6mm ARC Assembled Complete Upper

Ballistics Barrel Upper Receiver Handguard BCG Gas Block FAQ Videos 6mm ARC Ballistics Data All of the data below was gathered by Grendel Hunter staff shooting the various loads in 10+ round strings through a chronograph. The data was then entered into a ballistics calculator to provide us with velocities, energy and trajectories at various ranges. For our calculations we used the following conditions: Temperature: 59 ℉ | Humidity: 50% | Barometric Pressure: 29.9 inHg | Altitude 1,000 FT 22″ Barrel 70gr Sierra Tipped Varmint King (Druid Hill Armory) 70gr Sierra Tipped Varmint King (G1 B.C. .299) 6mm ARC | Velocity, Energy & Trajectory Chart (22″ Barrel) Range (Yds)Velocity (FPS)Energy (Ft-Lbs)Drop (Inches)0 (Muzzle)31781570-2.7100284612590.020025391001-1.73002252788-8.74001984612-22.75001737469-45.56001514356-79.97001323272-129.5Note: Data calculated with a 100-yard zero, 2.65″ scope height, and environmental parameters of 59°F, 50% humidity, and 1,000 FT altitude. 75gr V-MAX (Druid Hill Armory) 75gr V-MAX (G1 B.C. .330) 6mm ARC | Velocity, Energy & Trajectory Chart (22″ Barrel) Range (Yds) Velocity (FPS) Energy (Ft-Lbs) Drop (Inches) 0 (Muzzle) 3001 1500 -2.7 100 2711 1224 0.0 200 2440 991 -2.1 300 2185 795 -10.0 400 1946 630 -25.3 500 1724 495 -49.7 600 1523 386 -85.9 700 1346 302 -137.1 800 1201 240 -207.6 900 1091 198 -302.0 1000 1013 171 -425.4 Note: Data calculated with a 100-yard zero, 2.65″ scope height, and environmental parameters of 59°F, 50% humidity, and 1,000 FT altitude. 80gr Hornady ELD-VT (Hornady) 80gr Hornady ELD-VT (G1 B.C. .410) 6mm ARC | Velocity, Energy & Trajectory Chart (22″ Barrel) Range (Yds) Velocity (FPS) Energy (Ft-Lbs) Drop (Inches) 0 (Muzzle) 2964 1560 -2.7 100 2731 1325 0.0 200 2511 1120 -2.0 300 2301 940 -9.5 400 2101 784 -23.7 500 1912 649 -45.7 600 1734 534 -77.2 700 1569 437 -120.3 800 1420 358 -177.5 900 1289 295 -251.9 1000 1179 247 -347.3 Note: Data calculated with a 100-yard zero, 2.65″ scope height, and environmental parameters of 59°F, 50% humidity, and 1,000 FT altitude. 103gr Hornady ELD-X (Hornady) 103gr Hornady ELD-X (G1 B.C. .512) 6mm ARC | Velocity, Energy & Trajectory Chart (22″ Barrel) Range (Yds) Velocity (FPS) Energy (Ft-Lbs) Drop (Inches) 0 (Muzzle) 2698 1665 -2.7 100 2522 1454 0.0 200 2352 1265 -2.8 300 2190 1096 -11.9 400 2033 945 -28.3 500 1884 812 -53.0 600 1742 694 -87.6 700 1609 592 -133.6 800 1484 504 -193.0 900 1371 430 -268.3 1000 1271 369 -361.9 Note: Data calculated with a 100-yard zero, 2.65″ scope height, and environmental parameters of 59°F, 50% humidity, and 1,000 FT altitude. 20″ Barrel 18″ Barrel 58gr Hornady V-MAX (Druid Hill Armory) 58gr Hornady V-MAX (G1 B.C. .250) 6mm ARC | Velocity, Energy & Trajectory Chart (18″ Barrel) Range (Yds)Velocity (FPS)Energy (Ft-Lbs)Drop (Inches)0 (Muzzle)33311429-2.7100292311000.02002552838-1.43002210629-8.24001895462-22.25001612335-45.96001369241-83.17001178179-138.88001048142-219.4900963119-331.11000899104-479.7Note: Data calculated with a 100-yard zero, 2.65″ scope height, and environmental parameters of 59°F, 50% humidity, and 1,000 FT altitude. 65gr Maker T-Rex (Druid Hill Armory) 65gr Maker T-Rex (G1 B.C. .330) 6mm ARC | Velocity, Energy & Trajectory Chart (18″ Barrel) Range (Yds)Velocity (FPS)Energy (Ft-Lbs)Drop (Inches)0 (Muzzle)32461520-2.7100293912470.020026541016-1.43002386822-7.74002134657-20.25001898520-40.26001681408-70.07001484318-112.18001313249-170.09001175199-248.110001072166-351.1Note: Data calculated with a 100-yard zero, 2.65″ scope height, and environmental parameters of 59°F, 50% humidity, and 1,000 FT altitude. 70gr Sierra Tipped Varmint King (Druid Hill Armory) 70gr Sierra Tipped Varmint King (G1 B.C. .299) 6mm ARC | Velocity, Energy & Trajectory Chart (18″ Barrel) Range (Yds)Velocity (FPS)Energy (Ft-Lbs)Drop (Inches)0 (Muzzle)30891483-2.7100276411870.02002462942-1.93002180739-9.64001917571-24.65001676437-49.16001461332-86.07001279254-139.38001137201-213.89001038167-315.01000967145-448.1Note: Data calculated with a 100-yard zero, 2.65″ scope height, and environmental parameters of 59°F, 50% humidity, and 1,000 FT altitude. 