When in search of the perfect 6.5 Creedmoor rifle the world is your oyster. That’s the excellent news. The draw back, reminiscent of it’s, is to slender your choice contemplating all the superb choices obtainable.

First off, neglect what the haters say. The 6.5 Creedmoor shouldn’t be solely among the finest cartridge introductions of the fashionable period, however it’s on observe to develop into among the finest 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 business 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 finest deer rifles or cartridges, or the finest long-range rifles and calibers, or wins some accolades in our annual gun exams, a not-insignificant variety of people lose their collective thoughts. And lord aid you should you do one thing like use it to take a grizzly bear, as Outside Life employees author Tyler Freel did this spring.

Greatest 6.5 Creedmoor Rifles By Kind

What Makes the 6.5 Creedmoor So Good

I hate to interrupt it to these people, however the 6.5 Creed—launched again in 2007—isn’t going wherever. The rationale for its success is that it was the best cartridge on the proper time. It has capitalized on right this moment’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 right this moment’s era of rifles which can be inherently correct.

The 6.5 Creedmoor is the poster youngster for Trendy Cartridge Design, the collection of tenets guiding how engineers style right this moment’s finest cartridges to optimize accuracy and effectivity. This, together with its delicate 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

Probably the most troublesome activity that the Outside Life employees confronted when choosing the perfect 6.5 Creedmoor rifles was culling the sector to only ten. We’ve shot so many 6.5 Creeds which have carried out in a stellar style over time that we ended up leaving a few of our favorites on the cutting-room ground.

We centered as an alternative on these we’ve shot not too long ago to supply some utility to the reader seeking to make a purchase order. These rifles span a variety of meant functions and budgets. Workers author Tyler Freel, one other 6.5 Creed aficionado, helped me curate this listing.

Greatest 6.5 Creedmoor Rifles: Critiques and Suggestions

Greatest Technical Deer Looking Rifle: Proof Analysis Elevation MTR

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, consumer adjustable
• Value: $3,499

Execs

• Correct
• Light-weight
• Sturdy

Cons

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 understood for its tight and constant tolerances, reliability, and accuracy. Proof, after all, places considered one of its carbon-fiber barrels on the MTR and the mating of the Zermatt and barrel delivers distinctive accuracy. In truth, I’ve used this rifle in competitors and know that it may place exact photographs on distant targets underneath demanding time constraints and from sensible subject positions.

The inventory can 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 take a seat greater 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 might deal with mud, moisture, and different particles with none points.

Greatest Deer Rifle Underneath $600: Winchester XPR

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

Execs

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

Cons

• Buttstock is noisy
• Homely aesthetics

After searching with a number of Winchester XPR rifles over time, I’ve discovered them to be one of the constant and dependable finances searching rifles on the market. They’ve clean, fast-running actions, good triggers, and so they shoot effectively. The XPR isn’t going to go with a rifleman’s self-importance with attractiveness, however it’s a workhorse that can get the job accomplished at an amazing value. Chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor, it’s a rifle that’s equally fitted to new and seasoned hunters. I personal one which has taken six Dall rams, a few 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 offered in quite a lot of configurations, however the fundamental 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 much 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 step with the rifle’s value. 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 satisfactory. — Tyler Freel

Most Correct: Sako TRG 22 A1

Specs

• Motion: Three-lug bolt
• Inventory: Aluminum chassis folder
• Barrel: 26 inches, 1:8 twist, cold-hammer cast
• 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

Execs

• Wonderful accuracy
• Nice ergonomics
• Subject serviceable
• Rugged

Cons

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 varieties 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, stepping 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 creating correct rifles with glorious ergonomics and go-to-hell-and-back sturdiness. When you think about their cultural roots as outdoorsmen (the Finns had been among the many final folks 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 critically.

There’s a little bit of sorcery with Sako’s capability 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 collection—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 underneath any situation, and when the shooter journeys the set off, they are often assured that the bullet will strike the place meant.

