I‘ve always believed that some cartridges deserve to be paired with top-notch scopes to truly unlock their full potential. The 6.5 Grendel is definitely one of those cartridges. As a hunter, I‘ve come to appreciate it as an improved version of the 6.5mm PPC. The 6.5 Grendel is super accurate and has low recoil, making it perfect for my AR 15 rifle.
I‘ve heard stories of its legendary accuracy and controllability, with some folks even pushing their AR 15‘s effective range to 1000 yards or more when using these rounds. Of course, finding the best scopes for 6.5 Grendel weapons is crucial to take advantage of this cartridge‘s incredible range and accuracy. So, I decided to put together a guide to help fellow hunters like me find the top scopes for this exceptional cartridge and its accompanying weapon platform. Let‘s dive right in and find the perfect scope for our 6.5 Grendel rifles.
What to Look for in a 6.5 Grendel Scope
The best scope for 6.5 Grendel platforms will have several features or design standards that make it stand out from the pack.
Reticle Quality
The best 6.5 Grendel scopes will have top-tier reticles to enhance their weapon’s capabilities.
Whether these are BDC reticles, which can compensate for bullet drop and help you land a shot from afar, or illuminated reticles, which can provide you with excellent accuracy during the dusk or dawn hours of the day, you should always try to find scopes with exceptional reticles to improve your odds of success on your next hunt. Naturally, the scopes I tested have great reticles in one way or another.
First or Second Focal Plane Reticle?
Speaking of reticles, you should always consider whether a given 6.5 Grendel scope features a reticle located on the first or second focal plane. Reticles on the first focal plane will slightly change size each time you switch your zoom level, becoming larger as you zoom in and smaller as you zoom out.
This provides you with an advantage in that the estimation holdover points for windage and elevation will remain accurate no matter how far you zoom in or how far you zoom out. This can help you land shots more accurately, particularly when it comes to hitting a moving target.
Second focal plane reticles can also be helpful. They never change size no matter how you change your magnification setting, meaning they are easy to use under a variety of circumstances. However, you do have to compensate for windage and elevation more intuitively in your head or do some quick math since the holdover points are only accurate for one magnification level.
Both types of reticles can be effective, and hunters usually prefer one or the other based on personal experience or their education. I chose and tested scopes for 6.5 Grendel with both types of reticles to give you all the options.
Easy to Adjust
Since most hunters who prefer 6.5 Grendel weapons will tend to hunt targets from far away, I found several scopes with easy to adjust windage and elevation turrets. These allow you to perfect your shot and ensure accuracy at a distance. Since the 6.5 Grendel is a high-lethality cartridge, landing the shot practically guarantees a kill, so ensuring ultimate accuracy is a necessity.
I also tested several scopes that have parallax turrets which can eliminate this variable from your next shot. I chose scopes only with turrets that have audible and tactile clicking movements, as these allow you to adjust your various settings without removing your eye from the scope.
Lens Coatings
The best 6.5 Grendel scopes will have excellent lenses that can provide better light transmission to results in a better sight picture overall. They’ll also be durable and coated with a defensive substance that can reduce the chances of them acquiring abrasion damage or collecting dirt or debris.
All of the above upgrades can dramatically impact your overall accuracy, which is why I found scopes with fantastic lenses that have been coated to improve their durability or their efficacy. You never want to pair a 6.5 Grendel with scopes using subpar optics.
What Magnification Settings?
Consider the magnification settings of a given 6.5 Grendel scope before finalizing a purchase. While the 6.5 Grendel cartridge is potentially great for shooting up to 1000 yards, you might be more in the market for something suitable for casual hunting scenarios. In these situations, scopes that have magnification settings around 10x-12x or so are more than fine.
On the other hand, picking scopes with higher magnification settings, such as 18x or 20x or higher, will be better for long-distance hunting or for target practice at extreme ranges. There’s no perfect scope zoom range for every hunter; it all depends on what you’re looking for. As a result, I provided scopes with lots of different ranges below so you can pick the best one for your needs.