75gr Hornady V-MAX (Druid Hill Armory) 75gr Hornady V-MAX (G1 B.C. .330) 6mm ARC | Velocity, Energy & Trajectory Chart (18″ Barrel) Range (Yds)Velocity (FPS)Energy (Ft-Lbs)Drop (Inches)0 (Muzzle)29161416-2.7100263211540.02002366932-2.43002115745-11.04001881589-27.45001664461-53.76001469359-92.57001301282-147.58001166226-223.09001066189-324.01000994165-455.3Note: Data calculated with a 100-yard zero, 2.65″ scope height, and environmental parameters of 59°F, 50% humidity, and 1,000 FT altitude. 85gr Maker T-Rex (Druid Hill Armory) 85gr Maker T-Rex (G1 B.C. .340) 6mm ARC | Velocity, Energy & Trajectory Chart (18″ Barrel) Range (Yds)Velocity (FPS)Energy (Ft-Lbs)Drop (Inches)0 (Muzzle)28211502-2.7100255112280.02002297996-2.73002058799-12.04001834635-29.65001627500-57.56001442393-98.67001283311-156.48001155252-235.39001061212-340.11000992186-475.6Note: Data calculated with a 100-yard zero, 2.65″ scope height, and environmental parameters of 59°F, 50% humidity, and 1,000 FT altitude. 90gr Hornady ELD-X (Druid Hill Armory) 90gr Hornady ELD-X (G1 B.C. .409) 6mm ARC | Velocity, Energy & Trajectory Chart (18″ Barrel) Range (Yds)Velocity (FPS)Energy (Ft-Lbs)Drop (Inches)0 (Muzzle)26891445-2.7100247012190.020022611022-3.13002063851-12.94001876703-31.05001700577-58.96001538472-98.97001392387-153.68001264319-226.29001159268-320.610001078232-440.7Note: Data calculated with a 100-yard zero, 2.65″ scope height, and environmental parameters of 59°F, 50% humidity, and 1,000 FT altitude. 103gr Hornady ELD-X (Hornady) 103gr Hornady ELD-X (G1 B.C. .512) 6mm ARC | Velocity, Energy & Trajectory Chart (18″ Barrel) Range (Yds)Velocity (FPS)Energy (Ft-Lbs)Drop (Inches)0 (Muzzle)25881532-2.7100241613350.020022511158-3.330020921001-13.54001940861-31.65001795737-59.06001658629-97.17001531536-147.98001413457-213.59001307391-296.510001215338-399.8Note: Data calculated with a 100-yard zero, 2.65″ scope height, and environmental parameters of 59°F, 50% humidity, and 1,000 FT altitude. The Ultimate Varmint & Predator Bullet Test Looking for the ultimate predator round? We test 6mm ARC and 6.5 Grendel ballistics, comparing V-MAX and ELD-VT varmint bullets in gel tests. Read More » Solid Copper 6mm ARC Hunting Ammo? Druid Hill Maker T-REX Gel Test (65gr & 85gr) Looking for maximum terminal performance out of your 6mm ARC? In this post, we put Druid Hill Armory’s 65gr and 85gr Maker T-REX custom ammunition to the test using an 18″ Grendel Hunter upper and 10% ballistic gel. Discover how these CNC-machined, solid-copper monolithic monsters compare to traditional lead-core rounds in penetration, weight retention, and immediate expansion. Read More » 6mm ARC 103gr ELD-X Ballistics & Gel Test: 100 vs 370 Yards See how the Hornady 103gr ELD-X performs in the 6mm ARC at 100 and 370 yards. Detailed ballistic gel results, velocities, and expansion data for AR-15 hunters Read More » 6mm ARC BarrelsYour barrel is the heart of the system. We offer 16″, 18″, 20″, and 22″ lengths in a Medium Contour so you can find the perfect balance between velocity and portability for your application. Material: 416R Stainless Steel for accuracy and durability. Finishes: Choose between Uncoated Stainless, Black Cerakote, or a Bead Blasted Stainless finish. Fluting: All Lengths available in a Non-Fluted, classic profile or with Straight Flutes for weight savings. SpecificationsLiberty Barrels® made by Satern®6mm ARC416R Stainless SteelMedium Contour1-7.5 Twist 5R RiflingMid Length Gas (16″ & 18″)Rifle Length Gas (18″, 20″ & 22″) 5/8×24 Threads.750 Gas Block Journal Grendel Hunter AR-15 Billet Upper ReceiversForget standard, mass-produced mil-spec forgings. We designed our Grendel Hunter Billet uppers to move beyond the “basic” look of a standard AR. Billet allows us the design freedom to create sharper lines and a more modern aesthetic that you just can’t get from a forging. We didn’t just design an upper; we designed a system. Our uppers and handguards are engineered to match up in an almost monolithic way, creating a seamless, integrated look. Slick Side: For the minimalist—no forward assist, shell deflector, or dust cover. Traditional: Includes all standard features for those who want a classic style upper. Premium Finishing: Available in Black Hardcoat Anodized, Magpul FDE Cerakote, and Magpul OD Green Cerakote. Note: All Cerakoted uppers are anodized on the interior for maximum