Thread: Cutting Down a 20" Howa Mini in 6ARC – Muzzle Velocity Info?

Hi guys,

I'm looking at cutting down my 20" Howa Mini chambered in 6ARC and wanted to gather some real-world data on muzzle velocities. Specifically, if anyone has cut one of these down and is using Hornady 103gr ELD-X or 108gr ELD-M factory ammo, I'd love to hear what speeds you're getting at different barrel lengths.

Also keen to hear from others running different 6ARC setups, whether it's other barrel lengths, different makes, or handloads, and what kind of velocity changes you've seen.

I know the 6ARC is designed to work well in shorter barrels, but I want to balance velocity loss vs. handiness before I commit to chopping mine. Any first-hand data would be much appreciated!

Cheers!

Bump

Id play around with gordons reloading tool (free software).

Pretty uncommon calibre here in NZ. Jump on some yank forums, there’ll be heaps of data

Thanks for the replies. I’ll check out GRT.

A lot of info online for 6ARC in AR platforms. Bolt-gun details with shortened barrels shooting factory ammunition less so, but I’ll keep sifting through forums. American shooters appear to love short AR barrels but not so shortening bolt-guns.

Still keen to hear from anyone on here with experience pertaining to the original post.

Look up the 6mm ARC Bolt Action Facebook group. Plenty shorties there

Shorten it then reload to get the velocity that works for you

My 20inch 6ARC is throwing the 87gr Vmax @2900..
Thinking about removing another 2inches as well

108 ELDM’s with LVR at 2,600 seems to be about right. Faster and the groups start opening up and I get extractor marks. Howa mini

108 ELDM’s with LVR at 2,600 seems to be about right. Faster and the groups start opening up and I get extractor marks. Howa mini

Unfortunately in this instance I’m not on BookFace

I'd say you are fine shopping down to 18-16" based on Hornady's own testing: