Accuracy and power consistency over long distances is what every rifle owner wants, and the 6.5 Creedmoor platform delivers just that. Designed specifically for high velocity rounds and amazing groupings, this caliber option is the perfect choice for a wide range of shooting experiences.
Whether you are shooting competitively at a match, getting ready for that perfect down-range shot, or are dialed in for terminal velocity, these rifles have it all. If you haven’t had the chance to try out a 6.5 Creedmoor build, or have been on the edge about purchasing your own, take a look at this buyers guide to help you pick the best 6.5 Creedmoor rifle for your needs.
Comparison Table of The 7 Best 6.5 Creedmoor Rifles
BRAND
Ruger – Precision Rifle 6.5 Creedmoor 24″ M-LOK
DETAILS
- Barrel Length: 24 inches
- Overall Length: 43.25 – 46.75 inches
- Weight: 10.7 lbs
- Magazine Capacity: 10
Sig Sauer, Inc. – Cross Rifle Black
- Barrel Length: 18 inch
- Overall Length: 38.5 inches
- Weight: 6.5 inches
- Magazine Capacity: 6
Tikka – T3x Compact Tactical Rifle (CTR)
- Barrel Length: 24 inches
- Overall Length: 44.7 inches
- Weight: 6.9 lbs
- Magazine Capacity: 3 + 1
Remington 700 SPS 6.5 Creedmoor 24″ Bolt Action Rifle
- Barrel Length: 24 inches
- Overall Length: 43 ⅝ inches
- Weight: approx. 7 lbs
- Magazine Capacity: 4
Savage Arms 10 GRS 6.5 Creedmoor 10 Round Bolt Action Centerfire Rifle, Pistol Grip
- Barrel Length: 24 inches
- Overall Length: 44 inches
- Weight: 9.2 lbs
- Magazine Capacity: 10
Howa M1500 6.5 CRD Bolt Action Rifle w/ 4-16x50mm Long Range Scope
- Barrel Length: 26 inches
- Overall Length: 44.5 to 49.5 inches
- Weight: 12.5 lbs
- Magazine Capacity: 10+1
Daniel Defense Delta 5 6.5 Creedmoor 24
- Barrel Length: 24 inches
- Overall Length: 44 inches
- Weight: 9.5 lbs
- Magazine Capacity: 5
What Makes a 6.5 Creedmoor Rifle a Popular Platform?
The 6.5 Creedmoor, or 6.5 CM, was born specifically for long-range target shooting and was brought to life by Hornady, the top ammunition manufacturer in the world. When it hit the market in 2007, it quickly grew to a number one caliber for match-shooting and hunting purposes, and continues to be one of the best rounds you can use for both velocity and accuracy.
It has a similar trajectory of the .300 Win, but only has 40% of the recoil- making it a much more comfortable caliber to shoot as well. To put this all into perspective, it outperforms both the .30-06 and .308 Win at 1000 yards, beating them both by almost 2 tenths of a second.
You don’t get any better than this, and when your accuracy counts you want the best.
Hunting Benefits
Obviously, when hunting you want a dependable caliber option for both power and accuracy. Often, you only get one chance at your choice of large game, and you want it to count. The 6.5 CM has quickly become one of, if not THE best option for long distance hunting shots. It is specifically made for this and works well with both bolt and semi-auto rifle builds.
Match Shooting Benefits
Just like for hunting, you need a powerful and accurate shot. When hunting you might not be looking at more than a 400 yard shot (if that), but when shooting competitively, a 1400 yard (or more) target isn’t unheard of. The ballistics of the 6.5 CM make this a top pick as well.
Target Practice Benefits
The 6.5 CM also allows you to shoot for fun, all while honing your accuracy and distance skills. The variation in ammo provides a great selection of grain weights for you to discover, and the design creates a huge reduction in recoil compared to similarly powerful rounds- allowing you to shoot longer and more comfortably.
Home Defense Benefits
Although a rifle may not be your first choice for home defense, it also wouldn’t be your last and this incredibly accurate platform provides a choice that will get the job done if ever needed.
What to Consider When Buying a 6.5 Creedmoor Rifle
The 6.5 Creedmoor is a popular rifle platform, and for good reason. But there are variations worth considering when exploring which options are best for your shooting needs. But a lot comes down to personal preference, and choosing between a bolt action and semi-auto need to be taken into account.
Use
Hunters often prefer the build of a bolt action rifle, as do some match shooters. The more traditional feel and action of this design provides a lightweight, accurate experience. However, the semi-auto options are equally as accurate and comfortable to shoot, even though they are often preferred by competitive shooters or those who just enjoy a few hours on the range. Before buying, take into consideration your preference as well as which style might be best for your use.