durability and smooth cycling. Specifications6061 T-6 (Slick Side Upper) or 7075 T-6 Aluminum (Traditional Upper)M4 Feed ramps.250 takedown pin holesForward Assist with threaded roll pin (Traditional Upper)Dust Cover (Traditional Upper) Grendel Hunter AR-15 Handguards: Form & FunctionEvery Grendel Hunter handguard is designed to integrate seamlessly with our billet uppers, creating a near-monolithic look and a rock-solid mounting platform. While they share the same rugged DNA, each version has a unique style. Built-In Standards across all models:Material: Lightweight, high-strength 6061-T6 Aluminum. Rock-Solid Lockup: A heavy-duty Steel Barrel Nut and Steel Retention System ensure your rail doesn’t shift, even with heavy use. Anti-Rotation Tabs: Integrated tabs prevent the rail from twisting under torque. Slim Profile: A 1.3″ inside diameter provides a modern, ergonomic “C-clamp” grip and a sleek look. Premium Finishing: Available in Black Hardcoat Anodized, Magpul FDE Cerakote, and Magpul OD Green CerakoteWhich Version is Right for Your Build?V1:  Front Profile: Aggressive Slant-Cut Top Rail: Competition Style (Rails at front and back only) M-LOK Slots: Sides and Bottom Weight: Our Lightest Option The V1 is our lightest handguard. By utilizing a competition-style top rail and a sleek slant-cut front, we’ve shed every unnecessary ounce without sacrificing mounting space. V2:  Front Profile: Traditional Squared-Off Top Rail: Competition Style (Rails at front and back only) M-LOK Slots: Sides and Bottom Weight: Balanced If you prefer a more traditional look, the V2 features a squared-off front end. It maintains the competition-style top rail for weight savings. V3:  Front Profile: Aggressive Slant-Cut Top Rail: Full Picatinny (Continuous top rail) M-LOK Slots: Full 360° (All sides) Weight: Built for utility, but our heaviest option The V3 is our most capable rail. It features a full-length Picatinny top rail and M-LOK slots surrounding the entire circumference. This is the go-to choice for hunters running thermal clip-ons, IR illuminators, or side-mounted accessories. The Grendel Hunter BCG: Precision-Tuned ReliabilityHeadspace Check: We perform a manual headspace check for every upper using the specific barrel and bolt you’ve selected. Optimized Extractor Tension: Excessive tension is a leading cause of malfunctions and extractor failure. We are meticulous about our extractor tension being at the “sweet spot”—ensuring reliable cycling without putting unnecessary stress on the steel. Radiused Extractor Geometry: We avoid the “sharp fangs” found on most extractors. By having smooth corners on the extractor claw, we prevent the steel from digging into the brass case rim, ensuring the ejector can “kick” the brass out at the exact right microsecond for a clean ejection cycle. Built to Last: Our bolts are machined from 9310 Steel, shot-peened for fatigue resistance, and Magnetic Particle Inspected (MPI). Professional Grade FinishesWe offer four distinct finishes, each offering a significant upgrade over the old Mil-Spec phosphate in terms of lubricity, hardness, and ease of cleaning. BCG Finish SpecificationsBlack Nitride Surface Hardness: ~740 HV (Vickers) The Process: A salt-bath thermo-chemical treatment that hardens the steel. The Benefit: Far more durable and smoother than original Mil-Spec magnesium phosphate with excellent corrosion resistance. Nickel Boron (NiB) Surface Hardness: ~1800 HV (Vickers) The Process: UCT EXO® (High Boron content). The Benefit: An extremely hard, durable finish with a very low friction coefficient. It’s smooth and wipes clean easily. DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) Surface Hardness: ~2300 HV (Vickers) The Process: Next-level Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) The Benefit: High hardness, Excellent abrasive wear resistance, Low thermal conductivity, Ultra-Low friction level. P51+ High Polish Black Surface Hardness: ~2300 HV (Vickers)The Benefit: The same attributes of our DLC, but it receives extra polishing cycles to give it an EXTREMELY smooth and deep, black finish. BCG Technical Specifications:Carrier: M16 Auto Profile (8620 Steel) for smooth cycling and increased mass. Gas Key: 4130 Steel with properly staked Grade 8 fasteners. Bolt: 