In June 2020, Hornady introduced the 6mm ARC, a new SAAMI cartridge optimized for AR-platform rifles*. The new 6mm ARC is basically a 6.5 Grendel necked down to 6mm, with the shoulder moved back around .030″. That pushed-back shoulder does reduce case capacity (and velocity), but we assume Hornady did that to create a shorter, proprietary chamber so people could not simply neck-down Lapua 6.5 Grendel brass, as has been done for years with Robert Whitley’s outstanding 6mm AR wildcat.
What Is the 6mm ARC Cartridge? The 6mm ARC cartridge is a new SAAMI-spec cartridge based on the 6.5 Grendel case necked down for 6mm bullets, with the shoulder moved back 0.030. Yes it is designed to run in AR15-platform rifles. You’ll need a new barrel, bolt, and mags. If you already have an AR chambered in 6.5 Grendel, the ONLY thing you need to change is the barrel. Everything else — bolt, magazines, gas system – is compatible with 6mm ARC.
▶ Official SAAMI Cartridge (not wildcat)
▶ Fits standard AR15-platform rifles
▶ Fits Short/Mini action bolt rifles
▶ Efficient short, fat case design
▶ 30-degree case shoulder
What Do I Need To Shoot the 6mm ARC?
Faxon and Ballistic Advantage are already producing barrels, with more manufacturers sure to follow. All the other required components are already on the market for 6.5 Grendel rifles. Aero Precision already offers complete 6mm ARC uppers.
If you’re converting a standard 5.56×45 mm (.223 Rem) AR15 upper to shoot 6mm ARC, you’ll need a 6mm barrel, a Type II 6.5 Grendel bolt carrier group, and new magazines. Some folks have suggested standard AR mags will work, but trust us, you want the magazines that have been designed for 6.5 Grendel. All the hardware you need is currently available at Brownells.
* While 6-6.5 Grendel shooters are known to run stout pressures, the new 6mm ARC cartridge has a relatively moderate Maximum Average Pressure (MAP) rating of 52,000 psi according to the official SAAMI specifications. For a variety of reasons, is wise to keep pressures in a semi-auto rifle moderate. Don’t chase the velocities you might get in a bolt-action gun.
Whidden Gunworks makes great sizing and seating dies. The Whidden full-length sizing die with neck bushing is very popular because it allows you to “tune” the neck tension by using different bushings, with larger or smaller inside diameters. In this video, John Whidden explains how to choose a the right bushing size for use with your neck-sizing and full-length sizing bushing dies.
For most applications, John suggest starting with the caliper-measured outside diameter of a loaded cartridge (with your choice of bullet), and then SUBTRACT about three thousandths. For example, if your loaded round mics at .333, then you would want to start with a 0.330 neck bushing. John notes, however, that you may want to experiment with bushings, going down a thousandth and up a thousandth. With thin In addition, as your brass ages and the necks harden, you may want to change your bushing size.
Quick Tip: Try Flipping Your Bushings
You may also want to experiment with “flipping” your neck bushings to alternate the side that first contacts the neck of the case. (One side of the bushing is usually marked with the size, while the other side is unmarked.) So try “number side up” as well as “number side down”.
Some folks believe that one side of the bushing may allow a smoother entry, and that this can enhance concentricity. Other people think they can get very slightly more or less neck tension depending on how the bushing is oriented. This is a subtle effect, but it costs nothing to experiment.
If one bushing orientation proves better you can mark the “up” side with nail polish so that you can always orient the bushing optimally. NOTE: We have confirmed that some bushings are actually made with a slight taper. In addition, bushings may get distorted slightly when the brand name and size is stamped. Therefore there IS a reason to try both orientations.
Want to show off some groups you’ve shot? Or keep a handy pack of mini-targets in your range kit? Then check out this unique product from stockmaker Bell & Carlson. Shoot’n Aces cards feature a 1-inch black square aiming box with a 1/2-inch inner square. These cards are normal poker-playing-card size, 3.5″ high x 2.5″ wide (89 × 64 mm). Shoot’n Aces cards come 56 to a pack. Carry a few extras in your wallet or a pack in your vehicle glove compartment and you’ll always have a precision target to shoot at the range. Cards can be stapled or taped to target stands.
