The 6.5 Cartridge was created specifically to meet the specifications of long-distance target shooting at a competitive level. Designed for incredible accuracy and velocity, it also has a lighter recoil for a more comfortable shot. There is an incredible array of 6.5 CM rifles you can choose from- but if you are looking to customize your shooting experience, especially for competitive shooting, then you may want to change out your barrel.
If you are on the market for a new barrel, or simply are considering what a barrel change could do for you, then the top picks we’ve provided below are exactly what you want to take a look at. These are quality options to help optimize your weapon for your shooting needs.
Table of Contents
Comparison Table of The 7 Best 6.5 Creedmoor Barrels
BRAND
Brownells Premium Barrels – 24″ 6.5 Creedmoor Sendero SS Barrel
DETAILS
- Lengths Available: 24”
- Contour: varmint
- Twist: 1:8
Faxon Firearms – AR-15 Barrels 6.5 Creedmoor Heavy Profile
- Lengths Available: 18”, 20”, 22”, 24”
- Contour: Heavy
- Twist: 1:8
BSF Barrels – 308 AR Barrel Carbon Fiber 6.5 Creedmoor
- Lengths Available: 20”, 22”, 24”
- Contour: Heavy
- Twist: 1:8
Brownells Premium Barrels – 24″ 6.5 Creedmoor M24E SS Barrel
- Lengths Available: 24”
- Contour: M24E Heavy
- Twist: 1:8
Criterion Barrels Inc – 308 AR Hybrid Barrels, 6.5 Creedmoor
- Lengths Available: 18”, 22”
- Contour: Heavy
- Twist: 1:8
Brownells – AR 308 Barrel 6.5 Creedmoor Heavy Profile
- Lengths Available: 24”
- Contour: Heavy
- Twist: 1:8
Howa – 1500 6.5 Creedmoor 24″ Threaded Heavy Barreled Action
- Lengths Available: 24”
- Contour: Varmint
- Twist: 1:8
How to Choose the Right 6.5 Creedmoor Barrel
Unlike many other rifle platforms, the 6.5 CM is specific to its caliber and it isn’t suggested to try it with any other barrel. For example, you can shoot any .30 caliber load through a 300 Blackout build, but you cannot shoot another load through the 6.5 CM.
Materials
Barrel material is generally created from a durable steel that is able withstand the pressure and heat generated from the load making its way towards a target.
Length: Close Range vs Long Range Targets
The main spec you want to pay close attention to is the length of barrel versus the shooting distance you typically shoot at. The longer the barrel, the more accurate your shot typically is, and you’ll want to focus specifically on shorter (16” – 18”) barrels compared to longer (18” – 27”) options.
You also will find variances in drop over distance based on the grain of the load you are shooting. Higher grain bullet weights will pack a larger punch compared to lighter weight options, but generally you choose your load based on what type of shooting you plan on doing, such as competing or plinking due to cost differences.
Barrel Rifling
There are various ways the rifling of a barrel is made. The most common includes cut, button, broach, and hammer forging.
Cut Rifling
One by one groves are cut in successive passes to create the rifling. It is easy to change twist and rifling rate with this, imposing little to no stress on the barrel. However it is a slow process and raises cost. Many target shooters prefer this method.
Button Rifling
This is a cold-formed process that uses a button with the rifling pattern that engraves the grooves as it moves through the bore. Fast and economical, it works with mass production and helps drive down cost. However, it creates stress on the barrel. They do produce incredible accuracy for target shooters.
Broach Rifling
This process cuts grooves in a single pass with a broach-cutting tool. It is fast, accurate, and works well for mass production. It also puts very little stress on the barrel during the process, although broaches are expensive and difficult to make. Match-grade barrels are not compatible with this method and can be seen in handguns.
Hammer Forging
This is a very modern way of rifling a barrel and includes fording it around a mandrel that has the image of the rifling pattern in reverse. It produces high-quality barrels with incredible strength. The downside is, it is inflexible and is not match grade.
