Best Scope for 6.5 Creedmoor
Over the years, the 6.5 Creedmoor has become the go-to cartridge for long-range shooting. Designed in 2007 by Hornady, this centerfire rifle cartridge was intended for long-range target shooting but it also has notable success in game hunting. The designers modified the 6.5 Carcano and the .30 TC that is based on the .308 Winchester to create this masterpiece. Capable of achieving a slower muzzle velocity compared to other long cartridges, the 6.5 Creedmoor can also be used in short-action and performs very well with the AR-10 semi-auto rifle. This cartridge can easily hit targets at 250 yards without a scope or any sights, if you get the best scope for 6.5 Creedmoor you easily hit 800 yards and more.
The market is filled with a variety of scopes and even though some scopes are more powerful than others, it doesn’t mean they are the best scope for 6.5 Creedmoor. Getting the right scope might be a bit of a mind-bender but worry less this review is specifically for you!
Best scope for 6.5 Creedmoor review
Here is a quick list of the best scope for 6.5 Creedmoor.
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Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II First Focal Plane Riflescopes
- NightForce NXS Tactical Scope – 5.5-22x56mm
#1) Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II First Focal Plane Riflescopes
The first scope on our review is this scope from Vortex it is ideal for long-range shooting and target shooting..
Eye Relief
The eye box is quite forgiving and at 3.4″ the eye relief is quite generous. The best thing about the eye relief is, it is consistent at all magnifications.
Reticle and glass
The glass is very clear. The lenses are fully multi-coated which increases light transmission and the glass used is Extra-low dispersion glass which makes views crisp and bright. The lenses are protected from oil, dirt and scratches by Armortek coatings.
The EBR-2C MRAD reticle is in the first focal plane and adjusts with changes in magnification. This makes it ideal for long-range shooting. The reticle can also approximate windage and holdover. It is illuminated which ensures the scope can be used in low-light conditions.
Magnification
The magnification range of this scope is 5-25x which is perfect for long-range shooting. This makes this vortex scope the best scope for 6.5 creedmoor. What is more, at all magnifications, this scope stays parallax free.
Elevation and windage
The audible turret clicks turn smoothly and are highly reliable. It holds zero very well. The best part about the scope is the fact that it is equipped with the RZR Zero stop mechanism that allows for a quick return to the initial zero without the stress of having to carefully count revolutions. The knobs are textured for a secure grip so making adjustments is easy.
Durability
This scope is argon purged and o-ring sealed which makes the it fog proof and waterproof,. The vOrtex viper is constructed with aircraft grade aluminum increasing the durability of the scope.
This scope is highly recommended to tactical precision shooters and long-range shooters.
#2) Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm Riflescope
Glass and reticle
This scope comes with very clear glass and you get clear sight pictures. The lenses are scratch-resistant to an extreme military standard for protection.
The reticle is positioned in the first focal plane which adjusts with magnification adjustments and it also allows you to estimate range at all magnification. As is with most Leupold scopes, this scope comes with the Twilight Max HD Light Management system that gives you 20 t0 30 minutes of shooting light when light conditions are unfavorable and also reduces glare.
Eye relief
The eye relief is 3.6″ to 3.8″
Magnification
With a magnification of 5-25X, this scope is the best for long-range shooting. This wide magnification range coupled with the 56mm objective lens ensures high-quality images at long distances. The large objective lens allows more light in which increases color fidelity and image resolution.
Durability
This scope s completely waterproof, shockproof and fog proof which makes it ideal for use in unfavorable weather conditions. It is also lightweight which means you can use it for hunting and move around comfortably while stalking prey.
For everyone who loves all things the USA, this scope is designed, machined, and also assembled in America.
3) Athlon Optics , Argos BTR, Riflescope, 6-24 x 50
This is one of the best budget long range scopes in the market. It is a versatile scope that is ideal for a variety of shooting needs.
Magnification
The magnification ranges from 6x to 24x which is very versatile. You can use it for hunting and even target shooting. Magnification from 6x to 20x is very clear but beyond that, your sight picture becomes a little blurry.
For parallax, this scope comes with a parallax adjustment knob that is smooth to turn and precise.
Glass and reticle
For its price, this scope’s glass is surprisingly very clear but at higher magnifications the image clarity reduces.
The APMR MIL reticle is illuminated which is ideal for use in low light conditions. It is equipped with 11 brightness setting knob. What is more, the reticle is glass etched which increases durability and is less likely to break as compared to wired reticles.
This is the best scope for 6.5 Creedmoor because the reticle is positioned in the first focal plane which means you don’t have to keep calculating holdovers as it never changes at any magnification setting.