Sniper Central says these cards work well as targets: “The bold square is easy to pick up with the inner white portion making a nice aiming point. The material of the cards is the same as normal playing cards and the bullets make a very nice hole when passing through.” The sharp edges of the bullet holes makes it easy to measure group sizes with precision.
Each pack of Shoot’n Aces contains 56 premium-quality target cards. If you want some, order Bell & Carlson item SA-2006. This is a set of four (4) card-packs with 56 cards per pack (224 cards total) priced at $20.00 (i.e. $5.00 per pack).
The new 17th Edition of the Cartridges of the World was just released on June 21, 2022. This resource belongs in every serious gun guy’s library. This massive 704-page reference contains illustrations and load data for over 1500 cartridge types. If you shoot a wide variety of cartridges, or are a cartridge collector, this book is a “must-have” resource. The latest 17th Edition includes 30+ new cartridge types and 1500+ photos. The print version costs $32.50 at Amazon.com plus $3.99 shipping. Or you can get the print book from Amazon 3rd party sellers for $31.33 delivered. The Kindle eBook version costs $17.88.
Updated 17th Edition with Feature Articles
The 17th Edition of Cartridges of the World includes cartridge specs, plus tech articles on Cartridge identification, SAAMI guidelines, wildcatting, and new cartridge design trends. Cartridges of the World, the most complete cartridge reference guide in print, includes a full-color section with feature articles such Cartridges of the AR-15, Creedmoor Cartridge Family, .404 Jeffrey, .30 Carbine, plus “Cartridges and Cans” (suppressors).
View Free Book Sample Content
FREE STUFF for You: If you want to see what you are getting, there is a very large sample section of the previous 16th Edition available online with over 100 pages of content and dozens of photos and illustrations. To access all this FREE INFO, CLICK HERE, then click on the cover photo where it says “Look Inside”.
NOTE: This is content from the 16th Edition, but most is the same in the 17th Edition.
Cartridges of the World 17th Ed. CHAPTERS:
Chapter 1: Current American Sporting Cartridges
Chapter 2: Obsolete American Rifle Cartridges
Chapter 3: Wildcat Cartridges
Chapter 4: Proprietary Cartridges
Chapter 5: Handgun Cartridges of the World
Chapter 6: Military Rifle Cartridges of the World
Chapter 7: British Sporting Rifle Cartridges
Chapter 8: European Sporting Rifle Cartridges
Chapter 9: American Rimfire Cartridges
Chapter 10: Shotgun Shells
Chapter 11: U.S. Military Ammunition
Chapter 12: Cartridge ID by Measurement
Cartridges of the World by author Frank C. Barnes was first published in 1965. The 17th Edition is edited by W. Todd Woodard, Editor of Gun Tests magazine and author of several firearms reference books. Frank Barnes (1918-1992) began collecting information on handgun cartridges at the early age of 12, thanks to his father, a police officer. Frank Barnes was an innovative cartridge designer, who invented the original 308 x 1.5″ Barnes, predecessor of the 30BR case.
Before Frank began a law enforcement career, he was a college professor. Frank was also a pilot, and a race-car driver. Learn more about Cartridges of the World (17th Ed.) at GunDigestStore.com.
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
1. Midsouth — Powders in Stock: Hodgdon, Accurate, VV and More
⏺ Save $200 on highly-rated Sightron Scopes now through June 30, 2022
Good news for handloaders — we are starting to see more powders available at gunstores and online retailers. Right now Midsouth has 70+ powder types IN STOCK and ready to ship. Choose among Hodgdon, Accurate, Vihtavuori, Ramshot and other brands. Sorry no Varget or H4350, but there are some very good alternatives. We also recommend you check regularly with Powder Valley, which had some Varget and Alliant 15.5 TS recently. These powders (along with H4350) do sell out almost immediately.
