Greatest 6.5 Creedmoor Rifles | Out of doors Life

When on the lookout for the most effective 6.5 Creedmoor rifle the world is your oyster. That’s the excellent news. The draw back, resembling it’s, is to slender your choice contemplating all the superb choices out there.

First off, overlook what the haters say. The 6.5 Creedmoor isn’t solely among the best cartridge introductions of the trendy period, however it’s on monitor to develop into among the best rifle cartridges of all time.

Is that this simply because it has been hyped to demise by influencers who sport extra mascara and beard oil than ballistic information? Or as a result of Hornady pays gun writers like me to sing its praises? Maybe some woke cabal within the gun trade making an attempt to cancel your granddaddy’s favourite deer caliber?

As absurd as these notions are, it has lengthy been a fad to denigrate the 6.5 Creedmoor whereas spouting conspiracy theories regarding its continued reputation. Each time it’s talked about in a narrative on the greatest deer rifles or cartridges, or the greatest long-range rifles and calibers, or wins some accolades in our annual gun exams, a not-insignificant variety of of us lose their collective thoughts. And lord aid you in the event you do one thing like use it to take a grizzly bear, as Out of doors Life employees author Tyler Freel did this spring.

Greatest 6.5 Creedmoor Rifles By Sort

What Makes the 6.5 Creedmoor So Good

I hate to interrupt it to these of us, however the 6.5 Creed—launched again in 2007—isn’t going anyplace. The rationale for its success is that it was the appropriate cartridge on the proper time. It has capitalized on immediately’s glorious excessive BC bullets for searching and goal taking pictures, has benefited from quite a few new propellants which can be temperature insensitive and constant, and pairs effectively with immediately’s technology of rifles which can be inherently correct.

The 6.5 Creedmoor is the poster baby for Trendy Cartridge Design, the sequence of tenets guiding how engineers trend immediately’s greatest cartridges to optimize accuracy and effectivity. This, together with its gentle recoil, is why it advanced from a distinct segment goal cartridge into an all-around famous person.

How We Selected the Greatest 6.5 Creedmoor Rifles

Essentially the most troublesome activity that the Out of doors Life employees confronted when choosing the most effective 6.5 Creedmoor rifles was culling the sector to simply these. We’ve shot so many 6.5 Creeds which have carried out in a stellar trend over time that we ended up leaving a few of our favorites on the cutting-room flooring.

We centered as an alternative on these we’ve shot lately to offer some utility to the reader trying to make a purchase order. These rifles span a variety of meant functions and budgets. Employees author Tyler Freel, one other 6.5 Creed aficionado, helped me curate this record.

Greatest 6.5 Creedmoor Rifles: Evaluations and Suggestions

Greatest Technical Deer Searching Rifle: Proof Analysis Elevation MTR

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Professionals

• Correct
• Light-weight
• Sturdy

Specs

• Motion: Two-lug bolt
•  Inventory: Carbon fiber, raised comb
• Barrel: Carbon fiber, 24 inches, threaded 5/8-24
• Capability: 5+1 (Removable AICS journal)
• Weight: 6 kilos, 10 ounces
• Set off: TriggerTech set off, person adjustable
• Value: $3,499

The Proof Analysis Elevation MTR (Mountain Tactical Rifle) is a contemporary deer rifle that borrows closely from the tactical and competitors taking pictures world. The result’s a high-performance rig that’s correct, moveable, and capable of deal with essentially the most demanding searching situations.

The Elevation MTR is constructed on a Zermatt Arms Origin motion, which is thought for its tight and constant tolerances, reliability, and accuracy. Proof, in fact, places one in every of its carbon-fiber barrels on the MTR and the mating of the Zermatt and barrel delivers distinctive accuracy. The truth is, I’ve used this rifle in competitors and know that it will probably place exact pictures on distant targets beneath demanding time constraints and from sensible area positions.

