Best Scopes For 6.5 Creedmoor - 2023 Top 4
Here are the four scopes which we believe are the best choice for the 6.5 Creedmoor hunting rifle
Scope Image | Scope | Price |
|---|---|---|
 | Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-18x44mm | |
 | Monstrum G2 6-24x50 First Focal Plane | |
 | Vortex Optics Viper HS-T 6-24×50mm | |
 | Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm |
In 2007, ammunitions producer Hornady launched a product that nobody predicted would become a bestseller. On release, the 6.5 Creedmoor failed to capture the interest of shooting enthusiasts.
The long range rifle cartridge was designed for competitive shooting and didn’t become a ‘must have’ until shooting for score began to really take off as a weekend activity.
As the popularity of long range shooting soared, so too did interest in the 6.5 Creedmoor.
Today, many regard it as one of the finest shooting rounds of the decade and worthy of a place among classic military rounds like the .30-06 Springfield.
In this article, we explore the capabilities of the 6.5 when paired with a high quality scope.
Shooting for Score: Ensuring Optimum Range
It’s worth taking your time when choosing a scope for 6.5 Creedmoor cartridges as a compatible scope can add substantial distance.
6.5mm cartridges tend to be larger than military rounds which means they can travel further than the 250 yard average typical to a 24’’ barrel shot. However, to hit the highest scores, you need a little extra assistance from a compatible, reliable scope.
How Far Can the 6.5 Creedmoor Kill?
Let’s assume you’re shooting 6.5 Creedmoor cartridges from a 24’’ barrel. You can expect under an inch of drop at average range (250 yards).
The following distance measurements are based on this scenario:
The following distance measurements are based on this scenario:
Bullet Drop
- At 100 yards and below: expect a bullet drop below 2,000 ft-lbs
- At 450 + yards: expect 1,000 ft-lbs and below
This above facts ensure the Creedmoor delivers an outstanding performance bullets and enough power to make a clean kill every time this bad boy is used.
Even at close range, the Creedmoor perform impressively and easily match other caliber on the market. Add magnification and you’ve got something special.
So, what kind of scope should you be looking for? How much magnification is enough and which product is going to take you to the top of the league?
For hunters and competitive shooters who are serious about honing their skills, we recommend a premium scope with at least 15x magnification.
The most powerful scope on the market isn’t necessarily the best choice in all situations, but long range shooters can benefit from going big.
Long range shooting needs a scope capable of 15x magnification or more. You can get away with less when medium range shooting, but we’d still recommend a product with at least 9-15x magnification.
Depending on the size of your targets, you may need to go beyond this.
Anything under 300 yards is close range shooting, and the best scope for 6.5 Creedmoor cartridges is going to be 5-9x magnification.
You don’t need a scope at this range – the cartridges are likely to annihilate a target this close - but it’s our recommendation if magnification is preferred
Is the 6.5 Creedmoor good for bear?
You betcha!
Even though sometimes this caliber may seem a little on the light side, when it comes to mid-range shooting at around 400 yards, this mild-punching round works effectively on black bears, and it is also a joy to shoot!
Selecting the Best 6.5 Creedmoor Scope
Some of our favorite scopes for hunting and competitive distance shooting are the Vortex Optics Viper HS-T 6-24x50mm SFP Scope and Nikon Black X1000 6-24x50SF X-Moa.
We’re now going to look at both these scopes in more detail to highlight their strengths and weaknesses.
We’ll also compare them with two popular rivals: the Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-18x44mm AO and Athlon Optics Argos BTR Riflescope 6-24x50mm SFP Scope.
All four of these scopes are high quality and guarantee good performance but which one is most compatible with your shooting style?
Now let’s get down to business with the
TOP 4 Scopes For 6.5 Creedmoor
1. Best Vortex Scope for 6.5 Creedmoor
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-18x44mm AO (best for close to medium shooting)
Reticle View
Hunters love Vortex and it isn’t difficult to see why. The manufacturer continues to put out magnificent products that drive the industry forward and show shooting fans what’s possible when the best technical and creative minds get together.
Vortex’s Crossfire II is much more than just a ‘good’ scope. It offers impeccable quality for a lower price than you might expect.
The scope’s Dead-Hold BEC MOA offers medium range shooters near zero parallax and a lens which minimizes reflections. It also has a customized hashmark that reduces the need for user estimations on holdover and windage.
This feature becomes particularly valuable when shooting different distances and trying to account for gravity.