2. Bruno’s — Open Box Nightforce Scope Sale, Save $200+
⏺ Save big bucks on high-magnification Nightforce competition scopes
Save $200+ on your next long-range competition scope. Bruno’s has slashed prices on Open Box Nightforce scopes. Get a 12-55x52mm Nightforce Competition for $2195.00. That’s $205 less than the $2400.00 price at other vendors. Or get a 12-42x56mm Nightforce for just $1325.00 — hundreds less than the original MSRP. NOTE: These are NEW scopes, but deeply discounted as “Open Box” items. These still have the full Nightforce lifetime warranty to the purchaser.
3. Midsouth — RCBS Explorer Reloading Kit, $299.99
⏺ RCBS Kit includes all vital tools — good for new hand-loaders
Good news — Midsouth has RCBS Explorer Press Tool Kits on sale for $299.99. That’s $65 off the regular price. Great for folks getting started in reloading, this kit includes the single-stage press, powder measure, priming tool, trickler, digital scale, load manual, and various accessories. Get the RCBS Explorer Kit 2 for $299.99. If you want a bigger press, Midsouth also has the Rebel Master Reloading Kit for $359.99, marked down from $489.99. This includes everything in the Explorer kit, but with the beefier Rebel press and a few more tools.
4. Palmetto SA — S&W M&P 15-22 Rifle Package, $429.99
⏺ Good, reliable rimfire AR clone for NRL22 and cross-training
This Smith & Wesson AR-style M&P15-22 provides the fun of an AR15 with the low cost of rimfire ammo. This can work well for cross-training or NRL22 matches. The S&W M&P 15-22 SPORT features a slim M-LOK handguard that easily accepts a variety of accessories without removing the handguard. The M&P15-22 SPORT comes standard with removable Magpul MBUS front and rear folding sights. This $449.99 package includes 3 magazines and a nice gun case.
⏺ Great price on versatile, well-designed gun vise
Here’s an excellent gun vise on sale for just $37.99. The versatile MTM GV-30 CaseGard Gun Vise supports rifles and shotguns for cleaning/maintenance. High and low forks allow level or angled gun placement. The rubber-padded rotating stock clamp provides a firm hold. The base has 14 different compartments for tools/solvents, plus 11 slots for jags, brushes, and screwdrivers. On the side are tabs for two cleaning rods. This GV-20 vise is made from rugged, solvent-resistant polypropylene plastic. If this sells out on GunZoneDeals, Midsouth has the GV-30 Vise for $40.38.
6. Creedmoor Sports — Sightron Scope Sale, Save $200
⏺ Save $200 on highly-rated Sightron Scopes now through June 30, 2022
If you’re looking for a great deal on a solid, competition-worthy optic, check out the Sightron Sale at Creedmoor Sports. They have a large selection of the most popular scopes in the Sightron lineup all at prices you can’t pass up. You can save $200 on the SIII 8-32x56mm and save $200 on the SIII 10-50x56mm model. Both are great choices for benchrest or F-Class Competition. Varminters should consider the S-TAC 4-20x560mm, now discounted from $529.99 to $449.99.
7. Palmetto SA — .22 LR Rimfire Ammo, $3.99-$5.99/50rd Box
⏺ Really good deals on accurate and reliable rimfire ammo
Need reliable .22 LR ammo at a great price? Palmetto State Armory has great rimfire ammo deals going right now. Leading off is Norma Tac-22 for just $3.99/box. Despite the super-low price, this is very good ammo that has shown excellent accuracy. Next, at $4.99/box, Federal Champion 40gr ammo is also an excellent deal. And for a buck per box more ($5.99/box), consider the CCI Quiet-22 45gr ammo. This 835 fps Quiet-22 cuts the volume of standard 22 LR rounds dramatically, while still cycling through semi-auto rifles and handguns. These and other .22 LR ammo types are in stock now at PSA.
8. Pyramyd Air — Crosman 1377C/PC77 Air Pistol, $64.99
⏺ Excellent, budget air pistol for training and fun shooting
Here’s a classic American air pistol for just $64.99. The Crosman 1377C/PC77 pneumatic pistol has been enjoyed by countless American shooters for decades. 10 pumps sets the pressure. This pistol is suitable for plinking, paper targets, and reactive targets. Trigger is about 4 lbs., and accuracy is very good, as you can see in the test video below:
This pistol comes with a 10.25″ barrel, blade front sight and adjustable rear sight. You can mount a pistol scope with the Crosman 459MT intermount (sold separately). This is a very ergonomic pistol, with great reliability and impressive accuracy.
