Best 6.5 Creedmoor Scopes – 2022 Review

| Last Updated:
July 28, 2023

One of the best investments you can make to improve the performance of your 6.5 Creedmoor is a scope. But not just any scope will do.

Instead, why not let us help you find the perfect scope for your personal needs based on our research and expert recommendations?

Let's dive right into our guide to finding the best 6.5 Creedmoor scopes.

Comparison Chart of the Best 6.5 Creedmoor Scopes

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • SFP Reticle
  • 6-24x Zoom
  • Best Overall
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  • FFP Reticle
  • 6-24x Zoom
  • Best for the Money
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  • SFP Reticle
  • 3-18x Zoom
  • Best BDC Scope
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  • 4-12x Zoom
  • Duplex Reticle
  • Best from Leupold
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  • SFP
  • 3-9x Zoom
  • Best from Vortex
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  • FFP Reticle
  • 4-14x Zoom
  • Best from Primary Arms
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  • 3-14x Zoom
  • Best Ballistic Scope
  • HD Video Recording Included
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How Much Magnification Does a 6.5 Creedmoor Need?

A 6.5 Creedmoor rifle generally is generally effective at ranges of around 600 yards. This is generally towards the middle of most magnification ranges found on commercial scopes. While you can shoot as far as 1000 yards away, you'll find that any farther than this limit will result in dramatically lower accuracy and bullet impact.

Therefore, you’re only going to want to get scopes that facilitate shooting at moderate ranges around 600 yards. This means that scopes with magnification levels between 6x and 25x are the sweet spot, with your own personal preference depending on what kind of game your shooting or what your standard distance to the target is.

Scopes with magnification further than 25x will be mostly useless since this is outside its standard effective range. Meanwhile, scopes with magnifications under 6x are likely going to be too close for the type of weapon that generally fires 6.5 Creedmoor cartridges.

Aspects to Consider Before Buying a Scope

Before we get into our favorite 6.5 Creedmoor scopes, there are a few key aspects you should remember to help you determine what differentiates a good scope from a mediocre one. Knowing these aspects can also help you pick out the ideal choice for your personal needs.

Magnification Level 

The magnification level is obviously the most critical aspect of this attachment. As stated above, you want to go for a scope that offers magnification levels between 6x and 25x zoom. Any higher or lower than this range will be mostly useless and you’ll have wasted money. Try to think about your standard shooting distance and get a scope that offers magnification levels ideal for whatever that range is.


Durability/Weatherproofing

Getting a durable item that will last for years to come might cost more money upfront but will save you money in the long run since you’ll be able to rely on the scope during any type of weather condition. Having a scope that has been weatherproofed or similarly insulated against water and shock damage will allow you to take it out for any kind of activity and rely on it when you need it most.

Reticle Type

There are two types of reticles that you’ll find on most scopes: first focal plane and second focal plane. 

First focal plane scopes use a reticle that changes size as you switch between magnification levels. This requires you to get used to the changing reticle but allows you to more quickly estimate the distance at farther ranges. If you shoot towards the higher end of the recommended magnification levels, you might prefer first focal plane reticles.

Second focal plane reticles don’t change as you switch between magnification levels and require you to do a little bit more instant mathematical calculation depending on what level you switch to, but the reticle will remain at a constant size, which might be easier to get used to. There is no one reticle type that is better than the other; they just have different advantages.

Review of the Best 6.5 Creedmoor Scopes

Now that you know what to look for in a great 6.5 Creedmoor scope, let’s take a look at some of our favorites and see what they can offer in terms of excellent features and value for money.

Best Overall:
Viper Optics HS-T SFP Riflescope

Pros

  • Weatherproof
  • Armortek Lens Coating
  • Multi-Coated Lenses, Low Dispersion
  • Precise Finger-Adjustable Click Turrets

Cons

  • A Bit Expensive

The Viper Optics HS-T SFP Riflescope is an excellent choice if quality is what you’re looking for beyond any pricing concerns. It has a really great zoom magnification range of 6-24x, which is just about perfect for 6.5 Creedmoor cartridges. This scope also utilizes a second focal plane reticle, which means that the reticle won’t change size as you switch through all of those magnification settings.

The lens is further upgraded with a coating that causes the light to be dispersed much less widely than on lesser scopes. This will translate to a better sight picture and greater color contrast, allowing you to pick up targets much more quickly, even if they are set against a monochromatic background. The lens is also coated with Armortek, which prevents it from incurring scratch damage at a higher rate. These combined features will translate into a lens that will last for a long time.

It uses easy to adjust finger click turrets that allow you to fine-tune your windage and elevation settings. Parallax is almost totally able to be eliminated. Furthermore, the scope is totally weatherproof and can last in water, fog, or cold weather. While it is a bit pricey, it brings so much value to your weapon that it’s easily the top pick in terms of overall quality.