The 5 Best Scopes for 6.5 Grendel
1. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-18×44 AO, SFP Riflescope
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Few scopes are as versatile and well-rounded as the Vortex Optics Crossfire II, and I was pleased to find that this optic was perfect for 6.5 Grendel rifles and cartridges.
My Feeling After Using the Product
Overall, I had very positive feelings after using the Crossfire II. That’s partially because of the adjustable objective lens, which fits the 6.5 Grendel cartridge’s effective ranges very well. However, I also found that the special coatings on the objective lens did a great job of transmitting light and reducing glare. In essence, I think it’ll be a perfect scope even for hunting in bright, noontime light.
In my opinion, the Crossfire II is also stellar because of its forgiving eye box, which promotes plenty of eye relief and comfortable shooting. The fast-focus eyepiece, combined with the eye relief, makes it a joy to shoot, even when lying prone. The Crossfire II makes it very easy for you to acquire your target, even if you need to do so quickly.
Then there are the windage and elevation adjustment turrets, which can be reset to zero and are totally finger adjustable. The aircraft-grade aluminum body provides stellar durability in any conditions, including inclement weather.
Product Highlights
Of particular note is the high-quality BDC or bullet drop compensation reticle. Located on the second focal plane, this reticle lets you quickly and easily estimate how far your bullets will drop at long distances, enabling you to hit those far-distance shots much more capably. In no time at all, you’ll likely use this reticle just like I did: as a means to maximize accuracy at a distance.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
While there’s a lot to like about the Crossfire II, there’s also no parallax turret. In my opinion, this can be a bit of a downside, particularly since many 6.5 Grendel shooters will try to push the limits of the cartridge up to about 800 yards or so. Given this fact, you’ll need to compensate for parallax on the fly or focus more on using the Crossfire II at closer distances.
Key Features
- 6-18x magnification
- SFP reticle
- Finger adjustable, clicking turrets
Pros
- BDC reticle is very useful
- Aluminum body ensures long-term durability
- Easy to adjust
- Windage and elevation turrets are easy and fun to use
Cons
- Lack of parallax turret is a downer
Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | Vortex Optics |
| Weight | 19.7 oz |
| Eye Relief | 6-18x |
| Magnification | 3.7” |
| Field of View | 5.3’-15.2’ |
The Bottom Line
Overall, the Crossfire II is the best overall scope for 6.5 Grendel cartridges thanks to its versatility, excellent construction, and very handy BDC reticle. I’d easily recommend it for anyone who likes 6.5 Grendel rifles and medium to long-distance shooting.
My rating: 4.9/5
Here you can read my full review on the Crossfire II scope 2-7×32.
2. Athlon Optics Argos BTR 6-24×50 FFP Riflescope Gen 2
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Athlon Optics’ Argos BTR rifle scope is a top-tier piece of equipment through and through, with a lot to like and barely any downsides.
My Feeling After Using the Product
In my experience, the Argos BTR rifle scope has a lot of value right out of the box. It starts with a high-quality, precision-machined objective lens with multiple coatings. These coatings, as on lots of other high-quality rifle scopes, boost light transmission and prevent the objective lens from getting scratched or dented over time.
I found the sight picture to be phenomenal, especially for picking out targets in the underbrush with your 6.5 Grendel rifle of choice. Aircraft-grade aluminum makes up the bulk of the scope’s body, which I found kept the optic’s weight down but also guaranteed durability.
Of course, this scope also comes with great finger-adjustable windage and elevation turrets. The side-mounted parallax adjustment knob adds further customization and precision handling: always a benefit for shooters who like to have total control, such as myself.