Price Range
If you have budget constraints, then it definitely will behoove you to do some shopping around. Bolt action rifles have a tendency to be more affordable, but also do not hold as large a magazine compared to a semi-auto- even though you can rebuild them for a semi-auto load.
Semi-auto builds generally have a lot of perks as well, such as the ability to add a wider variety of accessories, such as various sites, scopes, and lights. You also can personalize it more with grip and handguard styles- but all this comes with a higher cost.
Top 7 of the 6.5 Creedmoor Rifle Reviews
The following rifle picks are considered some of the best by both consumers and gun enthusiast reviewers. These are popular options for long distance sighting and are used exclusively for both hunting and match shooting competitions. A note on our list: there are A LOT of really great 6.5 CM platforms available, and many companies design various models based around the 6.5 CM to help you find the perfect fit and feel. If you like what you are seeing, but want something slightly different, you might want to explore what else they offer.
1. Ruger – Precision Rifle 6.5 Creedmoor 24″ M-LOK
- Barrel Length: 24 inches
- Overall Length: 43.25 – 46.75 inches
- Weight: 10.7 lbs
- Magazine Capacity: 10
Rugar is a long standing weapons manufacturer with an excellent reputation. They consistently create durable, quality options and their Precision 6.5 Creedmoor is no exception. This is a top pick amongst competitive shooters and provides an option that is both high-end, but considered more mid-range in price for what you are getting.
It comes with a 15 inch, free float M-LOK handguard for easy accessory attachment to customize it to your needs. Built with an ambidextrous safety, it allows both right and left hand shooters to shoot in comfort. At 10.7 lbs, it is one of the heavier options and is perfect for match shooting. It also provides an adjustable length of pull.
Who This Is For
When accuracy and precision is what you seek, the Ruger Precision 6.5 Creedmoor build is made specifically for you to customize to your shooting needs.
PROS
- Handguard provides plenty of room for accessories
- Incredible accuracy and comfort shooting precision
- Provides easy left handed shooting
CONS
- Heavy for hunting purposes
2. Sig Sauer, Inc. – Cross Rifle Black
- Barrel Length: 18 inch
- Overall Length: 38.5 inches
- Weight: 6.5 inches
- Magazine Capacity: 6
Sig Sauer is another dependable gun manufacturer and their Cross Rifle models are designed with precision shooting for long-range targets and extreme backcountry hunting. The 6.5 Creedmoor option boasts a 18 inch barrel and overall length of 38.5 inches that can collapse to 27 inches due to the folding precision style stock.
At only 6.5 lbs, it also is one of the lightest ever made (by up to 40%) – making it an easy to carry option no matter the conditions you are working in. A 6 round capacity feeds through a removable magazine to provide the ammunition you need, and provides consistency whether out on the range or in the field.
Who This Is For
The compact, lightweight design of this option is one of the best in its class. Perfect for moving through rough terrain, stalking your kill, or at a match, it’s hard to match the comfort it provides.
PROS
- Incredible target sighting both day and night
- Durable and long lasting
- Easy to attach
CONS
- May stick a little when attaching
3. Tikka – T3x Compact Tactical Rifle (CTR)
- Barrel Length: 24 inches
- Overall Length: 44.7 inches
- Weight: 6.9 lbs
- Magazine Capacity: 3 + 1
Created for long-range accuracy and precision, the Tikka T3X 6.5 C build is an incredibly designed option. The lightweight modular stock has an interchangeable pistol grip to shoot from various positions in comfort. The recoil pad is specially designed for reduction of force, and combined with the foam inserts within the rear stock, you can shoot in a noise reduced atmosphere as well.
It also comes with an adjustable single stage trigger from 2 to 4 pounds to work specifically with your own comfort needs. These details help fit your hand and make shooting an effortless task. Available in a black or stainless steel finish, you also are provided a few other options to customize the experience.
Who This Is For
Although used for hunting, the Tikka T3X is a competitive shooter’s dream and if you love the idea of a pistol grip, this is one of the best there is. If the pistol grip is not your jam, it is easy to change with an aftermarket option.
PROS
- Barrel length provides awesome accuracy and efficient shooting
- Lightweight design and comfort details makes it easy to shoot all day
- Adjustable trigger customizes it even further
CONS
- Barrel may heat up quickly
4. Remington 700 SPS 6.5 Creedmoor 24″ Bolt Action Rifle
- Barrel Length: 24 inches
- Overall Length: 43 ⅝ inches
- Weight: approx. 7 lbs
- Magazine Capacity: 4
Remington actually offers quite a few 6.5 CM platform rifles, all which are considered top quality choices. The 700 SPS Bolt Action Makes our list as a top performer in a mid-range price range to make it both affordable, and still desirable for those who often shop a higher end pick. Plus, the Remington 700 is the standard-issue US military sniper rifle- which more than speaks for its reliability.