Bottom Line

This scope is a pricey, but worthwhile, addition to any hunter’s catalog of attachments. It can provide great zoom magnification range and easy adjustment for windage and elevation, and its lens is as tough as its body. This product is meant to last for years to come.

Best for the Money:
Monstrum Tactical Rifle Scope

Pros

  • Adjustable Objective Lens for Easy Focus
  • Can Illuminate Reticle With Red or Green
  • Comes With Sunshade, Lens Covers, Carrying Bag, Cleaning Cloth and Illuminator Battery

Cons

  • Color is Not Attractive

The Monstrum Tactical Rifle Scope packs a lot of value into its design and provides it all for a very affordable price. The scope uses the same standard 6-24x magnification settings that are commonly found in scopes meant for use with 6.5 Creedmoor rounds.

The lens is an adjustable objective variant, which means that it’s perfect for focusing on an image with unparalleled sharpness and can allow you to both eliminate parallax and estimate the range to your target with extreme precision.

The reticle is on the first focal plane, so its size will change as you switch between zoom settings. This will allow you to more accurately shoot at farther distances than scopes with second focal plane reticles. The reticle is designed with notches that convey information clearly and easily.

It also provides even more value with your purchase in the form of accessories. Included are a honeycomb filter sunshade, lens covers, a cleaning cloth, a drawstring carrying bag, and a battery for the reticle illuminator.

The reticle can be illuminated in either red or green light to provide you with the capability to shoot accurately in low light conditions. It’s a great choice that you can take anywhere and use for virtually any situation at an extremely affordable price.

Bottom Line

This option provides great value for the money and possesses an excellent lens with a rangefinder reticle on the first focal plane, which can be illuminated in red or green light with variable brightness intensities to allow you to shoot at night. There are also several accessories included with your purchase.

Best BDC:
Vortex Optics Strike Eagle SFP Scope

No products found.

Pros

  • Weatherproof
  • Multi-Coated Optics
  • BDC Reticle Allows for Easy Targeting and Tracking
  • Illuminated Reticle Through 11 Levels of Brightness

Cons

  • A Bit Pricey

The Vortex Optics Strike Eagle SFP Scope also uses a highly effective BDC reticle to allow you to capably track your target as it moves. This reticle is on the second focal plane and thus, will not move or change sizes as you switch between the variable magnification settings included with the scope. This scope goes from 3-18x magnification, which is right in the sweet spot for any 6.5 Creedmoor rifle.

The optics are further coated with certain compounds that enable the production of crisp images with popping color that truly benefits any hunter tracking targets which can blend in with their environment. The reticle is etched right onto the glass and gives detailed whole points and distance information while allowing you to see through the reticle at all times.

The reticle can also be illuminated through 11 different levels of brightness to allow you to shoot accurately in low light conditions. The entire product is very durable and built to weatherproofing specifications. Although this scope is a little pricey, it’s well worth it considering that it is going to last for many years to come and will provide excellent performance on every occasion of use.

Bottom Line

This item has an excellent BDC reticle that is etched onto the second focal point in which can be illuminated through 11 different levels of brightness. It is weatherproof and provides a very clear yet colorful sight picture that takes full advantage of the versatility and accuracy inherent in its reticle.

Best Vortex Option:
Vortex Optics Crossfire II SFP Riflescope

Pros

  • Weatherproof
  • Illuminated Reticle
  • Fast-Focus Eyepiece
  • Multi-Coated Lenses
  • Long Eye Relief and Forgiving Eye Box

Cons

  • Low Zoom Levels Only

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II SFP Riflescope is much shorter in terms of magnification settings than many of its competitors. It can only provide zoom levels of 3-9x, which is still acceptable for 6.5 Creedmoor weapons, but it does start to exclude some of the more moderate range levels that these cartridges are known for. However, if you are doing hunting that relies on short-range engagements, this might be the perfect scope for you.

Its reticle is illuminated to allow you to shoot even during the nighttime and the lenses are multi-coated and anti-reflective. This means that the reticle and lenses are equally as useful during the bright daytime as they are during dim nighttime.

The eyebox is very forgiving and there’s a lot of eye relief. This means that your risk of incurring injury against your brow or eye due to recoil is extremely low. This is a good thing for a scope that is optimized for close-range shooting.

The entire item is also built to last, which is doubly useful since it’s so affordable. The body is made from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum and is also weatherproof to ensure consistent performance across all seasons.

Bottom Line

This affordable option is a perfect choice for hunters who primarily operate in short range engagements. The reticle can be illuminated and the design affords a generous amount of eye relief. It’s also incredibly durable and built to last for a long time.

