5 Best 6.5 Creedmoor Rifles: The Best of the Bunch
Although the 6.5 Creedmoor caught on fast for precision shooting—specifically at longer distances—it’s also gained a following among hunters and target shooters. This flat shooting, accurate cartridge might be among the newer rifle cartridges on the market, but it’s not a passing fad. In fact, 6.5 Creedmoor has carved out a permanent place in the gun world. It might even be the next 308 Winchester in terms of longevity and trusted performance. Whether you’re a PRS shooter, a hunter, or someone looking for the next range day rifle, we’re here to help. We’ve collected some of the best 6.5 Creedmoor rifles on the market today and put them in one place to help you choose your next rifle.
The History of the 6.5 Creedmoor
Hornady officially announced the 6.5 Creedmoor in 2007. That’s right, in no time at all, two decades will have passed since it joined the gun world. It was designed by Dave Emary of Hornady and Dennis DeMille of Creedmoor Sports for the purpose of creating the next great long-range precision cartridge (we’d say they pulled it off). This cartridge is known for high sectional density and ballistic coefficient, as well as a flat trajectory and relatively low felt recoil. Thanks to its overall length (OAL) it can be chambered in short-action bolt-action rifles, but it’s also offered in the AR-10 platform.
While the 6.5 Creedmoor can certainly give its greatest performance through rifles with longer barrels, that doesn’t mean carbine length guns are out of the question. Even with a shorter barrel, the 6.5 Creedmoor shines. It’s a truly versatile cartridge that can do whatever the shooter requires—and do it with style.
Gun University’s Choices of the Best 6.5 Creedmoor Rifles
Best 6.5 Creedmoor Rifles
Best classic rifle Remington 700 Magpul Enhanced | |
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Best precision rifle Christensen Arms Ridgeline |  |
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Best tactical rifle Wilson Combat Recon Tactical | |
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Best hunting rifle Savage Arms MSR 10 | |
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Best budget rifle Mossberg Patriot Predator | |
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Spec Comparison of the Best 6.5 Creedmoor Rifles
Below is a table of the specifications for the best rifles chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor:
| Rifle | Action | Weight (lbs) | Barrel Length (in) | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remington 700 Magpul Enhanced | Bolt-Action | 6.3 | 20 | 10+1 |
| Christensen Arms Ridgeline | Bolt-Action | 6.1 | 24 | 4+1 |
| Wilson Combat Recon Tactical | Semi-Auto | 8.4 | 16 | 20+1 |
| Savage Arms MSR 10 | Semi-Auto | 7.5 | 18 | 20+1 |
| Mossberg Patriot Predator | Bolt-Action | 6.3 | 22 | 5+1 |
Best 6.5 Creedmoor Rifles
Here is our list for the best 6.5 Creedmoor rifles:
- Best Classic Rifle: Remington 700 Magpul Enhanced
- Best Precision Rifle: Christensen Arms Ridgeline
- Best Tactical Rifle: Wilson Combat Recon Tactical
- Best Hunting Rifle : Savage Arms MSR 10
- Best Budget Rifle: Mossberg Patriot Predator
Best 6.5 Creedmoor Rifles – Reviews
1 Remington 700 Magpul Enhanced : Best classic rifle
Remington 700 Magpul Enhanced
The classic Remington 700 in a Magpul hunter stock with 5R rifling and a threaded, heavy barrel.
- Shootability B
- Reliability A
- Ergonomics B+
- Accuracy A-
- Value B
Our Grade
B+
Reader’s Grade
B
Based on 1 Reviews
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Remington 700 Magpul Enhanced Specs
- Action Bolt-action
- Weight 6.3 lbs
- Barrel Length 20 in
- Capacity 10+1
Remington 700 Magpul Enhanced Review
The Remington 700 is a tried-and-true platform that’s been around since 1962. With decades of proven performance behind it, this is the classic rifle you know you can depend on. Consider it the workhorse of the 6.5 Creedmoor rifle for those times when function is of the utmost importance rather than a gun having the bells and whistles. Chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor with a 20 inch barrel, the Remington 700 is portable but also capable of delivering fantastic results on target.