The inventory can also be of Proof’s design and is manufactured from carbon-fiber as effectively. The inventory has a raised comb and vertical pistol grip, each of that are frequent on tactical rifles. The comb helps align the shooter’s eye with bigger optics that have a tendency to sit down larger on the rifle (the motion has a full-length Picatinny rail) and the vertical grip enhances the shooter’s management over the rifle and the set off pull.

The MTR makes use of removable field magazines and can feed from AICS sample mags. It ships with a single polymer journal. The rifle feeds with dead-nuts reliability and may deal with mud, moisture, and different particles with none points.

Greatest Deer Rifle Beneath $500: Winchester XPR

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Professionals

• Reasonably priced
• Clean motion
• Sturdy and climate resistant
• Good set off

Cons

• Buttstock is noisy
• Homely aesthetics

Specs

• Motion: Bolt motion
• Inventory: Composite, Black
• Barrel: 22 inches
• Capability: 3+1
• Weight: 6 kilos 12 ounces
• Set off: 4 kilos, 2 ounces (measured)
• End: Black Perma-Cote
• Value: $540

After searching with a number of Winchester XPR rifles over time, I’ve discovered them to be one of the crucial constant and dependable funds searching rifles on the market. They’ve clean, fast-running actions, good triggers, they usually shoot effectively. The XPR isn’t going to go with a rifleman’s self-importance with beauty, however it’s a workhorse that can get the job performed at an incredible worth. Chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor, it’s a rifle that’s equally fitted to new and seasoned hunters. I took my first whitetail buck with an XPR and personal one which has taken six Dall rams, a couple of dozen caribou, 4 or 5 blacktail deer, a pair black bears, a moose, and an enormous grizzly bear. If that isn’t field-proven, I don’t know what’s.

The XPR is accessible in a wide range of configurations, however the primary mannequin has a black composite inventory and a black Perma-Cote (Cerakote-like) end. It’s obtained a three-lug bolt with a large-diameter bolt physique and rebated lugs which can be just like these on the Ruger American. The bolt has a brief 60-degree throw and strips rounds from a single-stack removable journal. The Winchester XPR inventory is in keeping with the rifle’s worth. It’s a sturdy composite inventory with a considerably blocky fore-end and pebbly texturing on the grip and sides of the fore-end. The butt has a pleasant recoil pad, however the butt of the inventory is hole and loud when scratching brush. With good manufacturing unit ammo, you possibly can count on an XPR to common round 1.4-inch five-shot teams—which isn’t spectacular, however fully sufficient. — Tyler Freel

Most Correct: Sako TRG 22 A1

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Professionals

• Wonderful accuracy
• Nice ergonomics
• Discipline serviceable
• Rugged

Specs

• Motion: Three-lug bolt
• Inventory: Aluminum chassis folder
• Barrel: 26 inches, 1:8 twist, cold-hammer solid
• Capability: 10+1 (short-action cartridges)
• Weight: 12 kilos 7 ounces (empty, no magazine, with three M-LOK sections put in)
• Set off: Two-stage, user-adjustable, user-serviceable, 2 kilos 10 ounces (measured)
• Value: $5,400

Of all of the rifles I’ve examined over time the Sako TRG 22 A1 is essentially the most correct of the lot. The common 5-shot group measurement with 4 sorts of ammunition was simply .384 inches, with the smallest teams measuring five-hundredths of an inch (.050 inches) middle to middle. I reviewed this Finnish sniper rifle not way back, entering into the nitty-gritty of its development to shed some gentle on why it shot so effectively.

Right here’s the brief model: The Finns have a longtime custom of constructing correct rifles with glorious ergonomics and go-to-hell-and-back sturdiness. When you think about their cultural roots as outdoorsmen (the Finns have been among the many final individuals on earth to transition away from a hunter-gatherer life-style) with their have to fend off massive aggressive neighbors (howdy Russia) it’s no shock they take rifle constructing significantly.

There’s a little bit of sorcery with Sako’s skill to make chilly hammer-forged barrels that ship mind-boggling accuracy. No different rifle maker is their equal with this system. And their product designers and engineers have a deep understanding of the necessity for a rifle to accurately match the shooter for peak efficiency.