Best Ballistic Option:
ANT X-Sight II Smart Day/Night Riflescope

Pros

  • Day or Night Vision Provided by Camera
  • HD Video Recorder Can Prove Invaluable
  • Reticle Includes Ballistic Calculator and Rangefinder Information

Cons

  • Expensive

The ANT X-Sight II Smart Day/Night Riflescope is a relatively unique scope that uses an HD video recording camera in conjunction with a riflescope which can switch between zoom levels of 3-14x magnification. The HD video recording function can take HD 1080p video footage for photos and can even stream with Wi-Fi. This allows you to record your hunting trips or provide legal protection.

The scope/camera hybrid also provides you with instant rangefinder and ballistic calculator information to allow you to adjust your targeting on the fly and be more accurate than you ever imagined. This is further emphasized by the day and night vision offered by the scope.

While it’s expensive, this scope and camera combo is one of the most technologically innovative products we’ve ever seen. If you found yourself wishing that you could use your camera while you hunt, this might be the perfect choice for you.

Bottom Line

This is a scope/camera hybrid that can take HD video footage for photos. It provides excellent rangefinding information and can allow you to shoot day or night.

Best for Hunting:
Nikon Buckmasters II BDC Riflescope

Pros

  • Weatherproof
  • Multi-Coated Optics
  • Very Bright Sight Picture
  • BDC Reticle Provides Great Target Tracking

Cons

  • Adjusters Aren’t Super Precise

The Nikon Buckmasters II BDC Riflescope is a relatively short range scope that has zoom levels between 4-12x magnification. This means that it still works for 6.5 Creedmoor weapons, but it doesn't really push the weapon's accuracy out to its maximum limit.

That being said, there’s a lot to like about this particular scope, not the least of which is that it’s so affordable. Despite its affordability, it’s quite durable and totally weatherproof to all of the elements. It can even resist some shock damage from falling or being dropped.

The lenses are the high point of this scope, as they use a BDC reticle that allows you to see through the reticle and track your target while still maintaining the ability to make distance estimations and improve your accuracy. The reticle is bolstered by multi-coated lenses that improve the light transmission even during dim times of day such as dusk or dawn. This means that the sight picture is always very colorful and useful.

The one downside to this affordable product is that its windage and elevation adjusters aren't as precise or satisfying to turn as more expensive scopes. That being said, if you’re on a budget, this is a great pick due to its sheer usability and multitude of advantages.

Bottom Line

This is an affordable scope that uses relatively short range zoom levels and an excellent BDC reticle to allow you to engage in short distance hunting, even against fast-moving targets. It’s also very durable and can withstand multiple types of wear and tear.

Best Leupold Option:
Leupold VX-2 Compact Riflescope

Pros

  • Weatherproof
  • Easy Parallax Adjustments
  • Covered by a Lifetime Warranty

Cons

  • A Bit Expensive

Now let’s take a look at the Leupold VX-2 Compact Riflescope. This scope also uses shorter zoom ranges from 4-12x, which is perfect for the ideal operating range of a 6.5 Creedmoor rifle. This does mean that it won’t be as good for long-distance shooting, but it’s quite excellent for hunts that are more up close and personal.

The sight picture is extremely helpful and the lenses provide great clarity and contrast in any weather condition. The weatherproof quality of the scope extends to its body, which is been sealed to be waterproof and fog proof. This lets you use it in any season or during any kind of weather.

The parallax adjusters are extremely easy to use even in the heat of the moment, and windage and elevation are the same. The adjusters will click each time your fingers move enough distance to make an adjustment.

While it might seem that this is a bit expensive on the surface, you’ll also get a Leupold lifetime warranty with your purchase. This is a great value because Leupold has been known to make exceptional scopes for many decades and their construction is second to none. This is already built durably enough that the risk for damage is low, but the warranty truly ensures that if you purchase this scope you will likely never have to purchase another, ever again.

Bottom Line

This pricey, but quality scope provides excellent sight pictures for short zoom levels and is weatherproof to ensure consistent performance during any season. You also get a lifetime warranty from Leupold to ensure that you really get your money’s worth.

Best Primary Arms Option:
Primary Arms FFP Rifle Scope

Pros

  • Weatherproof
  • Illuminated Reticle With 6 Settings
  • ACSS HUD DMR Reticle Ensures Quick Ranging Estimates

Cons

  • Large, Bulky Adjustment Turrets

The Primary Arms FFP Rifle Scope provides magnification settings from 4-14x, which is perfect for 6.5 Creedmoor weapons. The reticle can be illuminated with six different brightness settings and you can switch to the off position from any of those settings, allowing you to find your favorite consistently return to it without having to start from the beginning.

