The 6.5 Creedmoor has gained extreme appreciation and acceptance in the hunting and match community as a versatile and extremely accurate round. To the extent that it has become the first choice of many hunters instead of the older, popular and proven rounds like the .30-06 and .308.
Let's get some insights into this claim and also understanding the unique characteristics of the caliber.
This article will also review some of the best 6.5 Creedmoor rifles available on the market today.
Comparison of the Best 6.5 Creedmoor Rifles
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Factors to Consider Before Getting Into a 6.5 Creedmoor
Let’s take a quick look at some factors you must keep in mind before buying a rifle chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor. Eventually, these considerations are important and will very likely direct your buying decision.
This Section Written By:
Ankit Kumar
Expert Author
Ankit Kumar is an engineer turned writer who specializes in topics related to firearms, gun safety and weapon tech. His passion towards enrolling in the Army drifted his interest towards light and heavy firearms. He’s a qualified competitive air rifle shooter and an avid nature lover. His other areas of expertise include survival, prepping and firearms/ammo storage. When he’s not writing, he’s either learning a new skill, trekking or enjoying a long drive.
This is No Magic Cartridge
6.5 Creedmoor has been the center of attraction for a lot of hype about its performance. Thanks to a lot of marketing efforts. But the heroic picture that has been painted for the caliber will put the unwary user through some repercussions.
The 6.5 Creedmoor has gained a lot of traction recently. Even to the point that it has replaced the .30-06 as the best selling hunting caliber in some states. The 6.5 Creed is a flat shooting cartridge that can successfully kill game out to distances even pro shooters won’t dare to hunt.
But it’s still a .264” bullet. So the right shot placement is essential. Especially when you’re engaging in a big thin-skinned game at 250 yards or more. So the point is, don’t go berserk and start carrying it as a perfect overall caliber.
Photo credit: gameandfishmag.comWhat’s Your Intended Purpose?
That’s quite an important question when choosing a rifle caliber. The 6.5 Creedmoor is a flat shooting cartridge that is renowned for two big factors. It’s low recoil and high resistance to drifting against the wind. The cartridge does shoot flatter than its parent, but the value is still a few inches shy of the venerable .270 at 300+ yards.
Additionally, the 6.5 Creedmoor is a .264 inches bullet that moves fast and will kill most game animals roaming North America. But looking at normal hunting ranges (mostly less than 300 yards), the lesser recoil and high energy retention are what make the difference for most hunters.
Apart from that, the 6.5 Creedmoor is a perfect target shooting and competition round. Given its ballistics and short action design.
Easy Customization
With a ton of aftermarket accessory options available on the market today. Having a rifle that’s adaptable to them and offers some level of customizations (like and adjustable stock) is a more desirable choice for most thrifty buyers.
Review of the Best 6.5 Creedmoor Rifles
Below are the top five 6.5 Creedmoor rifles currently on the market. It is important for you to review each one carefully, as a unique feature or two may be a deciding factor in your purchase.
As always, you should take into account your personal needs and preferences when it comes to finding a good rifle. Keep in mind that there are other options that are available for those currently on a budget.
Best Overall:
Springfield Armory M1A 6.5 Creedmoor
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This rifle turned out to be really useful for a lot of new users. Especially when about half of them were using this for some good old-fashioned long-range hunting. Another half used it for target shooting purposes. They said that the rifle was well-constructed and really fun to shoot even with ten rounds at their disposal. The stock, as expected, was easy to adjust to accommodate various lengths of pull.
Why it Stands Out to Us
First up on the list is the Springfield Armory M1A. As of now, this is considered to be one of the best 6.5 Creedmoor rifles on the market. This is a highly precise model that is typically used by tactical teams, snipers, backcountry hunters, and competitive shooters.
Now, you can get that unrivaled performance in the form of a 6.5 Creedmoor rifle. If you’re looking for a rifle that has a high muzzle velocity, low recoil, and extremely long range accuracy, this is it. This has a National Match Grade, 22-inch medium weight stainless steel barrel that provides a long sight radius along with a 4-groove 1:8 right-hand twist and shot-steadying muzzle brake for accuracy.
The NM Grade .062 post front sight and non-hooded .0520 aperture rear sight is ideal for far targets. This is adjustable for ½ windage and 1 MOA elevation. The 2-stage trigger is NM-tuned to 4.5 to 5 pounds for a very crisp pull.
The Springfield is an excellent 1000-yard rifle that will deliver a level of shooting satisfaction that you won’t find with most rifles. You can maximize this experience with an excellent quality scope that is compatible with this rifle. All told, there are only a select few in the world that will give you the same experience.
This M1A 6.5 Creedmoor is offered with your choice of a solid black composite stock or a precision-adjustable stock that lets shooters dial in individual fit and feel. If you have a 10-round magazine, this will feed smoothly into the chamber for reliable shooting.
