps / 1,054 ft-lb | 1,810 fps / 786 ft-lb | -52.4 in | 19.8 in |
From 18-inch barrels, the 6mm Creedmoor drops about 8 inches less at 500 yards and carries about 20 percent more energy. An 18-inch 6mm Creedmoor runs about as fast as a 24-inch 6mm ARC.
6mm Creedmoor vs 6mm ARC: Rifle Size and Weight
The 6mm ARC fits the smaller AR15 receiver, so a CM15 6mm ARC weighs 6 lb 6 oz (16 inch) to 6 lb 12 oz (18 inch). The CM10 6mm Creedmoor weighs 7 lb 14 oz. If you carry a rifle all day or want a short, light setup, the 6mm ARC wins on size. If you shoot across open country, the 6mm Creedmoor’s extra speed pays off.
6mm Creedmoor vs 6mm ARC for Hunting
- Coyotes and hogs: both. Read 6mm ARC for coyotes and hogs.
- Deer: both, with expanding hunting bullets. The 6mm Creedmoor reaches farther with the same bullet. See 6mm ARC for deer.
- Elk and bear: neither. For elk choose 338 Federal or 375 Raptor; for bear, 458 SOCOM XL or 375 Raptor.
6mm Creedmoor vs 6mm ARC Rifles
- CM10 6mm Creedmoor (18 in CrMV, 1:7.5, 7 lb 14 oz): 6mm Creedmoor AR10, 6mm Creedmoor rifle, 6mm Creedmoor semi auto rifle
- CM15 and CM7S 6mm ARC (1:7): see What is 6mm ARC? and Overwatch 6
Every CM10 and CM15 uses a Superlative Arms adjustable gas block and a TriggerTech Duty trigger. Also read What is 6mm Creedmoor? and 6mm ARC vs 243.
More Predator Plains Guides
- What is 22 Creedmoor?
- 22 Creedmoor ballistics
- 22 Creedmoor twist rate
- 22 Creedmoor vs 22-250
- 22 Creedmoor vs 243
- 22 Creedmoor vs 223
- 22 Creedmoor for deer
- What is 22-250?
- 22-250 for coyotes
- 22-250 vs 223
- What is 6mm Creedmoor?
- 6mm Creedmoor vs 243 Winchester
- 6mm Creedmoor vs 6.5 Creedmoor
- What is 243 Winchester?
- 243 for deer
- 243 vs 6.5 Creedmoor
- High velocity rifle cartridges
- Predator hunting cartridges
- 22 ARC vs 22 Creedmoor
- 22 ARC vs 22-250
- 6mm ARC vs 243
6mm Creedmoor vs 6mm ARC FAQ
How much faster is 6mm Creedmoor than 6mm ARC?
About 210 fps with the 108 gr ELD Match by Hornady’s published 24-inch figures (2,960 against 2,750 fps).
Do 6mm Creedmoor and 6mm ARC use the same bullets?
Yes. Both fire .243-inch bullets, though the 6mm Creedmoor case has room for longer ones.
Can 6mm Creedmoor fit in an AR15?
No. It needs an AR10 or a short action. The 6mm ARC is the AR15 option.
Is 6mm Creedmoor or 6mm ARC better for coyotes?
Both work. The 6mm ARC is lighter to carry; the 6mm Creedmoor reaches farther.
Which has less recoil?
The 6mm ARC, because it burns less powder behind the same bullet.
Who makes a 6mm Creedmoor AR10 and a 6mm ARC AR15?
Chattahoochee Munitions manufactures the CM10 6mm Creedmoor AR10 and the CM15 6mm ARC AR15, plus CM7S 6mm ARC bolt actions.