Product Highlights
But I really found the FFP (first focal plane) illuminated reticle to be the most noteworthy feature of the Argos BTR scope. In a nutshell, this FFP reticle is etched directly onto the glass, giving it top-tier durability and promoting shock resistance (even with the recoil of 6.5 Grendel cartridges). The illumination feature ensures that you can use it even in lowlight environments, like dusk and dawn hunting trips. I definitely think this is a phenomenal feature that makes the scope stand out.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
On the downside, the Argos BTS scope has a relatively low eye relief if you crank up the magnification to 24x. You can, of course, avoid this by not maxing out the magnification unless absolutely necessary. But no matter what, you’ll find that the turrets turn a little “spongey” – in my experience, plenty of other optics have snappier turrets with better operation. This is something you’ll just need to watch out for and become accustomed to over several hours of practice with the scope.
Key Features
- FFP scope
- 6-24x magnification
- 50mm objective lens
Pros
- Lenses are phenomenal
- Illuminated reticle is very useful and durable
- Great body and construction
Cons
- Turrets are not very snappy
- Eye relief can be a bit limited
Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | Athlon Optics |
| Weight | 16.2 oz |
| Eye Relief | 3.3” |
| Magnification | 5-24x |
| Field of View | 14.5’-110’ |
The Bottom Line
All in all, I’d rate the Argos BTR scope very highly and recommend it for fans of 6.5 Grendel cartridges looking to use their rifles during the lowlight dusk and dawn hunting hours.
My rating: 4.7/5
The Athlon would also be perfect for the .300 Winchester Magnum.
3. Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14x50mm Riflescope
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Leupold is well known for creating quality rifle optics, so I was pleased to find that the VX-3HD rifle scope is well worth any hunter’s time and money.
My Feeling After Using the Product
Right off the bat, I have to say that this easy-to-use rifle scope has a lot to like, like a well-designed duplex reticle. This simplistic reticle helps you hit your target but doesn’t clutter your sight picture: that’s a big benefit if you are trying to hit something relatively small in the underbrush.
However, I also found that the matte finish contributed to hunting stealth (since it prevents glare from the sun). The ZeroLock CDS-ZL or custom dial system is also noteworthy. Put simply, this can simplify your long-range shots with your 6.5 Grendel rifle by eliminating the need for holdover points. Instead, you can customize your shooting experience with a dial control – talk about innovation and ease of use!
Furthermore, the VX-3HD scope is designed, machined, and fully assembled in the US. In my experience, that leads to excellent construction and durability, and you’ll certainly find that here. This scope is 100% shockproof, waterproof, and fog proof, plus it receives added benefits from the Leupold warranty and customer care experience.
Product Highlights
That’s not all the VX-3HD scope brings to the table. I found the Elite Optical System – essentially a way of organizing the objective lenses and light transmission components – to be an excellent addition to the scope as a whole. This provides you with extra shooting light at the beginning and end of the day, so it’s great for dusk and dawn hunters. Many animals are most active during these hours of the day, and the VX-3HD will let you hunt them capably when the time is right.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
Even with all those benefits, there are a couple of downsides, notably the lack of an illuminated reticle. However, the custom dial also requires you to do a bit of extra legwork. You have to go to the Leupold Customs site to order a dial tailored to your specific firearm. So while the above-mentioned custom dial system is nice, you have to put in extra effort to make it work.
Key Features
- 4.5-15x magnification
- 50mm objective lens
- SFP scope
Pros
- Excellent construction overall
- Boosts light transmission at the beginning and end of each day
- Custom dial system is innovative and useful
- Good eye relief
Cons
- Takes a bit of customization and fiddling to work perfectly
Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | Leupold |
| Weight | 16.9 oz |
| Eye Relief | 3.6”-4.4” |
| Magnification | 4.5-15x |
| Field of View | 7.6’-20.5’ |
The Bottom Line
All in all, Leupold offers an excellent shooting experience with this optic, and I’d easily recommend it for most 6.5 Grendel fans.
My rating: 4.7/5
4. Burris 4.5-14x42mm Fullfield II Riflescope 
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Burris offers a variety of quality optics for 6.5 Grendel cartridges and rifles, and this Fullfield II model is another great option I heavily recommend considering.