This has a length of 45 to 46.24 inches and an unloaded weight of 11.4 pounds, the new M1A 6.5 Creedmoor is well-balanced, extremely accurate, and a very precise rifle for the marksman that wants a rifle that will maximize their long range performance.
Who Will Use This Most
This will be used for multiple purposes. So whether you hunt for varmint or big game or spend the day at the range and fire off at paper targets, this 6.5 Creedmoor rifle will be great for you if you want excellent quality and easy adjustments. Say goodbye to an ill-fitting length of pull.
Bottom Line
The Springfield M1A 6.5 Creedmoor has proven itself to be the best in the business in terms of 6.5 Creedmoor rifles. For a rifle that has a performance like no other, it comes as no surprise that it sits on top of the list.
If you want a semi-auto rifle that is incredibly accurate and ideal for situations like hunting or competitive shooting, this is the one you’ll want. It may be a little weighty and a little pricey, but you’ll know that it’s worth every penny when you use it. This rifle deserves its rightful place on the list as one of the best on the market.
Best for the Money:
Ruger - American Predator 6.5 Creedmoor 22"
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
All of the recent buyers were hunters that were looking for a Creedmoor rifle that wasn’t an AR-15 style rifle. In fact, they came across this and were instantly hooked to it. They said that with a total of four shots, it was more than enough for them to use it for any hunting situation. One user said that on most days, he uses this for hunting varmint and also whitetail deer (when in season). He said the threaded barrel was perfect for installing a muzzle brake that reduced a whole lot of recoil the minute he had it tacked on.
Why it Stands Out to Us
If you’re looking for a good 6.5 Creedmoor Rifle on a budget, you may want to consider the Ruger as one of your options. For one, it is a lightweight rifle coming in at just below 7 pounds. If you hold precision to a high standard, you’ll be pretty pleased with this type of rifle. When it comes to hitting your targets at long range, precision is often key.
This hunting rifle comes with a barrel measuring around 22 inches. This is a free floating barrel all thanks to the Ruger Power Bedding system. This also comes with a 70 degree bolt that works very well with your optics. The Ruger has an adjustable trigger, meaning that you can set it up for a long pull or a hair trigger.
The stock is polymer and the threaded barrel doesn’t have a space dust coating. But nonetheless, it is a rifle that gets the job done. It’s very accurate and gives more bang for your buck (no pun intended). If your budget is anywhere below $500, the Ruger will probably be your top choice for a 6.5 Creedmoor rifle.
Who Will Use This Most
If you are looking for a great hunting rifle that might stand out as different than the rest of the 6.5 Creedmoor rifles, then this is the rifle that you want to go with. You’d be surprised by what this rifle can accomplish out in the hunting field. Whether you are knocking down varmint, coyotes, or whitetail deer, this rifle can play a role in your biggest hunting achievements yet.
Bottom Line
If you think that you can’t get a good quality Creedmoor rifle for under $500, you’re wrong, and the Ruger proves that. You can still get a high performing, deadly accurate rifle for a fraction of what you pay for if you opted for a higher end brand. This is also the first bolt action on our list. If you’re looking for a bolt action without breaking the bank, the Ruger could be the rifle for you.
3. Savage MSR 10 Hunter 6.5 Creedmoor Rifle
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
According to most users, this rifle is quite meaty in design. And it was perfect for any user looking to customize this rifle to their advantage. Most users have not been disappointed at all with this rifle. The firing power, the reliability, and accurate shooting were just a few things new users got out of this rifle.
Why it Stands Out to Us
As mentioned, the Springfield M1A is considered to be a bit heavy for a 6.5 Creedmoor. Luckily for the gun owner that takes issue with weight, the Savage MSR 10 is the type of rifle that is lighter than its Springfield counterpart. For a casual hunter, 9 pounds seems to be a little too much, the Savage comes in at around 8 pounds.
This comes with a barrel length of around 18 inches with the total length measured at about 41 inches. The magazine capacity of the Savage is 20 +1. The receivers are hard coat anodized and the M-LOK free floating handguard is excellent. If you’re looking for a solid patrol rifle, you’ll probably love the Savage MSR 10.
This has an upgraded and fluted barrel that features 5R rifling and a protective Melonite QPQ finish. This also has a custom-forged upper and lower receiver that keeps it compact and adds a unique look. The Blackhawk AR Blaze trigger is designed to deliver a crisp, clean trigger break. This also comes with a mid-length gas system that keeps the action fast and furious.
Who Will Use This Most
If you are looking for the ideal hunting rifle that will fire off 6.5 Creedmoor rounds, this is right up your alley. It’s a rugged-looking rifle that will be a beast out in the field and will be the envy of any hunter that you may cross paths with during every hunting trip. Once you customize this bad boy to your advantage, you probably won’t wait to give it a whirl.