9. Amazon — Universal Gun Cleaning Kit, $39.99
⏺ Great value for cleaning kit for pistols, rifles, and shotguns
This Universal Gun Cleaning Kit has just about everything you need to clean any firearm, all packed in a handy transport case. The kit includes jags, brushes, bore mops, slotted tips, and lots more. The fitted jags and slotted tips are made from solid brass and marked by caliber. The cleaning rods and accessory adapters are also made from brass. Included in this easy-to-carry kit are: 6 gun rods, 13 gun jags, 4 slotted tips, 9 gun mops, 14 bore brushes, 3 muzzle guards, 3 utility brushes, 3 accessory adapters, 4 polishing cloths, 100 cleaning patches, 2 oil bottles (empty), and even a gun cleaning mat. NOTE: For competition rifles, we recommend using high-quality ONE-PIECE cleaning rods.
10. Amazon — Large Digital Display Timer, $12.95
⏺ Use in Matches — Count-Down or Count-UP, handy big buttons
If you shoot in a discipline with time limits, or you time your firing strings during practice, having a reliable and easy-to-read timer is critical. One of our favorite timers is this very affordable Digital Display Timer with both count-up and count-down functions. It boasts an easy-to-read display and LARGE buttons making it perfect for F-Class, Palma, and other matches. This timer comes with both a built-in stand AND a strong magnet so you can position the timer conveniently.
by Sierra Bullets Ballistic Technician Paul Box This cartridge was introduced by Winchester in 1935 in their model 54 rifle. A year later, it was added as a standard cartridge in the model 70. What might not be common knowledge to some reloaders is that the prototype for the Swift was developed in 1934-35 by Grosvenor Wotkyns by necking down the 250 Savage case, but in the end, Winchester chose the 6mm Lee Navy case for the foundation for this cartridge.
This cartridge was far ahead of its time and for that reason it received a lot of bad press. We’ve all read the horror stories through the years. Many of those stories were just simply repeated from previous articles even the wording was just slightly different. So how bad was the Swift? Let’s take a deeper look.
Some of the early Swifts had soft barrel steel and some of the rare ones even had barrels that were .223 in bore size. This stemmed from the fact that the .22 Hornets prior to the end of World War II were .223 in bore size and some of these barrels were chambered in the Swift. It was rumored that the Swift peaked in pressure far too quick. I’ll bet they did with a turkey extra full choke barrel.
Burn rates of powders were limited at that time as well, so the Swift was limited in its true ability due to that. It was almost like building a funny car for drag racing when only kerosene was available.
One of the longest lasting black eyes was that it shot barrels out so fast. If you get the barrel branding iron hot and fail to clean it often this can happen. Common sense will go a long ways here. Keep the barrel as cool as you can and properly clean it every fifteen rounds or less will go a long way to improving accuracy life of a Swift.
So what is the real truth about this cartridge? I’m glad you ask. I’ve been shooting the .220 Swift for over 43 years now. It is one of the best varmint cartridges I’ve ever owned. It is not hard to load for, it doesn’t suddenly peak in pressure and it isn’t the barrel burner that you’ve heard. Hodgdon powders once reported a Remington 40-X with over 3,000 rounds of full power loads averaged .344” for five, 5-shot groups. My findings have been the same. It isn’t as hard on barrels as it has been made out to be.
I’ve also read that down loading it slightly will help in barrel life. This is true, but if you buy a thoroughbred you want him to run. Barrels are threaded on the end for a reason. If you have enough fun to shoot out a Swift barrel, just rebarrel it.
The bottom line is enjoy the .220 Swift for what it was meant to be. The popularity of the Swift has slipped in the last twenty years and few factory rifles are now available in this caliber. There is no reason for this and I know the Swift will always have a strong and loyal following.
