When Hornady introduced a brand new rifle cartridge to the world back in 2007, no one could have predicted just how popular this round would become.
In the beginning, the round was not exactly well-received when it came out. Then, as long-range shooting increased in popularity, so did the 6.5 Creedmoor.
Interestingly, contrary to other popular big-game rounds in the USA, the 6.5 Creedmoor was specifically made for competitive long-range shooting, and not as a military round.
Now, the 6.5 Creedmoor is quickly becoming the go-to shooting round that was developed in the 21st century! And I have to admit; I’m a huge fan of it.
And if you’re yet to try it, I’ve prepared the guide to, based on my experience, the five best 6.5 Creedmoor scopes of 2023.
My Top Pick – Vortex Optics Viper HS-T 6-24×50mm SFP Scope
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If I were to pick the best scope for 6.5 Creedmoor, it would have to be the Vortex Optics Viper scope.
I’ve tested numerous short and mid-range scopes in my life, but not many can match the Vortex’s quality. Everything about this scope is perfect, from its durability and excellent image focus to its competitive pricing and versatility.
I’ll cover it in more detail in the full review below.
The 5 Best Scopes for 6.5 Creedmoor
Having tested multiple scopes for 6.5 Creedmoor, I’ve come up with the following shortlist:
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-18x44mm AO (The Best for Short to Medium ranges)
- Athlon Optics Argos BTR Riflescope 6-24x50mm Gen 2 (The Best Long Range Scope for the price)
- Vortex Optics Viper HS-T 6-24×50mm SFP Scope (The Best Vortex 6.5 Creedmoor Scope)
- Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm FFP Riflescope (The Best Scope for Long Range Shooting)
- Burris Optics Veracity 5-25x50mm RifleScope (The Best Burris Scope for 6.5 Creedmoor)
A plenty of reliable names to choose from, then. Rest assured that mounting any of these is a fantastic choice for the 6.5 Creedmoor. They worked a treat for me, and I’m sure they will do the same for you.
And now, let me present to you why the following picks are, in my opinion, the best scopes for 6.5 Creedmoor rounds.
1. Vortex Optics Viper HS-T 6-24×50mm SFP Scope — The Best Vortex for 6.5 Creedmoor
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Vortex has gone above and beyond when designing this sleek and stunning piece. As a result, the Viper HS-T mixed with the VMR Reticle is fantastic for accurately shooting at long ranges. For me, it’s not only the best Vortex, but the best scope overall for 6.5 Creedmoor.
My Feelings After Using the Vortex Optics Viper HS-T 6-24x50mm SFP
The first thing I noticed was how clear the view was. The rectile’s view is also hasmark-based and has a second focal plane. I also found it extremely useful in low-light conditions, and its 10-setting illumination knob allowed me to have some fun with the settings.
After the first use, it was clear to me that this Vortex is perfect for long-distance shooting. It also performs brilliantly against windage, holdover, and moving-target conditions. On top of that, as I tested myself, the scope is 100% shock-proof, water-proof, and fog-proof.
The parallax works from 50 yards to infinity and requires one lithium metal battery in order to function. However, it’s not a bad idea to pack an additional power source when going out on a hunt!
Product Highlights
If I had to pick the most amazing features on the Viper HS-T, it would be the CRS, hands down.
The design of the customizable rotational stop allows you easily and quickly return to an original point of zero. Also, I found it great in parallel with using the elevation turret to hone in on any temporary bullet-drop corrections.
I found these features particularly useful when attempting to dial large multi-rev corrections. It allowed me to focus on the shooting instead of paying attention to the number of revs. It made my life much easier, and it will do the same for you. Trust me on this one.
Common Problems and How to Deal With Them
The only minor drawback I experienced was the relatively short battery life of the parallax. I’d suggest packing a backup source of power when going hunting.