Bottom Line
At this point, this and the Springfield are probably your best options for 6.5 Creedmoor rifles. The Savage is another semi-auto that can give you excellent performance, even when you want to hit long-range targets.
If you’re a hunter or a competitive shooter, the fact that this is a little lighter in weight should be a major advantage for you. If you’re looking for a good rifle that will still function after hundreds of rounds, you won’t go wrong with the Savage MSR 10.
4. Bergara 6.5 Creedmoor 24" Chassis Rifle
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most users were using this rifle for hunting applications. But about a third were using this for casual target shooting. Regardless, they were very impressed with the overall design and the ease of use of the rifle.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Next, we have the Bergara B-14. This one is arguably one of the best choices for hunters that want to hit their targets beyond 600 yards. This utilizes an embedded aluminum mini-chassis, which facilitates a free-floated barrel that is machined with Bergara's proprietary honing and rifling process. This has made Bergara appear on the radar of most gun owners and enthusiasts.
The B-14 comes with a stock that is adjustable for cheek height and length-of-pull to ensure that you have the ideal cheek weld for your optics and your individual shooting preferences. If you're a precision shooter that wants to upgrade their rifle and want to know what the buzz is all about with Bergara, then you'll obviously want to choose this rifle.
Who Will Use This Most
If you want a rugged Creedmoor rifle that will be minimal in design and light enough to carry around most of the time, you might want to consider giving this rifle a closer look. Plus, you have a high-quality magazine that will fit up to five rounds in total. Perfect if you are just spending a day at the range or out in the field waiting for your target of choice.
Bottom Line
It would appear that Bergara is bursting onto the scene as one of the prominent brands for Creedmoor rifles. It won't be a surprise if we see this brand still on the list after a couple of years. The accuracy of this rifle is superb. And the adjustable stock is quite convenient.
So, if you're looking for a rifle that has the potential to become a household name over the course of the next few years, get the Bergara. Be sure to keep an eye out for this brand.
5. Tikka T3x 6.5 Creedmoor
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This rifle is tough all over and a true force to be reckoned with, according to one user. He said that he bought this because of the structural integrity and how fitting it would be to use it in a hunting situation. After going through about 10 test shots at the range, he said he had no regrets purchasing this and could not wait to give it a go during his next hunting trip.
Why it Stands Out to Us
For our next product, we have the Tikka T3x 6.5 Creedmoor. Now, if you’re not the special forces operative type, that’s obviously understandable. They want a lighter type of rifle like the Tikka. However, they’re not the only ones. If you’re a hunter that just wants a lightweight rifle that is also super accurate, you’d be insane not to give the Tikka a deeper look.
While this is an affordable rifle, you’re getting one heck of a deal with the inclusion of the 24-inch Sako barrel. This barrel was produced by competitive shooters from Finland. This also includes a two-lug locking bolt. The Tikka is actually a newer generation that comes with an adjustable trigger and a steel recoil lug.
This has a polymer stock, which is as basic as it gets. It’s designed to take on all kinds of weather, from the brutal cold to the oppressive heat. That’s something you don’t expect in a Creedmoor rifle. If you’re looking for a hunting rifle that’s easy to handle and easy on the wallet, you should consider the Tikka as one of your best choices.
Who Will Use This Most
This could be another rifle of choice for anyone who is an avid hunter. You can wait all day and look for the targets that might be considered a nuisance to your property or livestock, or find that big buck that you have been searching for. This Creedmoor rifle is powerful, reliable, and accurate each time you use it. You’d be insane to pass up the opportunity to give this a closer look.
Bottom Line
The Tikka is the perfect Creedmoor rifle if you’re using it for the purpose of the competitive shooter. In fact, we can go as far as to say that this is the kind of rifle that was designed with that kind of shooter in mind.
It is lightweight, accurate, and is able to withstand whatever nature throws at it. You cannot find a better Creedmoor rifle than this. If this checks off your wishlist of wants and preferences, get the Tikka T3x.
What is a 6.5 Creedmoor Best For?
The 6.5 Creedmoor rifle was designed to be the answer to the .308. How did it deliver itself to be a legitimate alternative? Here are a few main things the 6.5 Creedmoor rifle is best made for:
Long Range Competitive Shooting
Like any good rifle, you’ll obviously want one that will give you the best accuracy at long range. If you’re a competitive long range shooter, you’ll be happy to know that a 6.5 Creedmoor rifle strives to be the best in the business when it comes to long range rifles.
Hunting
In recent years, the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge has become a more popular option among hunters, especially big game hunters. And what better way to put it to good use than with a high-quality rifle that can easily hit your target from long range? Another reason it’s so popular is that the number of 6.5 Creedmoor cartridges are abundant. Plus, they were designed solely for hunting. You won’t find anything like that elsewhere.