If you need pistol ammunition or .223 Rem ammo for your AR or varmint rifles, head over to Natchez Shooter Supplies this week. Right now, through 11:59 pm on 6/24/2022, Natchez is offering serious discounts on 9mm, .40 SW, and .223 Rem (plus 5.56×45), and .308 Win ammo. Along with the very attractive prices, you can get FREE Shipping with a qualifying ammo purchase of $200 or more. Use CODE FS220622.
Today, June 19, 2022, is Father’s Day. To mark this special day, we’ve included some great Father’s Day sales, as well as some cool products that would make a great gift for any father who enjoys hunting and the shooting sports.
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
1. Creedmoor Sports — Sightron Scope Sale, Save $200
⏺ Save $200 on highly-rated Sightron Scopes now through June 30, 2022
If you’re looking for a great deal on a solid, competition-worthy optic, check out the Sightron Sale at Creedmoor Sports. They have a large selection of the most popular scopes in the Sightron lineup all at prices you can’t pass up. You can save $200 on the SIII 8-32x56mm and save $200 on the SIII 10-50x56mm model. Both are great choices for benchrest or F-Class Competition. Varminters should consider the S-TAC 4-20x560mm, now discounted from $529.99 to $449.99.
2. Optics Planet — 8% Off Store-wide Father’s Day Sale
⏺ Save 8% on optics, camping gear, hunting gear, and even Ammo
Through Monday, June 20 at 11:59 pm, you can save a full 8% off the vast majority of the products on the Optics Planet website (with $50 minimum purchase). On a $2000.00 scope, that discount works out to $160.00! FYI, Optics Planet sells a wide variety of products — not just scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars. You can also save on bipods, stocks, camping gear, apparel, and even ammo. Use Coupon CODE 8DAD.
3. Palmetto SA — Leupold Laser Rangefinder, Binoculars, and Carry Harness Kit, $279.99
⏺ Father’s Day bundle with laser RF, binoculars, and handy carry harness
Here’s a great Father’s Day combo package for every Dad who loves to hunt. Serious hunters need a rangefinder, binoculars, and a way to transport them securely. A great option is this Leupold Bundle featuring the RX-1400I TBR/W Rangefinder, BX-1 Timberline 10X42 Binoculars, and Go Afield Harness. The combo Father’s Day Sale price, just $279.99, is a great value.
4. Amazon — Caldwell E-MAX Shadow PRO EarPlugs, $127.46
⏺ High-tech electronic plugs with package, now 39% OFF
Are you tired of bulky ear muffs and want to hear range commands? Then consider these Caldwell E-MAX Shadows Pro Electronic Plugs. The $127.46 price is $82+ off the regular cost — a 39% discount. The plugs come with multiple diameter tips to allow a comfortable “custom fit”. The included storage case functions as a charger with battery level indicators for each ear piece and the case itself.
⏺ GREAT Deal on rimfire silhouette steel target 20-Pack
There are few things as fun as plinking with a .22 LR Rimfire rig at steel targets. It’s fun for kids and adults alike and right now you can grab a 20-ct pack of RIMFIRE animal targets in assorted sizes and shapes. They are 1/5 size and made from A36 steel plate. IMPORTANT: These small steel targets work great for rimfire shooting, but should NEVER be used with centerfire rifle cartridges.
6. Amazon — Hornady Powder Measure, $88.99
⏺ High-quality, smooth-operating powder measure on SALE
Are you looking for a universal powder measure that will work both on or off a press? One of our favorites is the Hornady Lock-N-Load Powder Measure. This L-N-L Powder Measure offers flexible operation and can handle powder charges of 0.5 grains to 265 grains with the appropriate insert and rotor. Metering inserts can be changed with the push of a button, giving handloaders the ability to load everything from small pistol cartridges to large magnums. This unit ships with a rifle rotor and metering insert.
7. Amazon — Vanguard Porta Aim Front Gun Rest, $44.99
The Vanguard Porta Aim Gun Rest is good for varmint work, sighting-in hunting rifles, and AR practice/load development. The top pad is contoured to fit round AR fore-arms perfectly. The top of the rest rotates 360 degrees, allowing quick sighting adjustments in the field. Weighing just 1.7 lbs., this Vanguard rest is easy to carry in the field. At just $44.99 this is a handy and affordable back-up front rest.