Greatest Price range Deer Rifle: Stevens 334

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

Execs

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

Cons

The most effective worth in finances 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 much like different finances 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 provide a lot in the way in which of pomp, however those that like a wood-stocked rifle at a great value 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 mean 5-shot group measurement of 1.105 inches and our greatest 10 teams averaged .724 inches. The extra we operated this rifle from subject positions, the extra we favored it. It handles intuitively and factors rapidly, making it nice for almost any sort of searching. — T. F.

Greatest Light-weight Looking Rifle: Proof Glacier Ti

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

Execs

• Correct
• Light-weight
• Clean

Cons

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 12 months’s gun check. Ultralight rifles and glorious accuracy often don’t go collectively, however the people at Proof labored their magic, and our pattern averaged .677-inch five-shot teams whereas weighing simply north of 6 kilos.

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

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

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

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: Mounted aluminum chassis
• Weight: 13 kilos
• Set off: 10.4 ounces (measured)
• Value: $4,250

Execs

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

Cons

This not too long ago launched rifle from Accuracy Worldwide gained 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 quite a lot of ammo), fabulous ergonomics, and combat-ready reliability.

As you would possibly know, the unique viewers for Accuracy Worldwide’s rifles was navy and legislation enforcement professionals who wanted world-class precision in a rifle that might carry out underneath 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 working it with nice success in quite a lot 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 will 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 customized 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, Price range: Mossberg Patriot LR Tactical

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

Execs

Cons

This is without doubt one of the newer 6.5 Creedmoor rifles available on the market. Mossberg launched the Patriot LR tactical early this 12 months and we obtained an opportunity to place a whole lot of rounds via one throughout our annual gun check.

We had 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 truth, 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 quite a lot of ammo general.

The rifle additionally handles surprisingly effectively. Although the barrel is heavy, the rifle isn’t cumbersome. It weighs 8.75 kilos and not using a scope and was straightforward to maneuver out and in of place in the course of the sensible taking pictures portion of the analysis.

The motion isn’t the smoothest, however we had been nonetheless capable of cycle it rapidly whereas working via quite a lot of drills. The rifle takes AICS sample magazines, that are broadly obtainable and are available in 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 provides a strong buy. The chassis inventory additionally has slots to mount M-Lok suitable equipment.

Greatest For $2000: Springfield 2020 Redline

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

Execs

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

Cons

• Extreme clearance between inventory and barrel

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 bundle for the mountain hunter. Probably 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 steady, fashionable taking pictures platform whereas reducing 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 strong Sako-style extractor situated within the starboard bolt lug. The bolt is nitride coated and different metal elements are Cerakoted in a darkish inexperienced end. The rifle is offered 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’m proper in the course of testing the 20-inch mannequin in 6.5 Creedmoor and I’m discovering 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 via 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

Specs

• Motion: Two-lug bolt
• Inventory: Glass fiber with adjustable cheek piece
• Barrel: 23.7 inches, 1:8 twist, cold-hammer cast, 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

Execs

• Correct
• Clean dealing with
• High quality workmanship

Cons

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

For these not aware of the collection, 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 interact 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 would possibly mount to the gun.

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

I not too long ago reviewed the Tikka T3x UPR, breaking down the options that make it such a great rifle—particularly for the value.

In brief, the rifle has a wonderful inventory that’s designed to be regular in subject 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 pliability 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

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: Person adjustable TriggerTech
• Value: $2,400

Execs

Cons

The Christensen Arms MPR appears futuristic however fills a standard function—that of a beanfield rifle. The time period was coined by former Outside 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 integrated benchrest rifle expertise into his beautiful firearms.

Why “beanfield?” Effectively in some stretches of ag land down south these fields that deer favor will 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.

Jarrett nonetheless makes these fantastic rifles, however their stratospheric value 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 masses I shot from Norma, Barnes and Hornady averaged within the .4s.

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

FAQs

Closing Ideas on the Greatest 6.5 Creedmoor Rifles

Culling the sector of excellent 6.5 Creed rifles down to 10 isn’t any straightforward 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 satisfactory for almost all of searching and taking pictures duties.

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