My Feeling After Using the Product
Right off the bat, I noticed that the Fullfield II comes with an excellent parallax adjustment knob, helping you improve your distance shooting. Since many 6.5 Grendel fans will attempt to land shots out to about 800 yards, this is an excellent inclusion for the optic overall.
Of course, the Fullfield II also provides a lot of durability. An aluminum body and O-ring sealing contribute to waterproof and fog-proof operation. Add to that a “forever” or lifetime warranty, and it’s clear that you’ll get your money’s worth if you decide to pick this scope up.
I also found that the ballistic complex reticle was informative and streamlined without being clunky or crowding the sight picture. In a nutshell, I think other hunters will certainly find the reticle to be more useful than distracting. You can choose from four different varieties of this reticle – and in my opinion, more choices are always better than fewer!
Product Highlights
Then there’s the matte black finish, which is truly one-of-a-kind. Not only does this prevent sun glare from giving away your stealthy position, but it also ensures that your rifle scope will last for even longer. It’s a great finish through and through, particularly for fans of plain black aesthetics.
I even found that the matte black finish doesn’t mar or streak very easily. In other words, your scope will look just as good as it performs for a long time to come thanks to the quality of this finish.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
Unfortunately, the Fullfield’s II’s windage and elevation turrets, while functional, do not come with markings. As a result, you’ll have to mark them yourself or experiment with a rifle scope before knowing you have it calibrated perfectly. I found that this increased the amount of time I had to spend prepping for a hunting trip before I could use the scope and have fun.
Key Features
- 4.5-14x magnification
- 42mm objective lens
- FFP scope
Pros
- Excellent construction overall
- Matte black finish offers multiple benefits
- Lifetime warranty available
- Comes with parallax turret out of the box
Cons
- Windage and elevation turrets are not marked
Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | Burris |
| Weight | 18 oz |
| Eye Relief | 3.1”-3.8” |
| Magnification | 4.5-15x |
| Field of View | 7.5’-22’ |
The Bottom Line
All in all, the Fullfield II impresses more than it disappoints, particularly for fans of simple, streamlined optics that won’t weigh down their rifles too much.
My rating: 4.5/5
For more information on Burris scopes have a look at my Burris Fast Fire 3 review or Burris AR-536 review.
5. Bushnell Engage 6-24x50mm Rifle Scope
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To round out my search for the best scope for 6.5 Grendel rifles, I checked out this optic from Bushnell. It’s a little more expensive than many other quality scopes on the market, but I still think it’s worth a look.
My Feeling After Using the Product
For starters, I found that the scope is available in multiple different configurations with different sizes of objective lenses and magnification settings. As a result, I think it’s a good choice for hunters who have particular preferences or who want to use their 6.5 Grendel weapons at specific ranges.
Next, I discovered that there is also a choice between illuminated and non-illuminated reticles. Again, extra customization makes it a stellar optic for more hunters than not. The illuminated reticle, should you choose to use it, comes with dozens of different choices and light settings.
I also found that the multicoated lenses were comprised of several layers of anti-reflective coatings. The result? High contrast, bright sight pictures that promote accuracy at the long distances that are common to 6.5 Grendel users.
Product Highlights
More than anything else, the Engage Riflescope impressed me due to its Toolless Locking Turret or TLT. Put simply, the TLT allows you to enjoy zero reset windage and elevation turrets, plus quick and easy magnification switches. Since this is an FFP rifle scope, that makes it even more useful. Overall, this feature makes the scope feel a lot snappier and more agile than it might otherwise.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
However, I also found that the scope is a little heavier and bulkier than average, though this won’t dissuade any experienced hunters. If you haven’t used a heavier than average optic before, mount it on your rifle and take it for a practice spin at your local range. That will give you the time you need, in my experience, to get used to the new balance of your firearm.
Of course, the above-mentioned higher-than-average price might also give you a bit of pause. Because of this, the Engage Riflescope is not the best choice if you are in the market for something budget conscious and affordable. The quality it brings to the table isn’t anything to sneeze at, but you can definitely find cheaper scopes for comparable performance elsewhere.