An eronomically designed stock supports bolt-action shooting in a durable, hard-hitting package. A 24 inch carbon steel barrel provides amazing down-range accuracy, and it even comes in a left handed model. It also has a crazy light trigger, at only 1.5 lbs.
Who This Is For
When you are trying to be fiscally responsible, but don’t want to sacrifice amazing quality, this is the choice worth considering. The 700 series of guns also have a wide range of options for your budget needs.
PROS
- Seriously light trigger
- Price point is amazing for the quality
- Accuracy and efficiency is spot on
CONS
- Trigger is light and operator error is not unheard of
5. Savage Arms 10 GRS 6.5 Creedmoor 10 Round Bolt Action Centerfire Rifle, Pistol Grip
- Barrel Length: 24 inches
- Overall Length: 44 inches
- Weight: 9.2 lbs
- Magazine Capacity: 10
Many long range shooters prefer the stability and feel of the pistol grip rifle, and the Savage Arms 10 GRS 6.5 CM is an excellent choice for grip and adjustable length of pull. Designed for all-weather use, the GRS adjustable stock is made of 15% fiberglass-reinforced Durethan to produce an incredibly durable choice. It also includes an adjustable savage AccuTrigger to further customize your experience.
The carbon steel, 24 inch barrel provides excellent accuracy, and a 1:8 twist rate ensures maximum velocity when you round takes flight. Probably one of the best top end bolt action rifles you can buy, this is a sharpshooter, or hunters dream.
Who This Is For
Competitive shooting and highly accurate groupings define this option, and if you love the feel of a pistol grip designed for shooting comfort, this is a great choice to consider.
PROS
- Trigger has no creep and is well balanced
- Excellent adjustability for length of pull
- Durable and ‘grippy’ in all weather
CONS
- May be a little heavier for hunters
6. Howa M1500 6.5 CRD Bolt Action Rifle w/ 4-16x50mm Long Range Scope
- Barrel Length: 26 inches
- Overall Length: 44.5 to 49.5 inches
- Weight: 12.5 lbs
- Magazine Capacity: 10+1
The cerakote design of the HOWA M1500 bolt action 6.5 CM provides an awesome visual style unbeat by competitive companies. Choose from black, gray tone or colored American flag to provide a unique look to your weapon. This precision rifle package comes with a Nikko stirling 4-16×50 diamond long range scope, one piece base and rings, detachable mag kit, buffalo river bipod and muzzle brake to provide everything you need for your shooting experience.
An incredible 26 inch length barrel screams of accuracy, and an adjustable length of pull makes it comfortable to shoot no matter the length of your reach. The durable build and customization options this build provides makes it a top contender.
Who This Is For
When you want both style and functionality, the Howa M1500 bolt action rifle is a very cool pick indeed. Plus, it comes with an excellent array of accessories.
PROS
- Fully adjustable stock makes shooting comfortable
- Excellent extended range and accuracy
- Seriously cool cerakote design
CONS
- Heavier choice
7. Daniel Defense Delta 5 6.5 Creedmoor 24
- Barrel Length: 24 inches
- Overall Length: 44 inches
- Weight: 9.5 lbs
- Magazine Capacity: 5
Daniel Defense has made quite a name for itself as a dependable weapon manufacturer. The Delta 5 6.5 Creedmoor is born of the AR modularity platform and made into a bolt action rifle unrivaled in design anywhere else. The interchangeable cold-forged barrel and a user-configurable stock makes it highly customizable.
Quality, accuracy, and reliability defines this rifle build and makes it one of the best in the business. It comes ready to shoot, and provides amazing capability for accuracy and power. M-LOK attachment points make it easy to fully customize, and includes an adjustable cheek plate to help your eye raise to the level of your scope.
Who This Is For
If this is a choice you can afford, it is an incredible option. It is designed for expert marksmanship and full personalization capabilities.
PROS
- 1.4 trigger weight provides accurate control
- Excellent extended range and accuracy
- Adjustable cheek riser make for a personal comfort
CONS
- High price, but the quality is awesome
Conclusion
Not much can beat the dependability and accuracy of the 6.5 Creedmoor Rifle build. They have quickly risen in popularity to become a top long-distance shooting contender and is a favorite for match competition and hunting. These top picks are amazing quality options made by some of the best weapon manufacturers in the world.
The amazing muzzle velocity of the 6.5 CM round helps create a rifle platform unrivaled by much else, and can help you be the efficient shooter you know you are. No matter what you are shooting, whether it be long-distance target proactive, competition, or wild game, these choices are amongst the best you can find.
See our recommendations for the best suppressors for the 6.5 Creedmoor.