I have a stainless Howa Mini barreled action on the way. Likely gonna rebarrel to the 22 or 6mm ARC. 20” barrel length (max), probably 1:7” in either, but can adjust if needed. Mostly a rifle for play and predators.

Which one?

If you already have it on the way, what is it already barreled for? Why don’t you just shoot that?

Between 6 ARC or 22 ARC, I think I’d go 6.

I'd go .22 ARC.
For anything up to deer it's quite capable, projectiles are slightly less money, and less recoil. In fact, some would be happy using it on elk.

DO shoot the donor first…..

If you’re patient, Brownells may have SS 6s and .22s. You can call and ask.

It’s probably 6.5 Arc lol

Agree, just shoot that with 123’s for everything. 700 yards nothing for plinking and better audibles on steel and visuals on the misses. Plus it big games really well to 400 from a 16” barrel and over 500 from a 24”.

It defeats the fun to go this route when these shiny new best ever hot girls come along lol.

Afraid their 22 ARC won’t be twisted as fast as I’d like when they get it.
probably will shoot the donor as is for awhile. It’s still difficult to find any 6 ARC brass let alone the newer 22ARC. I could make either I suppose but I’ll probably just shoot it in 6.5 until brass is easier to get.

It shouldn't be that hard to neck down 6.5 Grendal brass to 6 mm.

you could accomplish that with a Hornady 6mm Neck sizer die, which would cost ya only $20 or so.

Use the Grendal die as a body die, and the Hornady Neck Sizer.. I'd bet the seating die on the 6.5 would work on a 6mm Cartridge/ARC. Have to try it tho, to test if there is any run out to be concerned about.

But that is why many of us are reloaders....figure out problems on the cheap... at least some of us...
easy to find if it works or not.

One pass through a 6mm arc full size die, then some trimming, will turn 6.5 grendal into 6mm arc brass. My first hundred pieces of Starline 6.5 grendal brass made it to 10 or 11 reloads as 6mm arc before necks started splitting, with no annealing.

If they follow the SAAMI spec it's 1:7

This might be a bit sideways from normal convention

But I’d build out whatever (22 vs 6 arc) based around bullets you’d want to shoot and max range.

If I had a stash of 108gr eld-m and only planned on killing inside of 500 I’d go 6 arc. The 108gr eld-m won’t be screaming from the muzzle, but by all means it’s a damn good killer of deer elk and antelope down to 1900fps.

If I’m starting fresh: the 75gr eld-m are a lot cheaper and easier to find, and my maximum killing range was beyond 500 I’d go 22arc. If 2-400 is more common for shot distance maybe go with a thicker constructed bullet.. but it’s amazing how well 75gr hornady will crumple stags and mule deer.

I suck ar reading. You said predators and play…

22arc easily.

Find bulk 75gr bthp for play.. 75gr eld for predators.

I can make a case for either as well as just shoot what I expect is a 6.5 Grendel. Intended use is still un-clear.

Seems the OP is favoring the 22 ARC. 22ARC will be the flatter shooting, of your choices. Recoil will be lighter as well. 22 ARC will likely be proficient at most any task you have in mind. What is not mentioned is your thoughts on shooting at distance or what distances you would like to put your rifle to task with?

Down side of the 22 ARC at present is load data, brass in proper head stamp & load data are in short supply.

This leads me to the 6mm ARC which is still a vey capable round with reamers, dies & load data can be much more available. 6mm ARC may check all your boxes as well & offer more energy on target.

6.5 Grendel just might serve you well also. Very capable cartridge with much more load data & dies are generally available with more options due to time in the market. Should you wish to shoot factory ammo more options are available here.

Pick your poison all have there merits.

I have experience with the 6mm ARC & the 6.5 Grendel in mini action bolt rifles, primarily the CZ527.

If limited load data, brass & dies are not deterring you. Id emagin the 22 ARC could check all your boxes.

I’d play at longer distance, but hunting would be primarily 500 yards or less.

I was leaning 22 ARC, but proper head stamped brass availability got me thinking the 6mm might help that

I'll probably end up with all 3 before too long. And I'm considering a mini in 350 legend too and wondering why I don't own one in 223 yet. The 8 twist 223 with the bdl box should be good for 75s.

Bb

Midway has Starline 6ARC for $35/50 and free shipping over $100.

22 Grendel, ahem I mean ARC, would be the way to go for predators and plinking. It’s a straight neck down from 6.5. The 6ARC has the shoulder pushed back.

I don't regret getting a 6arc. I've made hits out to 1000 yds with a small frame AR which I was really happy with. I don't have much interest in the 22 ARC as my ruger rpr in 223does well out to 1000 yds with 80 gr elds.

I've multiple Krunchentickers and bolt guns,in both chamberings. The 224 Grendel and 88's steamroll ALL things 223 and especially,as compared to 80's. Hint.

I prefer the 224 Grendel for Utility,but the 243 Grendel with .620 BC 112's is fhuqking sinister. Hint.................

which of them have the best factory ammo support?

which of them likely to have the best factory ammo support in the future?

is resale a consideration?

to regular hunters and shooters that don't reload?

funny how the reloaders always assume everyone reloads...lol

many factors to consider never seem considered

Your Brokedick Handicaps,are not the plight of all. Hint.................

6 ARC brass ordered a couple of days ago

6.5 Grendel Virgins,happily arrange 224 Grendel,6PPC,6 ARC and 243 Grendel in a single pass. Hint.



Just sayin'................