Elevation and windage
Zeroing is easy and the scope also holds zero very well. The turrets move easily which could sometimes lead to over-adjusting This is easily fixable by re-greasing the turrets using the Halofun Green Slime as a replacement of the factory lubricant you will wipe off. This makes the turrets audible.
Eye relief
At 3.3″ the eye relief is quite unforgiving, especially with heavy recoil calibers.
Durability
This scope is constructed using aircraft-grade aluminum which means you can use it in any environment. It is also nitrogen purged and o-ring sealed which makes it waterproof and shockproof.
#4) NightForce NXS Tactical Scope – 5.5-22x56mm
The Nightforce Optics 5.5-22×56 NXS is the best scope for shooting at extended long distances. It is the most preferred scope with the military and law enforcement alike. This is with good reason.
Magnification
The magnification is 5.5-22x which makes it perfect for short to long-range shooting. The scope is parallax-free at all magnification settings and the sight picture also remains very clear at the highest magnification.
Glass and reticle
Nightforce used premium high precision glass, this, combined with fully multi-coated lenses ensures high image clarity and light transmission.
For the reticle, Nightforce equipped this scope with the best long-range reticles the MOAR Reticle. The reticle is also illuminated which makes it ideal for use in low light conditions. It also remains crisp clear at all magnifications.
Eye relief
The eye relief is 4″ which is extremely generous. This means your brow is extremely protected from heavy recoil. This scope can also handle heavier recoiling rifles due to this eye relief. It also has a wide field of view.
What makes a great scope for 6.5 Creedmoor?
The 6.5 Creedmoor is a powerful cartridge that should be paired with an equally powerful scope. A good scope has features that suit your shooting needs and helps you in precise target acquisition. Scopes that have long eye relief, wide magnification ranges, and large objective lenses are better suited to give you the best performance.
Wider magnification means you can shoot up to the distances you want and long eye relief means you are less likely to get a scope eye. Great scopes are also built to last as they are built with high-grade material like aircraft-grade aluminum and a hard-anodized finish. This makes the scope usable even under harsh environments. O-ring seals and nitrogen or argon purge make scopes fog-proof and waterproof.
And of course, there are brands that are renowned in the optics world and produce the best scopes for all needs.
What magnification do you need for 6.5 Creedmoor?
This is a frequently asked question among hunters and shooters and there is no linear answer to this question. Magnification is dependent on the range you want to shoot.
For close range, even though the Creedmoor is not exactly for short-range, that is 300 yards and below a magnification range of 3-9x is ideal. If you are shooting at medium-range, between 300 yards to 700 yards, a magnification range of 9-15x will work just fine for big game targets. For smaller targets, you might need more than 15x. At 700 yards and above which is classified as long-range, a magnification of 15x and above should be enough. This magnification combined with the fact that the 6.5 Creedmoor was designed for long-range target shooting makes it easy to acquire your targets easily and with precision.
Factors to consider when choosing the best scope for 6.5 Creedmoor
While making a decision to buy a scope, there are some factors you need to consider.
Reticle positioning
The reticle is either positioned in the first focal plane or the second focal plane. For the first focal plane, the reticle is positioned in front of the magnification so the reticle size changes with the size of the magnification while on the second focal plane the reticle is positioned behind the magnification so the reticle does not adjust with changes in magnification.
If you are shooting at long range, the first focal plane is ideal.
Multi-coated lenses
There different types of lens coatings. The best scope for 6.5 Creedmoor has fully multi-coated lenses and prisms. This means all lens surfaces and prisms are fully coated with multiple layers of coatings. This increases image contrast and makes images clear and bright.
Construction and weather.
A good scope will have you blissfully enjoying your hunt even in unfavorable weather conditions. A scope that is waterproof and fog proof is ideal for bad weather conditions. Gas purged and o -ring sealed is a feature to look out for in a scope. This helps in keeping your scope moisture-free.
A scope is susceptible to occasional slips and they fall to the ground. A good scope is constructed using high-grade material to make sure the scope lasts longer even when frequently used in harsh terrains. For example, a scope built with aircraft-grade aluminum is shockproof and lasts longer compared to a scope that is built using other materials.
Magnification
As previously mentioned, magnification is entirely based on your shooting range distances either short, medium, or long. All these ranges require different magnification to achieve your target.
Depending on your desired shooting distance, magnification of 6x and upwards should be fine for the 6.d Creedmoor.
Price
Having a budget for the scope you want to get will help you get a good scope without compromising on the quality.