Target Shooting
Lastly, it’s always good to have a rifle that you can fire off throughout an entire target shooting session. There is nothing more exciting than shooting off a long-range rifle and successfully hitting your target dead on. If that’s the enjoyment you’re looking for, a 6.5 Creedmoor rifle is what you’ll need.
How to Choose a New 6.5 Creedmoor
If you're looking for a new 6.5 Creedmoor rifle, it's always important to consider a few factors prior to making a purchase. There are some unique features that may influence you to buy a rifle for yourself. At the same time, you want to place a few things at a high level of importance.
Here are a few factors that past buyers have considered while purchasing their Creedmoor 6.5 rifle. Take note of these, as you might be doing the same in the not so distant future:
Bolt-Action or Semi-Auto?
A 6.5 Creedmoor rifle comes in two types: bolt-action and semi-auto. Let's take a look at which one is best for you. If you're a gun owner who is looking for a good rifle but intends to stick with a budget, your best option will be a bolt action.
The good news is that even though this is the budget-friendly option, you're also going to get better accuracy from a bolt-action compared to a semi-auto.
Photo credit: ballisticmag.com
On the other hand, there are also gun owners who hold semi-auto rifles to a high standard. One of the major reasons for this is the ease of reloading compared to a bolt-action. If you’re going to be out in the field for an extended period of time, then there is a good chance that you will lean towards a semi-automatic.
Intent and Purpose
Your choice for a good 6.5 Creedmoor rifle will depend on your intent and purpose. If you plan on using your rifle for hunting and target shooting, the bolt-action is going to be your best choice versus a semi-auto. Likewise, if you’re looking for a good hunting rifle or using a rifle for other purposes, then the obvious choice would be a semi-auto.
Pros and Cons of Creedmoor Rifles
There are some pros and cons to using a Creedmoor rifle. By now, you might have an idea what some of them are. If not, here's a short list of advantages and even some downsides to owning a Creedmoor rifle:
PRO: Better Accuracy
It’s obvious that the Creedmoor rifle is the best when it comes to hitting targets at long range. Regardless of your intent and purpose, there is no more satisfying feeling than having a gun that will allow you to hit a target with such precision from 600 yards out or more.
Photo credit: imgur.com
PRO: Little To No Recoil
One of the best advantages of having a good Creedmoor rifle is the very low recoil. A good rifle can push a ballistically superior 143-grain bullet at approximately 2800 feet per second. Since the bullet is lightweight, you're likely to feel less recoil.
PRO: Affordable Rounds
A Creedmoor rifle does you no good if you can't buy affordable Creedmoor rounds. Thankfully, most Creedmoor cartridges are currently on the market for a price that owners can afford. This is a very good thing for those who are not only looking for a Creedmoor on a budget but love the idea of keeping within their budget for any other extras they might need.
CON: Not All Rifles Are Affordable
This should fit in the “no duh” category. But let this serve as a friendly reminder. Not all of the Creedmoor rifles will be affordable. Some of them will be upwards of $1000 or north of that. Typically, higher end ones will be north of $1500. Thankfully, you’ll be able to find a great rifle for less than four figures. Be sure to find the best one in terms of quality. Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you’re limited to only the cheap, low-quality guns.
Conclusion
Finding the best Creedmoor rifle doesn’t have to be a challenge. If you know what you’re looking for in terms of features and personal preferences, you won’t have any trouble finding a rifle of your own. Be sure to find one that you know you’ll be happy to use for years to come. Your next Creedmoor rifle might just become your best hunting buddy or the perfect competitive shooting partner.
People Also Ask
Before we conclude, we’re going to quickly dive into some of the frequently asked questions regarding Creedmoor rifles. You should consider these questions while you are looking for a rifle of your own. This way, you’ll know what to expect when you buy your rifle and try it out for the first time:
What is the Effective Range for a 6.5 Creedmoor?
This will depend on the use of your rifle. If you’re talking about target practice, an effective range will be about 1000 yards. If you’re using a Creedmoor for the purpose of hunting, an effective range will be about 600 yards.
Can You Shoot 6.5 Creedmoor in .308?
Keep in mind that a 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 are different cartridges. Each has its own type of ballistics. When compared, the 6.5 Creedmoor has more superior ballistics than the .308. However, there are some accessories for a Creedmoor rifle that you can use with a .308. So, the answer is yes.
How Much Does a 6.5 Creedmoor Drop at 1000 yards?
When compared to cartridges like the Winchester .308, the 6.5 Creedmoor has less of a bullet drop at 1000 yards. More specifically, the Creedmoor’s drop is measured at -290.2 inches compared to the Winchester .308, that has a drop measured at -337.2 inches.