Key Features
- Made of aircraft-grade aluminum
- 100% water and fog-proof
- 50 mm diameter
- Shock-resistant
- Customizable Rotation Stop (CRS)
- Second focal plane reticle
| Pros | Cons |
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Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | Vortex |
| Weight | 22.6 oz |
| Eye Relief | 4 in |
| Magnification | 6 – 24x |
| Field of View | 5.1 – 17.8 ft at 100 yds |
The Final Verdict
The remarkable CRS technology mixed with such versatile applications of the scope makes the slightly higher price tag worth every penny. As a result, Vortex has been known to impress continually and paves the way for scope technology. For me, it’s the best scope for 6.5 Creedmoor available. However, it also fits the AR-10 and 338 Lapua Magnum.
My Rating: 5/5
2. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-18x44mm AO – The Best for Short to Medium Range
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Vortex has gone above and beyond with its constant innovation and improvements in products. Not only do they strive to make a durable product, but the price is also unbeatable. In my opinion, the Vortex Optics Crossfire II is the perfect example of these statements.
My Feelings After Using the Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-18x44mm AO
I have to say this scope is hands down the best one for a shooter beginning his journey with 6.5 Creedmoor, and I have several reasons to prove it.
First, with practically zero parallax and an anti-reflective lens, the Dead-Hold BEC MOA has a custom-designed hashmark. It helped me eliminate any guesswork on windage corrections or holdovers. It is a nice feature to have for varying ranges where holdover is a significant concern.
Another fantastic feature I found impressive is the fact that this scope is nitrogen purged and comes with a sealed O-ring, which ensures high water and fog-proof performance. And having used it in bad weather, I have to admit that these features work brilliantly.
What I really love about this scope is the clear vision it provides, which, combined with the magnification of 6-18x and a diameter of 44 mm, offers excellent accuracy. Overall, this scope was truly designed to be used on your average day of hunting and shooting. It’s durable, reliable, and all any hunter could ask for. With the scope only being 19 oz, it’s an excellent addition for any beginner as well.
Despite a few complaints about the scope’s eye relief, there’s not much more you could need.
Product Highlights
As mentioned above, Dead-Hold BDC is one of the most significant aspects of this scope. As a result, it makes pointing and shooting any target a no-brainer. Best of all, the fast-focusing eyepiece allows the hunter for easy and quick focusing.
Common Problems and How to Deal With Them
I’m not a fan of the scope’s eye relief, and according to the internet, I’m not the only one. Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do about it.
Key Features
- 6-18x magnification
- 44 mm diameter
- Water and fog resistant
- Made of aircraft-grade aluminum
- Dead-Hold BDC
- Adjustable objective
- Multi-coated
| Pros | Cons |
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Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | Vortex |
| Weight | 19.6 oz |
| Eye Relief | 3.7 – 4.3 in |
| Magnification | 6 – 18x |
| Field of View | 5.3 – 15.2 ft at 100 yds |
The Final Verdict
Generally, the Vortex Optics Crossfire II has a commendable list of appealing features. Vortex makes quality products that are both durable and affordable. For me, it’s the best choice for your 6.5 Creedmoor rifle for this price, especially if you do not want to shoot too far.
My Rating: 4.5/5
3. Athlon Optics Argos BTR Riflescope 6-24x50mm Gen 2 – The Best Long Range Scope for the Price
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Athlon is one of the most renowned brands in the industry. Their products never disappoint in terms of quality, durability, and performance, and the story is no different for their Athlon Optics Argos BTR.
My Feelings After Using the Athlon Optics Argos BTR 6-24x50mm Gen 2
The first thing I noticed when I mounted the scope was how smooth and straightforward the controls for Argos BTR were. I also love how straightforward it is to adjust every single feature, from magnification, illumination, elevation, windage, parallax side focus, and fast focusing.
Another thing I need to praise this scope for is its durability. Although I haven’t used it for a longer period, the aircraft-grade aluminum that they use to make the tube looks impressively durable. I also noticed that it provides excellent support and high shock resistance.
As far as eye relief goes, the Athlon Argos BTR offers a little over three inches. However, I have to say that recoil can become quite scary when the scope gets a little too close for comfort.