This product uses a HUD DMR reticle that provides range estimate information much more easily than many competitor reticles. This is important because the reticle is on the first focal plane and thus, will change size depending on your zoom level. Since first focal plane reticles are often preferred due to their ability to provide more accurate ranging information, this type of DMR reticle pairs well with the first focal plane design.

It is also very rugged and durable and is made of high-quality aluminum with an anodized matte finish. The finish reduces the chance for corrosive damage and adds to the overall value of the scope, especially when you consider the fact that it is weatherproof as well.

Bottom Line

This sturdy option has corrosion-resistant properties and a reticle that is designed in every way to assist with fast range estimation. The reticle can be illuminated with six different brightness levels for use in low light conditions.

Best for Long-Range:
Nikon P-308 Matte BDC Rifle Scope

No products found.

Pros

  • Anti-Reflective Coatings on Glass
  • Sight Picture is Vivid at All Light Levels
  • BDC Reticle Allows for Easy Target Tracking at All Ranges

Cons

  • Large Adjustment Turrets

Next, we’ll take a look at the Nikon P-308 BDC Rifle Scope. This product uses a slightly shorter set of magnification ranges, going from 4-16x instead of 6-24x. This is still pretty much in the sweet spot for 6.5 Creedmoor weapons. It’s very well-balanced and doesn’t weigh very much at all, despite its sturdy appearance.

It uses anti-reflective compounds on all of the glass surfaces integrated into its design, such as the lenses. Because of these coatings, you’ll find that this product provides extremely vivid sight pictures and allows you to use this at virtually every light level, even at dawn or dusk. The colors that are transmitted through the lens are extremely bright and contrasted to allow you to pick out your target even if the background is relatively dull and monochrome.

It also uses a BDC reticle, which allows you to see through part of the reticle and more accurately track your target even as it moves. You can use the information included on the reticle to make accurate distance measurements and shoot more accurately with this kind of reticle.

The scope has precise windage and elevation adjusters, although these are a little bulky. This is a relatively minor flaw in an otherwise excellent piece that would make a great staple for any hunter’s repertoire.

Bottom Line

This product uses a series of lenses that are coated with anti-reflective compounds to provide a vivid sight picture and transmit light effectively at all times of day. It also benefits from a BDC reticle that allows you to track your target more accurately since you can see through these types of reticles.

10. Bushnell Trophy Xtreme X30 Scope

No products found.

Pros

  • Weatherproof
  • Rain Guard HD Multi-Coated Lenses
  • Easy Windage and Elevation Adjustments

Cons

  • Adjustments Aren’t Super Precise

Let’s take a look at the Bushnell Trophy Xtreme X30 Scope. It utilizes a similar zoom magnification range as the previous scope, around 6-24x. This is perfect for use with 6.5 Creedmoor rounds and allows for combat or hunting at closer or longer ranges without being constrained. The lens is multi-coated and totally waterproof to ensure that there’s no chance that moisture will fog up the display ruin the sight picture.

The entire scope is built to last and is completely weatherproof. It has a very narrow body and a decent length of 30 mm. There are easy to adjust windage and elevation turrets that click audibly to let you know when a change has been made. However, these adjusters aren't as precise as some of the other models we've seen, as they only click at ¼ inch increments.

That being said, this affordable product provides a lot of great benefits besides the adjusters. The eyepiece is a fast focus variant that allows you to acquire your target easily and quickly and the tube uses an integrated saddle to make installing the scope on your rifle a trivial matter.

Bottom Line

This product is built to be used in the rain or other harsh weather and provides good magnification levels for 6.5 Creedmoor rounds. The scope’s eyepiece allows for quick target acquisition and its windage and elevation adjusters are satisfying and click audibly, although they only change at 1/4th-inch increments.

Scope Terminology 101

Here’s a quick list of some of the common terms and acronyms you might find on your search for the perfect 6.5 Creedmoor scope.

FFP

First focal plane reticles change size depending on your magnification setting.

SFP

Second focal plane reticles don’t change size depending on your magnification setting.

BDC

These reticles offer a unique advantage in that you can look through them as you aim. This can allow you to track targets that may be moving quickly or that are very small and would otherwise be blocked by the reticle itself.

Parallax/Windage/Elevation Adjusters

These help compensate for wind or elevation when calculating your shot. They will allow you to adjust the values of your reticle and help you know where to put the dot to hit your target.

Conclusion

Hopefully, you found everything that you needed to get the perfect 6.5 Creedmoor scope for your next hunting trip. Whatever your choice, have fun!

Michael Lutes

Michael Lutes is the managing editor and owner at Gun Mann. He is a veteran, gun enthusiast, 3 gun competitor, and 2a advocate. Mike has a passion for innovation and education across the industry to create great content, training, and insights from the best and brightest.

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