Twist
The twist rate of your barrel influences the overall accuracy of the ammunition. Low twist rates provide a greater accuracy at a greater velocity since the bullet twists at a greater rate. A rate is defined by how many times the bullet twists within the barrel over a specific length. For example, a 1:7 twist means it will turn once over 7 inches of barrel length. Many 6.5 CM barrels have a rate somewhere around 1:7.5 to 1:8.
Contour (or Profile)
Heavier barrels have a tendency to be more stable and able to dissipate heat for faster cooling. However, many competition rifles are required to meet weight specifications, so it is very important to watch these details. These are often listed on a scale to 6, with #1 being a light sporter and having more taper, to #6, which is considered a heavy bull with little to no taper. #2 ans #3 are magnum, and #4 is a varmint (sendero)- which is also considered a heavy choice, but with some taper. However, always check with the manufacturer as they may change their description somewhat to fit their products.
Top 7 of the 6.5 Creedmoor Barrel Reviews
It’s important to always keep in mind what you are using your rifle for. As mentioned, length is very much a deciding factor for this particular build in order to get the most out of you shot. The following barrels
1. Brownells Premium Barrels – 24″ 6.5 Creedmoor Sendero SS Barrel
- Lengths Available: 24”
- Contour: varmint
- Twist: 1:8
Brownell’s makes a series of premium barrels at an affordable price without sacrificing quality and durability. Button rifling provides an accurate 1:8 twist, and is designed from a 416R gun barrel steel for a strong, superior option. Short chambered, it is threaded for a Remington 700 action with a crowned muzzle or a standard thread.
The stainless steel finish provides excellent aesthetics, and it is match ready with a slight taper on a heavy barrel.
Who This Is For
This is a great choice for both long-distance shooting and hunting. The price range is fairly mid-range overall and is an affordable option for just about any shooter.
PROS
- Excellent performance
- Dependable velocity
- Length is perfect for distance targeting
CONS
- Might not be up to top F-class shooters
2. Faxon Firearms – AR-15 Barrels 6.5 Creedmoor Heavy Profile
- Lengths Available: 18”, 20”, 22”, 24”
- Contour: Heavy
- Twist: 1:8
Faxon Firearms makes a highly durable series of barrels for the 6.5 Creedmoor from a triple stress-relieved 416R stainless steel to provide you a long-lasting, option. Straight flutes are machined into the exterior for weight reduction and stiffness. It also helps enhance cooling properties to avoid distortion while you shoot.
Tested for accuracy and quality before shipment, they are considered a top of the line option. THe button rifling produces a 5R pattern for stability and to avoid bullet distortion as it travels the length of the barrel.
Who This Is For
If you are looking to get the most accuracy out of your Creedmoor build, this is a great option for all your shooting needs due to the wide range of lengths readily available.
PROS
- Good range of lengths for specific shooting needs
- Threaded for easy accessory attachment
- 11 degree target crowned muzzle
CONS
- Does not work with the Armalite system
3. BSF Barrels – 308 AR Barrel Carbon Fiber 6.5 Creedmoor
- Lengths Available: 20”, 22”, 24”
- Contour: Heavy
- Twist: 1:8
BSF Barrels designs their rifle barrels with durability and match-grade quality in mind. These barrels are made with an ordnance-grade 416R stainless steel before being roll-wrapped in a tensioned, carbon fiber sleeve. This helps keep overall weight down while providing rigidity and enhances cooling.
Created to fit a .308 sized AR upper receiver, it does require a rifle gas system and is threaded for all your accessory attachments.
Who This Is For
If competition shooting is your thing, this is a choice you definitely need to take a closer look at. It is designed specifically with specifications for weight and accuracy in mind.