Product Highlights
The reticle used in the Argos BTR is a first focal plane (FFP). This means it is located in front of the image and lenses. The advantage of having the reticle in this position is that it is magnified along with the image. The traditional thin-wire reticle becomes much larger at higher power.
Overall, this means the size of the reticle stays the same in relation to the target! Talk about making tracking a whole lot easier on the eyes.
Common Problems and How to Deal With Them
Although I haven’t experienced it myself, some people complain about the scope’s parallax knob, which tends to deregulate with time. The solution here is to contact Athlon directly and ask them to fix the issue.
Key Features
- Made of aircraft-grade aluminum
- Fully multi-coated
- 50 mm diameter
- 100% fog and water-proof
- Precision zero stop system
- Shock resistant
- First Focal Plane (FFP) reticle
| Pros | Cons |
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Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | Athlon |
| Weight | 30.3 oz |
| Eye Relief | 3.3 in |
| Magnification | 6 – 24x |
| Field of View | 16.7 – 4.5 ft at 100 yds |
The Final Verdict
Athlon Optics has shaken up the market a little with its stunningly affordable and functional line of rifle scopes. I have to admit that value-wise, it’s hard to question the Argos BTR 6-24×50 as the best scope for 6.5 Creedmoor rounds. Simply put, no other scope delivers as much for as little. This scope also features in my best long-range scopes guide.
My Rating: 5/5
4. Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm Riflescope – The Best For Long Range Shooting
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Leupold is one of the best names in scope manufacturing. The proof is seen here, with this 5-25x scope that includes a 56 mm objective lens designed to make long-range shooting as precise as possible.
My Feelings After Using the Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm
I have to say that this is one of the best long-range scopes I’ve ever used. Its 56 mm objective lens allowed me to use 6.5 Creedmoor at an incredibly far range, as it collects more light and improves resolution and color quality for your sight picture.
I also love Leupold’s reticle, placed on the first focal plane enabling it to magnify with your image. It helped me land very distant shots, no matter the weather conditions. And speaking of those, this scope is 100% water and fog-proof. Its lenses are also scratch-resistant, even to military standards.
The rest of the scope is similarly durable, even though it’s lightweight overall and can help dispense recoil energy for even better performance. Since 6.5 Creedmoor weapons have a bit of kick, this is a great addition.
The scope also comes with several low-profile turrets; this prevents them from snagging on your clothing or other accessories. Each of them provides 30 Mils of adjustments in three revolutions, and they’re constructed with both visual and tactile indicators. Thus, you won’t easily get lost with your windage, elevation, or parallax settings, even if you aren’t looking as you make adjustments.
Product Highlights
For me, what separates Leupold scopes from the rest of the pack is its Twilight Max Light Management System. Thanks to this feature, you can benefit from an additional 20-30 minutes of shooting light. This, combined with the stopping power and accuracy of a 6.5 Creedmoor rifle, allowed me to shoot with excellent precision, even during dusk or dawn.
Common Problems and How to Deal With Them
I found eye relief to be a bit low for comfort at a higher zoom. You can try and adjust it yourself, or you can send it to Leupold, and they can do it for you (if they offer such services).
Key Features
- 100% water and fog-proof
- Lightweight and durable
- 5:1 zoom ratio
- High-speed power selector
- Scratch-resistant
| Pros | Cons |
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Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | Leupold |
| Weight | 907.18 g |
| Eye Relief | 3.6 – 3.8 in |
| Magnification | 5 – 25x |
| Field of View | 20.4 – 4.2 ft at 100 yds |
The Final Verdict
All in all, there are few 6.5 Creedmoor scopes that can compete with this one given its durability, recoil control, and light management system. However, all these features come at a price, and it is, how shall I put it, relatively high, especially compared to other scopes on the list.
My Rating: 5/5
5. Burris Optics Veracity Rifle Scope 5-25x50mm – The Best Burris for 6.5 Creedmoor
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If you read my guides, you know that Burris Optics has impressed me more than once. And guess what, they did it again. This time it’s their Veracity Rifle Scope 5-25x50mm, which I found works very well with a 6.5 Creedmoor rifle.