6.5 Grendel / 6mm ARC / .22 ARC Small Parts: 4140 Steel Cam Pin and Hard Chrome Firing Pin. Grendel Hunter Gas BlocksWe exclusively use adjustable blocks in our uppers. With the explosion in popularity that suppressors have enjoyed in recent years, it just makes sense to have the ability to tune the gas. There are two models to choose from. Note: Every upper is test-fired and shipped pre-set for reliable unsuppressed firing. GH .750 Adjustable (Set & Forget)Best For: Those who don’t plan to suppress or shooters who will suppress and want to tune their gas once and leave it. Generally requires handguard removal for adjustment since cutouts in handguards don’t always align with the adjustment screw. Handguard removal is as simple as removing two hex bolts, but it is an extra step. Design: Side-access adjustment (1/16” Hex) with a front-facing locking screw. Material: 4140 Steel with a Black Nitride finish. GH .750 Click Adjustable (Premium)Best For: Those who suppress or who like to really fine tune their rifles. Design: Ball-detent system with 22 audible clicks of adjustment across the gas port and zero-shutoff. Ease of Use: Front-access adjustment screw (1/8″ Hex) allows for tuning without removing the handguard. Performance: Eliminates the “violent” over-gassed cycle common with suppressors, reducing carrier speed and heat. Materials: 4140 PHT or 303 Stainless Steel. Finishes: Black Nitride, Stainless, or Bead Blasted Stainless. What is the optimal barrel length for the 6mm ARC? It depends on how you define “optimal.” In theory, if it takes 24″–26″ to get 100% of the powder burn inside the bore, then anything less is technically a compromise. But for most of us, carrying a “musket” in the field isn’t exactly optimal, either. Ultimately, the right length comes down to your specific requirements. For example: If you’re running a suppressor, getting in and out of a side-by-side, or trekking long distances, the portability of an 18″ barrel is hard to beat. If you’re calling coyotes a couple hundred yards from the truck and shooting off a tripod, you might prioritize the higher velocity and flatter trajectory of a 22″ barrel over weight savings. Choose the length that fits how you actually hunt, not the one that strangers on the internet tell you is “optimal.” Will my upper come assembled and test fired? Yes. You choose the components above and we assemble and test fire with those parts.  Will my upper receive a headspace check? Yes. For every upper we build, we take the specific barrel and bolt the customer has selected and perform a headspace check prior to assembly. What is the performance difference between the various barrel lengths? Velocity differences between different length barrels can vary somewhat depending on the load and how quickly a specific powder burns. In our testing, we generally see ~ 30 fps of velocity gained per inch of barrel length between 16″ and 22″ with the 6mm ARC. What is the lead time on an upper? We ship the same or next business day. Since our website has a live inventory and we only sell things that actually exist on our shelves, we do not have lead times.  If a specific component I want is out of stock, can I place the order anyway? Unfortunately, we do not accept backorders. It’s Grendel Hunter’s policy to only take a customer’s money for things that exist.  If a specific component is out of stock, you can go to that item’s individual product page and join the “Back in Stock” email notification list. What length handguard should I choose? When it comes to choosing a handguard’s length, a lot of it is personal preference. Here are a few things to consdier though: You will want 14″ or longer to cover a rifle length gas system. 13″ or less is best for mid length gas.The 14″v.2 and 15.3″v.1 & v.3 just cover the gas block on a rifle length gassed barrel, so that should give you an idea of how much barrel will be showing. For unsuppressed rifles, showing 3″-4″ of barrel is the most popular look. For example, a 17″ handguard on 20″ barrel. On suppressed rifles, since a suppressor almost looks like an “extension” of the barrel, a lot of guys go a bit longer, for example, a 17″ handguard on an 18″ barrel. Our 15.3″ handguards had that specific length chosen with two things in mind. First, to cover a rifle length gas system. Second, to still allow the direct threading of a suppressor when installed with a 16″ barrel.  {"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"What is the optimal barrel length for the 6mm ARC?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"It depends on how you define “optimal.” In theory, if it takes 24″\u201326″ to get 100% of the powder burn inside the bore, then anything less is technically a compromise. But for most of us, carrying a “musket” in the field isn’t exactly optimal, either.Ultimately, the right length comes down to your specific requirements. For example:If you\u2019re running a suppressor, getting in and out of a side-by-side, or trekking long distances, the portability of an 18″ barrel is hard to beat.If you\u2019re calling coyotes a couple hundred yards from the truck and shooting off a tripod, you might prioritize the higher velocity and flatter trajectory of a 22″ barrel over weight savings.Choose the length that fits how you actually hunt, not the one that strangers on the internet tell you is “optimal.”"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Will my upper come assembled and test fired?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes. You choose the components above and we assemble and test fire with those parts.\u00a0"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Will my upper receive a headspace check?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes. For every upper we build, we take the specific barrel and bolt the customer has selected and perform a headspace check prior to assembly."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What is the performance difference between the various barrel lengths?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Velocity differences between different length barrels can vary somewhat depending on the load and how quickly a specific powder burns. In our testing, we generally see ~ 30 fps of velocity gained per inch of barrel length between 16″ and 22″ with the 6mm ARC."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What is the lead time on an upper?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"We ship the same or next business day. Since our website has a live inventory and we only sell things that actually exist on our shelves, we do not have lead times.\u00a0"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"If a specific component I want is out of stock, can I place the order anyway?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Unfortunately, we do not accept backorders. It’s Grendel Hunter’s policy to only take a customer’s money for things that exist.\u00a0If a specific component is out of stock, you can go to that item’s individual product page and join the “Back in Stock” email notification list."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What length handguard should I choose?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"When it comes to choosing a handguard\u2019s length, a lot of it is personal preference. Here are a few things to consdier though:You will want 14\u2033 or longer to cover a rifle length gas system. 13\u2033 or less is best for mid length gas.The 14\u2033v.2 and 15.3\u2033v.1 & v.3\u00a0just\u00a0cover the gas block on a rifle length gassed barrel, so that should give you an idea of how much barrel will be showing.\u00a0For unsuppressed rifles, showing 3\u2033-4\u2033 of barrel is the most popular look. For example, a 17\u2033 handguard on 20\u2033 barrel. On suppressed rifles, since a suppressor almost looks like an \u201cextension\u201d of the barrel, a lot of guys go a bit longer, for example, a 17\u2033 handguard on an 18\u2033 barrel.\u00a0Our 15.3\u2033 handguards had that specific length chosen with two things in mind. First, to cover a rifle length gas system. Second, to still allow the direct threading of a suppressor when installed with a 16\u2033 barrel.\u00a0"}}]} Playlist 75gr V-MAX | 80gr ELD-VT | 300 Yards | 6mm ARC 75gr V-MAX | 80gr ELD-VT | 200 Yards | 6mm ARC 103gr ELD-X | 370 Yards | 6mm ARC 65gr & 85gr T-REX | 100 Yards 105gr ELD-M | 6mm ARC 75gr V-MAX | 80gr ELD-VT | 100 Yards | 6mm ARC Click here to browse our other Uppers. Don’t forget magazines!