You get a really feel for this with any Sako or Tikka searching rifle, however it actually involves fruition within the TRG sequence—the 22, 42, and M10.

Within the A1 trim, the TRG 22 employs a chassis inventory that borrows closely from the Sako M10. It has elegant and easy-to-use controls to regulate the inventory to the shooter’s particular wants. The set off adjusts for pull weight, attain and the orientation of the shoe.

The motion and journal pair superbly for flawless biking beneath any situation, and when the shooter journeys the set off, they are often assured that the bullet will strike the place meant.

Most Correct Finances Deer Rifle: Stevens 334

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Professionals

• Nice Worth
• Correct
• Good dealing with
• Clean motion

Specs

• Motion: Bolt motion, removable journal
• Inventory: Walnut
• Barrel: 22 inches
• Capability: 3+1
• Weight: 7 kilos 14 ounces
• Set off: 5 kilos, 10 ounces (measured)
• Value: $399

The most effective worth in funds searching rifles we’ve seen in 2023 is undoubtedly the Stevens 334 Walnut. This inexpensive Turkish-made rifle was launched with a handsome walnut inventory and impressed us at our annual gun check. It makes use of a short-throw three-lug bolt that’s just like different funds rifles just like the Winchester XPR and Ruger American. The 334 makes use of a removable polymer 3-round journal that matches simply happy with flush with the inventory. The barrel is free-floated and the inventory makes use of an aluminum bedding block into which the recoil lug is clamped.

The Stevens 334 Walnut doesn’t supply a lot in the way in which of pomp, however those that like a wood-stocked rifle at a very good worth would do effectively to not underestimate this one. Regardless of having triggers which can be fairly terrible, each of the 334’s that I’ve examined have been extra correct than they’ve any proper to be. In depth taking pictures at our gun check gave us a median 5-shot group measurement of 1.105 inches and our greatest 10 teams averaged .724 inches. The extra we operated this rifle from area positions, the extra we preferred it. It handles intuitively and factors rapidly, making it nice for nearly any sort of searching. — T. F.

Greatest Light-weight Searching Rifle: Proof Glacier Ti

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Professionals

• Correct
• Light-weight
• Clean

Specs

• Motion: Titanium two-lug
• Inventory: Carbon fiber
• Barrel: Carbon fiber, 24 inches, 1:8 twist, threaded 5/8-24
• Capability: 4+1
• Weight: 6 kilos, 2 ounces
• Set off: 2 kilos, 8 ounces (measured)
• Value: $7,499

I’ve shot many Proof Analysis rifles over time and all have been hammers. Credit score the obsessive consideration to element that goes into their manufacturing. Amongst different issues, that encompasses the standard of the supplies Proof makes use of, the tight tolerances held of their chambers and rifling course of, the general match and end, and the overall design.

I’m not the one fan on employees. Alex Robinson, OL’s editor-in-chief, used a Proof Glacier to shoot his Dall Sheep final fall (although his was chambered in 6.5 PRC). This rifle, launched again in 2019, was one of many stars of that yr’s gun check. Ultralight rifles and glorious accuracy often don’t go collectively, however the of us at Proof labored their magic, and our pattern averaged .677-inch five-shot teams whereas weighing simply north of 6 kilos.

It had an excellent 2.5-pound set off and is blessed with fabulous inventory ergonomics and an motion that cycles with the graceful assuredness of a protected door swinging shut.

For a severe mountain hunter who can’t afford to have something go awry on what is likely to be the animal of a lifetime, the Proof Glacier Ti is the perfect companion.

Greatest Lengthy-Vary, Competitors: Accuracy Worldwide AT-X

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Professionals

• Excellent reliability
• World-class accuracy
• Mad avenue cred

Specs

• Motion: 6 lug, 60-degree bolt throw
• Capability: 10 (double stack AW journal)
• Barrel Size: 24 inches, 1:8 twist, threaded 5/8-24
• Inventory: Fastened aluminum chassis
• Weight: 13 kilos
• Set off: 10.4 ounces (measured)
• Value: $4,250

This lately launched rifle from Accuracy Worldwide received an Editor’s Selection award within the 2022 gun check owing to its glorious accuracy (ours turned in five-shot teams that averaged .456 inches throughout a wide range of ammo), fabulous ergonomics, and combat-ready reliability.