My Feelings After Using the Burris Optics Veracity Rifle Scope 5-25x50mm
Although I didn’t find this Burris as good as some other scopes on this list, I still had a good time using it, especially when shooting long-range. Its zoom settings really allowed me to push my 6.5 Creedmoor almost to the limit, as I was able to use it for long-range shots up to over 500 yards!
As for its magnification settings, I didn’t encounter any issues with changing them. I could change the settings fast and smoothly, which allowed me to switch between short and long-range shooting effortlessly. Its lenses also collect a lot of light and work great even as it’s getting dark.
Other than that, the scope is very durable, featuring a water and fog-proof design. Long story short, I was able to use it even during unfavorable weather conditions.
Product Highlights
This scope comes with windage and elevation adjustment turrets like most other scopes. But these are particularly smooth and offer up to 15 MOA per rotation, which enabled me to compensate for lots of windage and elevation.
It also comes with an ergonomic side focus that lets you adjust for parallax between 50 yards and infinity. However, to be honest, I did find these turrets poorly marked.
Common Problems and How to Deal With Them
To be fair, besides the mentioned poorly-marked turrets, I haven’t experienced any significant drawbacks when using the Burris Optics Veracity. It lacks a bit of quality in terms of its build compared to some other scopes, though.
Key Features
- Water and fog-proof
- Shock resistant
- Advanced windage and elevation adjustments
- Front focal plane reticles
- Nitrogen-filled
| Pros | Cons |
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Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | Burris Optics |
| Weight | 28.2 oz |
| Eye Relief | 4.3 in |
| Magnification | 5 – 25x |
| Field of View | 21 – 4.3 ft at 100 yds |
The Final Verdict
For me, this top-tier scope is a great choice for use with any 6.5 Creedmoor weapon, especially if you plan to use the rifle at the edge of its effective range and take down long-distance targets. However, there are better choices in this price range. At least in my opinion.
My Rating: 4.5/5
What Magnification Do You Need?
Mind that although some scopes are more powerful than others, they’re not always ideal for every type of shooter. Generally, increased magnification will assist you in shooting further.
Side note: I have a very useful guide on magnification, so check it out to learn more about the topic.
How far do you want to take the 6.5 Creedmoor? It depends.
Long Range (700 yards and above)
At a long range, you’re not likely to be doing much besides target practice. You will want at least 15x magnification or more.
Medium Range (300 – 700 yards)
The 6.5 Creedmoor is perfect for shooting on medium ranges. If you mainly shoot at such distances, a 9-15x magnification should be enough. For smaller targets, I’d recommend going for more than 15x.
Close Range (Under 300 yards)
Close range is considered to be under 300 yards. With a 6.5 Creedmoor scope, you can decimate anything on sight. At this range, if a scope is preferred, you will need around 5-9x power.
Maximize Your Shooting Range
In a 24″ barrel, the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge can shoot to about 250 yards with less than 1″ bullet drop.
Since a 6.5mm is a relatively large cartridge, it certainly can go much farther. However, what scope you choose to use the rifle with will significantly affect your distance.
For the 6.5 Creedmoor in a 24″ barrel, keep these measurements roughly in mind:
- Long Range: 700 yards and above
- Medium Range: 300 – 700 yards
- Close Range: Under 300 yards
In comparison with other calibers, 300 yards is pretty long. However, that does not mean you’re ready to go without some magnification. Apply the rules I mentioned above to find the best scope for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many rounds is a 6.5 Creedmoor barrel good for?
Some shooters like to complain about a barrel’s longevity, claiming that the 6.5 Creedmoor will only last for 2-3,000 rounds whereas the . 308 Win will be good for as many as 10,000 rounds.
What is a 6.5 Creedmoor best for?
The 6.5 Creedmoor is among the best-selling 6.5mm cartridges for both hunting and target shooting. It’s versatile, efficient, cost-effective, and low recoiling. It’s a favorite deer and elk cartridge among the MeatEater crew, and it’s taken enough big game to disprove initial doubters.