Key Features
- 6-24x magnification
- 50mm objective lens
- FFP scope
Pros
- Excellent construction and long-term durability
- TLT system is high-quality and fun to use
- Great lenses for sight picture
- Multiple choices of reticles
Cons
- A bit more expensive than average
Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | Bushnell |
| Weight | 18.3 oz |
| Eye Relief | 3.6” |
| Magnification | 6-24x |
| Field of View | 4’-18’ |
The Bottom Line
All in all, the Engage rifle scope is a stellar piece of optical equipment through and through. If you have a bit of extra cash to spare and want a somewhat customizable scope with different settings, this could be the choice for you.
My rating: 4.5/5
This scope would also fit the M4 carbine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 6.5 Grendel?
The 6.5 Grendel is a 6.5x39mm long-range intermediate cartridge with a low recoil. It’s based on the.220 Russian, a 5.6x39mm cartridge that’s essentially a mix of the 7.62x39mm of the AK-47 and the 5.56 NATO of the AR-15.
What kind of performance can 6.5 Grendel provide?
The 6.5 Grendel bridges the gap between 5.56 NATO and 7.62x51mm NATO (.308 Winchester), delivering higher long-range accuracy than either. Officially, the Grendel was designed to be a 200- to 800-yard effective cartridge for the AR-15/M16 platform that could fit in a regular magazine. When compared to the.308 Win, this cartridge is heavier than the.223/5.56 and takes more powder per projectile. As a result, it has a higher ballistic coefficient at a distance than the.308 and retains more energy downrange than the 5.56. At 1,000 meters, it is capable of reliably striking and piercing targets.
What’s the difference between 6.5 Grendel and 6.5 Creedmoor?
Both cartridges have a bullet diameter of 264″, although the 6.5 Grendel is smaller and lighter than the 6.5 Creedmoor. It makes use of a smaller casing and utilizes less powder. The Grendel case will yield 2,350 FPS whereas the Creedmoor case will produce 2,850 FPS if both cartridges fire the same 129-grain bullet. A Creedmoor rifle, on the other hand, requires a longer barrel, is often heavier, and has a smaller magazine capacity than a Grendel gun.
What velocity and energy does 6.5 Grendel produce?
The most common 6.5 Grendel loads use bullets weighing 90 to 140 grains, with muzzle velocity ranging between 2,400 and 2,800 feet per second. At the muzzle, it normally produces between 1,450 and 1,800 lb.-ft. of energy. Most 5.56 NATO cartridges employ 55-grain to 90-grain bullets as a guideline. Bullets in 308 cartridges typically weigh between 125 and 185 grains.
What is a 6.5 Grendel good for?
The 6.5 Grendel is a small, efficient cartridge designed primarily for AR-15 platform rifles, but its mild recoil and surprisingly efficient ballistic performance make it perfect for recoil-sensitive shooters looking for a deer-sized game hunting gun.
What’s better: 6.5 Grendel or 300 blackout?
Despite having a lighter bullet, the 6.5 Grendel is clearly the more powerful cartridge when compared to the .300 Blackout. It does, however, have a substantially stronger recoil than the .300 Blackout.
Which is better: 6.5 Grendel or 224 Valkyrie?
It all comes down to projectile weight with both caliber options providing you amazing range. The 224 Valkyrie is superior for varmint hunting, such as coyotes and bobcats, due to its lighter bullet. The 6.5 Grendel is a bigger load that is better suited to larger animals like deer.
Is 6.5 Grendel good for mule deer?
A mule deer can be killed by a good 6.5mm bullet with enough terminal velocity.
Concluding my Best Scope for 6.5 Grendel Guide
The 6.5 Grendel deserves a scope that is worthy of its accuracy and stopping power. All of the scopes above are great picks to pair with such an effective cartridge. Hopefully, you’ve found one of the above scopes to be the perfect choice for your next hunting trip or target practice sessions. Whichever you choose, thanks for reading and good luck!
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.