As you may know, the unique viewers for Accuracy Worldwide’s rifles was army and legislation enforcement professionals who wanted world-class precision in a rifle that would carry out beneath excessive antagonistic situations. However loads of civilian shooters took to AI rifles too, and the AT-X was designed with them in thoughts.

Whereas the AT-X attracts closely on AI’s historical past of catering to snipers, it’s configured for competitors shooters, who’ve been operating it with nice success in a wide range of long-range matches.

The fore-end has a flat backside that includes an ARCA dovetail that extends straight again to the journal effectively. The motion makes use of AI’s six-lug system (two rows of three lugs) that has been a mainstay of the corporate for many years.

The snappy 60-degree bolt throw helps the shooter cycle the rifle rapidly and the three-position security mounted on the bolt shroud is clean, constructive, and bomb-proof.

By loosening a single set screw, the shooter can swap barrels. Our pattern was chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor, however barrels may be had in .308 Win., 6mm Creedmoor, 6 BR, and others.

The 2-stage set off supplies excellent management. The set off on our rifle broke at 10.4 ounces, has a flat face and is adjustable for set off attain—one of many many dimensions that the shooter can alter for a {custom} match. The rifle additionally comes with a heavier spring for the set off that can set the minimal break weight to 1.5 kilos.

Greatest Lengthy-Vary, Finances: Mossberg Patriot LR Tactical

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Specs

• Motion: Two-lug bolt
•  Inventory: Artificial chassis
•  Barrel: 22 inches
• Capability: 10
• Weight: 8 kilos, 11 ounces
• Set off: 2 kilos, 9 ounces (measured)
• Value: $1,085

This is without doubt one of the newer 6.5 Creedmoor rifles available on the market. Mossberg launched the Patriot LR tactical early this yr and we obtained an opportunity to place a whole lot of rounds by way of one throughout our annual gun check.

We have been impressed with what we noticed. The LR Tactical mates the acquainted two-lug Patriot motion with a heavy barrel and chassis inventory to create an inexpensive and succesful long-range rig. It shot effectively sufficient, in actual fact, to stroll off with a Nice Purchase award within the precision rifle class.

This LR Tactical configuration fits the workmanlike Patriot motion to a tee. The rifle turned within the tightest group of the check, a .247-inch five-shot group with Federal 140-grain Berger Hybrids and averaged .582-inch 5-shot teams with a wide range of ammo total.

The rifle additionally handles surprisingly effectively. Although the barrel is heavy, the rifle isn’t cumbersome. It weighs 8.75 kilos with no scope and was simple to maneuver out and in of place through the sensible taking pictures portion of the analysis.

The motion isn’t the smoothest, however we have been nonetheless capable of cycle it rapidly whereas operating by way of a wide range of drills. The rifle takes AICS sample magazines, that are extensively out there and are available various capacities. The efficient paddle journal launch made reloads a snap.

The inventory adjusts for cheek peak and positions the hand properly because of its vertical grip. The texturing on the grip is pretty aggressive and offers a stable buy. The chassis inventory additionally has slots to mount M-Lok appropriate equipment.