How far can a 6.5 Creedmoor shoot accurately?
6.5mm Creedmoor can provide sub-half-minute of angle accuracy from factory ammo. The cartridge stays supersonic and maintains its accuracy to past 1,200 yd.
How much will a 6.5 Creedmoor drop at 500 yards?
At 500 yards, the 6.5 Creedmoor drops 2.1 mils with .6 mil drift in a 10mph crosswind compared to 2.5 mils of drop and .9 mil of drift for the .308.
How far does 6.5 Creedmoor stay supersonic?
Studies have shown that the 6.5 Creedmoor will remain supersonic out to 1,400 yards and is quickly becoming the most popular long-range, big-game cartridge in the world.
How far can you shoot a deer with a 6.5 Creedmoor?
6.5mm Creedmoor can provide sub-half-minute angle accuracy from factory ammo. The cartridge stays supersonic and maintains its accuracy past 1,200 yds.
Which is better: 270 or 6.5 Creedmoor?
The .270 Winchester has more velocity and kinetic energy than the 6.5 Creedmoor out past 500 yards, the advantage possessed by the .270 narrows from 515 foot pounds of energy at the muzzle to just 189-foot pounds of energy at 500 yards.
Where Does 6.5 Creedmoor Get Its Name?
The 6.5 Creedmoor is named after Creedmoor Sports, a name that can be traced back to early NRA competitions in upstate New York in 1874 on the site of the “Creed” farm. The surrounding farmland reminded visiting British and Irish shooters of their own country’s “moorlands,” hence the name “Creedmoor.”
Is a 6.5 Creedmoor bigger than a 7mm?
6.5 Creedmoor bullets are smaller in diameter and more aerodynamic than 7mm-08 Remington rounds. Both cartridges have a similar trajectory. However at ordinary hunting ranges, the 7mm-08 maintains more kinetic energy than the 6.5 Creedmoor, but the 6.5 Creedmoor has less recoil.
What is the difference between the 6.5 Creedmoor and the 260 REM?
When you compare it to .260 Remington ammo, the 6.5 Creedmoor has a stronger long-range performance. The Creedmoor’s bullet arrives at 1000 yards 0.09 seconds faster than Hornady’s 147-grain ELD Match 6.5 Creedmoor load, despite the fact that it starts out 5 percent faster. To put it another way, that’s around 5% faster.
Concluding My Best 6.5 Creedmoor Scopes Guide
I hope this guide will help you narrow down your search for the best scope for 6.5 Creedmoor. I did my best to present you with all the information you need about each of my picks. Now it’s up to you to pick a favorite.
Before you start choosing, it’s essential to take into account the price, safety, and also what magnification you’re looking for.
If you’re looking for the most affordable scope, go for the Vortex Crossfire.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a scope with FFP, an affordable price, and great features such as precision and durability, the Athlon is a perfect choice.
Finally, the Leupold may be the priciest of the five, but it still offers great features.
The Vortex Viper and Burris veracity are other solid choices.
In the end, 6.5 Creedmoor rounds have built a solid reputation in the world of long-range shooting, and any of the scopes on the list would be a great choice.
If you want to shoot at night, you can check my night vision and thermal vision guides.
Mike Fellon was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. He inherited his hunting passions after his father John – he was fascinated by his stories, hearing how much attention, focus, dedication and patience he invested in shooting every animal. When he was old enough, his father first allowed him to shoot some cans and bottles with his shotgun, and then took him hunting – it was love at first sight. Mike has never stopped pursuing his hobby ever since.
The ballistics of my Cooper chambered in .260 Remington are nearly identical. I chose an I.O.R. Valdada 3-18x. It has a 35mm tube allowing interval adjustment to over 1000 years. It’s worked very well for me.
Good to hear!
Hi..Way did you not consider the Zeiss V4 6x24x50?
Because there is a limited amount of scopes I can review.