PROS
- Superior to many custom products
- Great value and aesthetically pleasing
- Craftsmanship and durability is amazing
CONS
- Carbon wrap may make it a hair thicker than desired to the gas block
4. Brownells Premium Barrels – 24″ 6.5 Creedmoor M24E SS Barrel
- Lengths Available: 24”
- Contour: M24E Heavy
- Twist: 1:8
Brownells delivers another excellent option and uses a design machined from 416R gun barrel steel to provide superior performance and accuracy when properly fitted. A 1:8 twist provides a clear shot and is threaded for a Remington 700 action with a crowned muzzle or a standard thread.
Considered a good looking option, it works well for any distance shooting, and it’s weight provides spot-on accuracy.
Who This Is For
Although popular with hunters, it is a heavy barrel to be hauling through the woods. But when dependable accuracy counts, this is a great choice.
PROS
- Incredible accuracy
- Well built and dependable for the price
- Gunsmith fitting makes it perfect
CONS
- Seriously heavy weight for lugging through a field
5. Criterion Barrels Inc – 308 AR Hybrid Barrels, 6.5 Creedmoor
- Lengths Available: 18”, 22”
- Contour: Heavy
- Twist: 1:8
Criterion Barrels Inc truly delivers with this heavy contour barrel designed with an ideal configuration to avoid added weight. They also have been created to provide a direct swap with almost any .308 factory barrel, making attachment easy as long as you have it finished off with headspace measurements for accuracy.
They also are threaded for easy accessory attachment and have a finished chamber. Available in different lengths, be sure to match your gas block properly. The 18” requires .750” gas block, while the 22” requires a .875”.
Who This Is For
Long-distance shooters may love this contour match grade option as it provides a lighter weight than many competitors without sacrificing accuracy.
PROS
- Dependable power and accurate shooting
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Provides tight groupings
CONS
- Barrel locking lugs have sharp edges, so beware
6. Brownells – AR 308 Barrel 6.5 Creedmoor Heavy Profile
- Lengths Available: 24”
- Contour: Heavy
- Twist: 1:8
This is a barrel that might not be beat in both accuracy and budget. Created with a heavy profile in mind for superior accuracy, it is made using 416-R certified stainless-steel bar stock and has awesome heat dissipation for all day shooting without worry of distortion. It has an eleven degree target crown and is finished with threading for easy suppression, or any other choice accessory.
Created for a rifle-length gas system, it works with a .750 gas block and can work with AR-10 and LR-308 platforms.
Who This Is For
Excellent for long-distance targeting, this is a heavy barrel for incredible accuracy, and looks good too.
PROS
- Excellent long-distance accuracy
- Great for heat dissipation
- Incredible power
CONS
- Heavy for hunting purposes unless stationary
7. Howa – 1500 6.5 Creedmoor 24″ Threaded Heavy Barreled Action
- Lengths Available: 24”
- Contour: Varmint
- Twist: 1:8
The Howa 1500 6.5 Creedmoor barrel is the foundation for a rifle build you need. It not only comes with a 24 inch hammer-forged barrel, it also comes complete with a standard-dimension forged steel short action (SA) receiver. The headspacing is even complete, making this a seriously great deal.
With your choice of finishes in flat dark earth or blued, it has a two staged trigger and three position safety and has a one-piece bolt with win opposing locking lugs and an M16 style extractor with plunger.
Who This Is For
This is the perfect start for anyone focused on building their own 6.5 Creedmoor rifle. All you need is already included to begin a fully customized rifle.
PROS
- Truly an excellent value
- Awesome shot groupings
- Really good looking
CONS
- Is a bit pricey overall
Conclusion
If you want to shoot your 6.5 CM loads with power and accuracy, you need a great barrel for your needs. Long-distance shooting and hunting are some of the most popular uses for this cartridge, which all require precision quality. These barrels are some of the best options for your distant targets and all provide the heavier barrel build needed for pinpoint groupings.
Be sure to look over the various differences to determine which might be best for you, including length options, profile and durability claims. You even have the choice to start your own foundation build rather than simply adding a new barrel to an existing build.