Greatest For $2000: Springfield 2020 Redline

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Professionals

• Compact and lightweight
• Correct
• Suppressor-ready
• Good ergonomics

Cons

• Extreme clearance between inventory and barrel

Specs

• Motion: Two-lug bolt
• Inventory: Grayboe Trekker composite
• Barrel: Carbon wrapped, 20 inches, threaded 5/8-24
• Capability: 3+1
• Weight: 8 kilos 4 ounces
• Set off: Triggertech (adjustable), 3 kilos, 2 ounces (measured)
• Value: $2,190

Following Springfield Armory’s 2020 Waypoint rifle, the 2020 Redline makes use of the identical motion, however presents a extra compact, light-weight, and streamlined package deal for the mountain hunter. Essentially the most putting function of the 2020 Redline is the Grayboe Trekker inventory, which has a target-style elevated cheek piece and vertical pistol grip, however a cut-down and hollowed-out buttstock. The fore-end is brief with a flat backside for resting on a bag or mounting a bipod and makes no contact with any a part of the barrel. The inventory supplies a secure, trendy taking pictures platform whereas chopping weight. It even options an inset bubble stage within the tang.

The 2020 Motion has a two-lug bolt with a 90-degree throw and makes use of a sturdy Sako-style extractor positioned within the starboard bolt lug. The bolt is nitride coated and different metal elements are Cerakoted in a darkish inexperienced end. The rifle is accessible in 16-inch and 20-inch barrel lengths, however each use a carbon-wrapped barrel that’s capped with a detachable muzzle brake and is suppressor-ready with ⅝-inch x 24 threads.

I examined and wrote a full evaluate of the 20-inch mannequin in 6.5 Creedmoor and I discovered that with good ammo, it meets Springfield’s “¾ MOA” accuracy assure for three-shot teams—though we don’t place a lot weight on accuracy ensures. Although I’m simply getting began with some thorough accuracy testing with manufacturing unit ammo, I discovered an present handload I’ve that shoots effectively by way of the rifle. I recorded 9 5-shot teams with 143-grain Hornady ELDX bullets on a cost of H4895 that averaged .831 inches and printed 10-shot teams of .938 and .903 inches. I took that load and killed a pleasant Dall sheep with the rifle in August.  —T.F.

Greatest for NRL Hunter: Tikka T3x UPR

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Professionals

• Correct
• Clean dealing with
• High quality workmanship

Specs

• Motion: Two-lug bolt
• Inventory: Glass fiber with adjustable cheek piece
• Barrel: 23.7 inches, 1:8 twist, cold-hammer solid, threaded 5/8-24
• Capability: 10+1 (short-action cartridges)
• Weight: 7 kilos, 14 ounces (measured)
• Set off: Single-stage, user-adjustable, 3 kilos 13 ounces (measured)
• Value: $1,299

The 6.5 Creedmoor is the go-to cartridge for the NRL Hunter sequence, and amongst all of the rifles that qualify for the manufacturing unit division the Tikka T3x UPR is on the prime of the heap.

For these not acquainted with the sequence, it was created to let hunters put their expertise and gear to the check. Shooters begin from a blind place and should discover, vary, and have interaction targets on the clock utilizing gear that’s appropriate for large recreation and doesn’t exceed specified weight limits. Within the manufacturing unit and lightweight divisions, that determine is 12 kilos and consists of the rifle, optic, bipod, and different equipment one may mount to the gun.

The accuracy and dealing with of the T3x UPR matches effectively with the fast-paced phases one encounters within the sequence, the place the targets usually vary from 200 to 800 yards away.

I lately reviewed the Tikka T3x UPR, breaking down the options that make it such a very good rifle—particularly for the worth.

Briefly, the rifle has a wonderful inventory that’s designed to be regular in area positions. Its form works whether or not taking pictures susceptible or bracing it on one thing like a rock, cattle gate, or department. The adjustable set off is terrific. And the rifle, like others within the Sako/Tikka line, has intuitive controls, feeds and cycles ammo reliably, and is correct.

The flexibleness the rifle shows in NRL Hunter makes it a sensible choice for searching and long-range taking pictures, too. The accuracy of my pattern has been excellent, taking pictures 5-shot teams averaging .633 inches.