8. Harbor Freight — Apache Hard Cases, $37.99 and Up
Looking for a durable, secure hard case for pistols, rifles, or other gear but don’t want to spend a fortune? Harbor Freight Apache Cases represent an affordable alternative to the big-name brands. These airline-approved cases feature a strong exterior, durable locking options, and a customizable interior. A variety of case configurations are offered now at Harbor Freight, many discounted 16%. Along with the gun cases there’s a nice weatherproof Hard-shell Carry-on for $99.99, half the price of a similar Pelican 1510 case.
Here’s a great 12-gauge pump defensive shotgun with all the bells and whistles — modern pistol-grip stock with adjustable comb, front/rear sights, Picatinnny scope rail, muzzle brake, and barrel guard. This impressive 18″-barrel Winchester SXP Extreme Defender has a 5+1 capacity with a handsome Flat Dark Earth protective finish. Price is $449.99 on sale.
⏺ Good prices on 52″, 48″, 44″ and 40″ rifle cases
Do you need a good soft case for a hunting or match rifle? MidwayUSA-brand rifle cases are now on sale at big discounts. Featuring sturdy padding and a handy storage pocket, these durable cases offer good value for the money. Price varies with color and size. For example: Black 52″, $27.99; Charcoal 48″, $24.99; and Coyote 44″, $24.99. NOTE: After choosing a case length, select among the four available colors to get the best price (not every variant is discounted).
11. CDNN Sports — HK 416 .22 LR AR with Laser, $449.99
⏺ Great option for AR cross-training or rimfire gun games, save $134
If you own an AR for Service Rifle competition or 3-Gun matches, here’s a great option for inexpensive rimfire cross-training. An AR-type .22 LR rifle can also be effective in NRL22 matches. Right now you can save $134 on the HK 416 .22 LR rifle complete with Walther XGL532 Red Laser. This rifle boasts a 16.1″ barrel, retractable stock, M-LOK rail, and adjustable flip-up sights. The included Red Laser with remote on/off switch allows fast target acquisition.
12. Amazon — Twist-Top 1 Oz. Squeeze Bottles, $12.49
⏺ Great product for gun cleaning solvents and lubricants
Cleaning supplies often come in glass bottles that are fragile, awkward, and hard to transport. For cleaning/lubricating at the range or after a match, we can recommend these Twist-Top 1 oz. Bottles. These are airtight, easy to squeeze. With a tight “no-leak” lid, these are secure/convenient to transport, even when traveling to distant matches via air.
Do you know how gun primers are made — how the explosive elements are applied into those tiny cups? Find out by watching this video filmed at a Federal ammunition factory. It starts out with empty primer cups loaded, 1000 at a time, into trays using vibration (0:05 time-mark). While much of the process is automated, there is still a significant role played by production workers who apply a green, paste-like charging compound to the inside of hundreds of primer cups.
At the 0:17-second time-mark you can see the factory worker “charging” the primers with the priming compound. After the cups are filled, then the plate of cups “mates up with a plate of anvils” (0:40 time-mark). Then the primers are unloaded from trays and inspected.
Primer “Mysteries and Misconceptions” Article
There is an excellent article about primers on the Shooting Times website. This authoritative Shooting Times article explains the fine points of primer design and construction. The author reveals some little-known facts about primers and corrects common misconceptions. Here are some highlights:
Size Matters
Useful Trivia — even though Small Rifle and Small Pistol primer pockets share the same depth specification, Large Rifle and Large Pistol primers do not. The standard pocket for a Large Pistol primer is somewhat shallower than its Large Rifle counterpart, specifically, 0.008 to 0.009 inch less.
Magnum Primers
There are two ways to make a Magnum primer — either use more of the standard chemical mix to provide a longer-burning flame or change the mix to one with more aggressive burn characteristics. Prior to 1989, CCI used the first option in Magnum Rifle primers. After that, we switched to a mix optimized for spherical propellants that produced a 24% increase in flame temperature and a 16% boost in gas volume.
