First Look: New Caliber Options for the Robinson XCR Rifle

6mm ARC and 8.6 Blackout are now available for this versatile line of rifles.

by
posted on May 20, 2024
Robinson Xcr

Robinson Armament has recently added 8.6mm BLK and 6mm ARC as other caliber options for its product line of semi-automatic, gas-operated carbines and rifles. 

The Robinson Armament XCR series has previously been available in intermediate (Robinson Armament XCR L series) chamberings such as 5.56 NATO, 7.62x39mm, .300 BLK, 6.8 SPC, 5.45x39mm, .224 Valkyrie and 6.5 mm Grendel. Besides these intermediate chamberings, the XCR M is available for full-size cartridges based around the .308 Win. parent case and similar-sized cases including .308 Win. itself, .243 Win. .260 Rem. and 6.5 Creedmoor. Robinson XCR series rifles are known for being highly configurable and flexible in the different barrel and handguard lengths depending on end user preferences.

The 6mm ARC round is a recent arrival in the intermediate cartridge world. Designed by Hornady, this round’s aim was to distill the ballistic efficiency found in inherently extreme low drag 6mm projectiles and load them into a cartridge case that uses a modern shoulder angle design and efficient propellants, all while fitting the dimensions of the AR-15 platform. The end result is a rifle cartridge that’s capable of better ballistic efficiencies and trajectories compared to even premium 5.56 NATO precision loads. Although 6mm bullets are most relevant in shooting sports centered around extreme accuracy and precision at longer distances, Hornady developed the cartridge for special operations personnel for use in hot spots all over the world. Currently Hornady is the only major manufacturer selling factory-loaded 6mm ARC rifle cartridges, with bullet weights varying between 80 to 105 grains depending on the specific 6mm projectile and its application. 

On the other end of the scale, the 8.6 BLK round is a massive .338-caliber projectile that is designed to deliver a huge punch from suppressed rifles at closer distances. 8.6 BLK projectiles are so heavy they have to be stabilized by rifle barrels with extremely low twist rates such as 1:3-inches. What the 8.6 BLK lacks in extended distance capabilities, it makes up for it by having the ability to dump massive amounts of energy at closer distances. Designed by Kevin Brittingham, who also played a large role in popularizing .300 BLK, 8.6 BLK brings even more performance to shooters and hunters looking to deliver massive amounts of energy on the target without a lot of noise.

Visit robinsonarmament.com to learn more about these new rifles or other products from Robinson Armament. . 

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