Some users have expressed concerns about poorly positioned eye relief, but we tested the Crossfire at length and didn’t experience any major problems.
Our favorite thing about the Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-18x44mm AO is definitely its Dead-Hold BDC. It’s a standout feature because it vastly increases the accuracy of rapid ‘point and shoot’ attempts.
Specs:
Summary
For close to medium range shooting with 6.5 Creedmoor cartridges, it’s hard to find a better scope than the Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-18x44mm AO.
It’s got several standout features and the build quality is very impressive.
PROS
CONS
2. Monstrum G2 6-24x50 First Focal Plane
Reticle Views
The Monstrum G2 6-24x50 First Focal Plane riflescope has a range of features that make it perfect for precision shooting. The first focal plane reticle is one of the most important features, as it allows the shooter to use the scope at any magnification level.
This is important because it ensures that the reticle remains accurate at all times, regardless of the magnification level. This is a significant advantage over second focal plane reticles, which only work accurately at specific magnification levels.
Another important feature of this riflescope is the multi-coated lenses. These lenses are designed to provide bright and clear images, even in low light conditions. This is essential for precision shooting, as it allows the shooter to see the target clearly, even when the light is not ideal.
The adjustable objective lens is another important feature of this riflescope. It allows the shooter to focus on the target, making it easier to hit at longer distances. This is a significant advantage, as it ensures that the shooter can hit the target accurately, even at long ranges.
Specs:
Summary
People prefer the Monstrum G2 6-24x50 First Focal Plane riflescope for several reasons.
Firstly, it is designed for precision shooting, making it the perfect choice for serious shooters.
Secondly, it comes with a range of features that make it perfect for long-range shooting, including a first focal plane reticle, multi-coated lenses, and adjustable objective lens.
Thirdly, it is easy to use and provides accurate shot placement, ensuring that the shooter hits the target every time.
PROS
CONS
3. Vortex Optics Viper HS-T 6-24x50mm SFP Scope (#1 for long range)
Reticle View
We’re going to do some more gushing about Vortex products now because the company is responsible for another truly great scope: the Viper HS-T.
If you love the look, feel and construction of a high quality magnification attachment, you may find yourself entranced with this one. It’s very attractive with a design that stands out without being flashy.
It is, of course, a monster of a scope when out on the range. The VMR reticle has a custom design (like many Vortex products) to ensure your target stays consistent whether you’re shooting from up close or a distance away.
The result is impeccably accurate long range shooting with minimal impact from windage and holdover.
The Viper HS-T also has a parallax function to support automatic correction of misaligned targets. It can be highly effective, but it requires a lithium metal battery, so don’t forget to include one in your kit when visiting the range.
Now to our favorite feature, the customisable rotational stop. It is without doubt the most impressive part of this scope. It enables the user to revert to an original point of zero remarkably fast and without losing accuracy.
When used in tandem with the Viper HS-T’s elevation turret, catching transitory bullet drop adjustments becomes a breeze.
Specs:
Summary
We really loved testing the Vortex Optics Viper HS-T 6-24x50mm SFP Scope with 6.5 Creedmoor cartridges. The two are a great match and the scope does plenty to deserve a spot on our favorites list.
We were very impressed with the CRS function as it’s not always achieved as skilfully as it is here. It’s worth pointing out this scope is a good fit for both the Lapua Magnum and the AR-10 too.
PROS
CONS
4. Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm M5C3 FFP
Reticle View
There are many reasons why the Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm M5C3 FFP rifle scope is such a popular choice among hunters and competitive shooters. For one, it offers exceptional optical clarity, thanks to its high-quality glass and coatings. This allows for a bright and clear image, even in low-light conditions.
Additionally, the scope is built to last, with a rugged and durable design that can withstand the toughest conditions.
Feature:
One of the key features of the Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm M5C3 FFP rifle scope is its first focal plane reticle. This allows for accurate ranging and holdovers at any magnification, making it easier to hit your target at long range.
The scope features the M5C3 ZeroLock adjustments, which provide precise and repeatable elevation and windage adjustments. This ensures that you can make quick and accurate adjustments in the field.
Additional Features:
The Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm M5C3 FFP rifle scope also comes with a number of additional features that make it a top choice for hunters and competitive shooters.
For example, it has a side focus parallax adjustment, which allows you to easily adjust the focus of the reticle for different ranges. It also features a throw lever for quick and easy magnification changes, as well as a removable throw lever indicator.