Foiled Again
Most component primers have a little disk of paper between the anvil and the priming mix. It is called “foil paper” not because it’s made of foil but because it replaces the true metal foil used to seal early percussion caps. The reason this little disk exists is strictly a manufacturing convenience. Wet primer pellets are smaller than the inside diameter of the cup when inserted and must be compacted to achieve their proper diameter and height. Without the foil paper, the wet mix would stick to the compaction pins and jam up the assembly process.
Last week, it was reported that the Biden administration seeks to limit the sales of Lake City-produced ammunition. Specifically, Biden’s team intends to prohibit commercial (public) sales of 5.56x45mm NATO ammo produced at the Lake City Ammunition Plant in Missouri. The move could result in a reduction of the commercial production of 5.56×45 (.223 Rem) caliber ammunition by over 30 percent (30%).
The sales restriction would dramatically reduce availability of ammunition for America’s most popular centerfire rifle caliber, and the ammo most commonly used in AR-15 platform rifles. This could result in a significantly increased cost for all centerfire .223 Rem and 5.56×45 ammunition, because overall supply would be drastically reduced.
Lake City-produced ammo, which exceeds the U.S. government’s requirements, has long been made available to the private commercial market. Lake City’s output, according to some estimates, accounts for one-third of the 5.56×45 ammunition available to U.S. consumers.
News of the move was broken by Larry Keane, NSSF Senior V.P. and General Counsel. This past week, Keane published a tweet, which stated: “The U.S. Military is actively considering shutting down the sale [of] M855/SS109 ammo from Lake City to the commercial market”.
Lake City Ammunition Plant Produces over 1 Billion Rounds Annually
Lake City is a sprawling ammunition plant in Independence, Missouri, originally established by Remington in 1941 to manufacture and test ammunition for the U.S. Army. It is currently owned by the government and operated by private contractors and produces well over a billion rounds of ammunition per year.
Commentary about the Potential Ammunition Sales Restrictions:
The Truth about Guns Blog commented: “The motivation here is obvious. The Biden administration is attempting to further spike the price of ammunition, squeezing the owners of America’s favorite rifles — the scary black ones that the president assures us are only good for killing people and taking down Kevlar vest-wearing deer. The hapless Biden administration [is] trying to make shooting most AR-15 rifles as expensive as possible for Americans who own between 20 and 25 million AR-platform guns.
The NRA-ILA states: “Gun prohibition advocates have a long-standing desire to ban the AR-15 and other types of semiautomatic long guns outright. Joe Biden in particular loves to brag of authoring the so-called ‘assault weapons’ ban that Bill Clinton signed into law in 1994. Congress, however, allowed the ban to expire 10 years later, after a Department of Justice-sponsored study was unable to substantiate any significant crime reduction benefit from it.
Close followers of Second Amendment issues will remember that these same [5.56×45] rounds were targeted by the Obama/Biden administration under the guise of relabeling them ‘armor piercing ammunition’, which is banned from commercial sale by federal law. The resulting … furor from the Second Amendment community was so intense that it culminated in Obama’s ATF director, B. Todd Jones, quitting his job.”
The 6mm ARC cartridge is a new SAAMI-spec cartridge based on the 6.5 Grendel case necked down for 6mm bullets, with the shoulder moved back 0.030. Yes it is designed to run in AR15-platform rifles. You’ll need a new barrel, bolt, and mags. If you already have an AR chambered in 6.5 Grendel, the ONLY thing you need to change is the barrel. Everything else — bolt, magazines, gas system – is compatible with 6mm ARC. 
Quick Tip: Try Flipping Your Bushings
This cartridge was introduced by Winchester in 1935 in their model 54 rifle. A year later, it was added as a standard cartridge in the model 70. What might not be common knowledge to some reloaders is that the prototype for the Swift was developed in 1934-35 by Grosvenor Wotkyns by necking down the 250 Savage case, but in the end, Winchester chose the 6mm Lee Navy case for the foundation for this cartridge.