Greatest Lengthy-Vary, Light-weight: Christensen Arms MPR

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Specs

• Motion: Two-lug bolt
• Inventory: Light-weight folding chassis
• Barrel: Carbon wrapped, 22 inches, 1:8 twist, threaded 5/8-24
• Capability: 10
• Weight: 8 kilos, 2 ounces
• Set off: Consumer adjustable TriggerTech
• Value: $2,400

The Christensen Arms MPR appears futuristic however fills a standard position—that of a beanfield rifle. The time period was coined by former Out of doors Life taking pictures editor Jim Carmichel when reviewing the hyper-accurate bolt-actions made by Kenny Jarrett. Jarret is without doubt one of the godfathers of searching rifle accuracy and included benchrest rifle know-how into his beautiful firearms.

Why “beanfield?” Effectively in some stretches of ag land down south these fields that deer favor may be many a whole lot of yards in size, and when the beans have grown excessive, they don’t depart a lot of a deer’s physique as a goal. Thus, you want a rifle that reaches out with pinpoint accuracy to ensure success.

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Jarrett nonetheless makes these fantastic rifles, however their stratospheric worth tags—many are north of $10,000—put them out of attain of all however the well-heeled or financially irresponsible.

The Christensen MPR doesn’t look very like Kenny’s creations, however what it has in frequent is the power to shoot tiny teams. When the MPR debuted I examined it in 6.5 Creedmoor and produced five-shot teams with manufacturing unit ammo that averaged .557 inch throughout all kinds of manufacturers and bullet weights. A number of of the hundreds I shot from Norma, Barnes and Hornady averaged within the .4s.

For beanfield searching, the flat-bottomed fore-end makes for a secure platform when positioned in a blind or stand. With out query, it is without doubt one of the greatest light-weight long-range rifles in manufacturing.

Greatest Folding Mountain Rifle: Savage M110 Ultralite Elite

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Professionals

• Very correct
• Chassis has nice ergonomics
• Light-weight
• Can use ARCA or M-Lok equipment

Cons

• Costly
• Savage 110 motion isn’t the smoothest

Specs

• Motion: Two-lug bolt
• Inventory: MDT HNT26 folding chassis
• Barrel: Carbon wrapped, 22 inches, 1:8 twist, threaded 5/8-24
• Capability: 3+1, AICS-compatible
• Weight: 5 kilos, 13 ounces
• Set off: Consumer adjustable Accutrigger
• Value: $3,049

Rifle producers like Savage are taking full benefit of technological advances and adopting cutting-edge chassis and barrels into their OEM rifles. The Savage 110 Ultralite elite takes a blueprinted and lightened Savage M110 motion — which is without doubt one of the longest operating manufacturing actions available on the market — and combines it with the sunshine and ergonomically stellar HNT26 Chassis from MDT and a carbon-wrapped barrel from Proof Analysis.

The result’s a light-weight, foldable rifle that’s dead-nuts correct. It took me some time to get used to the HNT26 chassis, however as soon as I did, I used to be hooked. It’s one of the crucial in style {custom} and semi-custom mountain rifle chassis available on the market for good motive. I wrote a full evaluate on the 110 Ultralite Elite, however the excessive factors are that it’s extremely gentle (beneath six kilos) and a hell of a shooter. Throughout eight various kinds of ammo it averaged .812-inch five-shot teams and 1.32-inch 20-shot teams.

This rifle has some stiff competitors available in the market from similarly-priced and correct rigs with extra trendy, smoother actions, however in the event you’re a Savage fan, you’ll love this rifle. –T.F.

FAQs

Last Ideas on the Greatest 6.5 Creedmoor Rifles

Culling the sector of fine 6.5 Creed rifles down to 10 isn’t any simple activity. The reality is that it’s uncommon to discover a 6.5 Creed that doesn’t shoot effectively. Whereas some rifles exhibit next-level accuracy, which we highlighted right here, most are greater than sufficient for almost all of searching and taking pictures duties.

Selecting the most effective 6.5 Creedmoor rifle in your wants then hinges on ergonomics, aesthetics, your particular necessities, and funds. Fortunately, there’s no scarcity of rifles on the market and with a little bit of poking and prodding you’re positive to seek out one that’s best for you.

 

The Greatest Deer Searching Rifles

The OL editors decide the most effective deer searching rifles available on the market.