Specs:
Summary
Overall, the Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm M5C3 FFP rifle scope is an excellent choice for precision shooting, with exceptional optics and a rugged, durable design. While it may be on the higher end of the price spectrum, the features and warranty make it a worthwhile investment for serious hunters and competitive shooters.
PROS
CONS
Brief history and origin of 6.5 Creedmoor
he 6.5 Creedmoor is a relatively new caliber that was first introduced in 2007 by Hornady Manufacturing Company, a well-known American ammunition manufacturer. The caliber was designed to be a highly accurate, low recoil cartridge for long-range shooting and competition shooting.
The development of the 6.5 Creedmoor caliber was led by Dennis DeMille, a former U.S. Marine Corps sniper and competitive shooter. DeMille worked closely with Hornady engineers to design a cartridge that would offer superior accuracy and performance compared to other calibers in its class.
The name "Creedmoor" was inspired by the Creedmoor Rifle Range, a historic shooting range located in New York that has hosted numerous shooting competitions over the years. The 6.5 Creedmoor was designed specifically for these types of competitions, where accuracy and precision are paramount.
Since its introduction, the 6.5 Creedmoor has gained popularity among shooters for its excellent long-range accuracy, low recoil, and versatility. It has become a popular choice for target shooting, competition shooting, and hunting medium to large-sized game. Today, the 6.5 Creedmoor is widely available in both ammunition and firearms chambered for this caliber
Key features and benefits of 6.5 Creedmoor caliber
Long-range accuracy:
The 6.5 Creedmoor is a highly accurate caliber, making it a popular choice for long-range shooting. Its flat trajectory and high ballistic coefficient allow for precise shots at distances of up to 1,000 yards.
Low recoil:
The 6.5 Creedmoor has a relatively low recoil compared to other calibers, making it easier to shoot accurately and comfortably.
Versatility:
The 6.5 Creedmoor is a versatile caliber suitable for various shooting applications, including hunting, target shooting, and competition shooting.
High sectional density:
The 6.5 Creedmoor's high sectional density allows it to penetrate deep into the target, making it an effective caliber for hunting large game.
Availability:
The 6.5 Creedmoor has become increasingly popular in recent years, leading to a wider availability of ammunition and firearms chambered in this caliber.
Overall, the 6.5 Creedmoor is a reliable and accurate caliber that offers many benefits to shooters, making it a popular choice for various shooting applications.
Key features and benefits of 6.5 Creedmoor caliber
- 1Long-range shooting:
The 6.5 Creedmoor is an excellent caliber for long-range shooting due to its high accuracy and low recoil. It can be used to shoot targets at distances of up to 1,000 yards or more, making it a popular choice for competitive shooting.
- 1Hunting:
The 6.5 Creedmoor is also a suitable caliber for hunting medium to large-sized game, such as deer, elk, and antelope. The ideal shooting distance for hunting with the 6.5 Creedmoor can vary depending on the terrain and the game being hunted, but typically ranges from 100 to 500 yards.
- 1Target Shooting:
The 6.5 Creedmoor is an excellent caliber for target shooting due to its high accuracy and low recoil. It can be used to shoot targets at various distances, ranging from short-range to long-range.
Conclusion
The scopes featured in our guide are all premium products which can significantly increase shooting distance and accuracy when used correctly.
They’re all great choices, but we hope one of these scopes stands out as the perfect match for you. Some important factors to consider when shopping for a new scope are power, safety and cost.
The best ‘value for money’ scope, in our opinion, is the Vortex Crossfire II. However, it’s mostly designed for close to medium range shooting.
So, competitive shooters may well prefer the Vortex Optics Viper with its array of cool features or the Athlon and its impressive FFP.
The truth is, if you start with great equipment and high quality rounds like 6.5 Creedmoor cartridges, you’re always going to see results.
Creedmoor come highly recommended in competitive circles for good reason. You don’t need a pricey scope to shoot well, but it’s typically the difference between great target shooting and next level target shooting.
Faq
The best range to sight in a 6.5 Creedmoor is 100 yards. This will give you the best chance to hit your target at long range.
The 6.5 Creedmoor has more knockdown power than the .308 Winchester. It is a great choice for hunting and long-range shooting.
There are many great bullets for 6.5 Creedmoor, but some of the best include the Hornady ELD Match, Nosler AccuBond Long Range, and Sierra Tipped MatchKing. These bullets are all designed for long-range accuracy and performance.