They designed this specific Remington 700 for serious use in the field and made to withstand the elements. It has a Magpul Hunter stock with an anodized aluminum bedding block. They make this stock from reinforced polymer and is adjustable for length of pull and comb height. It’s designed for superior ergonomics to make the shooting experience as comfortable as possible, which means better results down-range, too. The barreled action is carbon steel and the bolt handle is a tactical style meant for conservation of movement and quick cycling.
Features of this rifle include an externally adjustable X-Mark Pro trigger and a 20 inch heavy barrel with 5R rifling. They threaded the barrel, making it muzzle device ready, and ships with a thread protector in place. M-LOK compatible slots at the front end of the forend make it easy to add aftermarket accessories. The Picatinny rail over the receiver means the shooter can drop whatever optics they prefer on it. This is a great, classic rifle with modern touches that’s going to shoot reliably and accurately.
Remington 700 Magpul Enhanced Pros and Cons
- History of reliable performance
- Adjustable stock
- Portable
- Not a precision rifle in this setup
Remington 700 Magpul Enhanced Deals
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$1,056.21
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$1,090.00
2 Christensen Arms Ridgeline : Best precision rifle
Christensen Arms Ridgeline
The Christensen Arms Ridgeline bolt action hunting rifle featuring a sporter style carbon fiber composite stock and a carbon fiber wrapped barrel.
- Shootability A
- Reliability B-
- Ergonomics A
- Accuracy B-
- Value B
Our Grade
B+
Reader’s Grade
TBD
Based on 0 Reviews
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Christensen Arms Ridgeline Specs
- Action Bolt-action
- Weight 6.1 lbs
- Barrel Length 24 in
- Capacity 4+1
Christensen Arms Ridgeline Review
For superior precision shooting, Christensen Arms is always worth considering. The manufacturer’s rifles are high quality and made according to exacting tolerances. The Christensen Arms Ridgeline is a stellar example of the company’s dedication to quality and results. Chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor, they offer this model with either a 20 inch or 24 inch barrel. Both are great options, but it’s the 24 inch barrel that’s simply ideal for precision long range shooting.
Christensen designed this rifle to be the perfect, lightweight hunting rifle, but with a 24 inch barrel and its other features, it really can do anything. It’s a bolt-action and has a sporter carbon fiber stock and light, target contour, carbon fiber wrapped barrel, making it lighter weight overall but also a top performer. It also has a stainless steel radial muzzle brake. But back to the barrel, it’s worth mentioning its match chamber and that it is hand lapped, button rifled, and free floating. Christensen puts thought into the specifications of its rifles, and the Ridgeline is yet another beautifully made example of excellence.
Other features of the Ridgeline include it being STD- 6-48 Rem 700 optics base compatible and having an enlarged ejection port for more reliable cycling. Trigger Tech triggers come standard for a crisp, clean break and brief re-set. This rifle has a hinged floor plate and an internal magazine with a four round capacity. There are left-handed models available for this rifle. Christensen manufactures it with a variety of finishes, including natural stainless and Burnt Bronze Cerakote for the action and black stock with gray webbing and green stock with black and tan webbing for the stock. With the 24 inch barrel it’s still light enough to carry on a hunt but this barrel length is ideal for precision shooting at longer distances whether that’s during a hunt or from the bench.
Christensen Arms Ridgeline Pros and Cons
- Exceptionally well-made
- Lighter weight
- Precise on target
- Made to last
- Higher price point
Christensen Arms Ridgeline Deals
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$1,553.89
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$1,999.99
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$1,599.99
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$1,743.99
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$1,999.99
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$1,999.99
3 Wilson Combat Recon Tactical : Best tactical rifle
Wilson Combat Recon Tactical
Wilson combat AR10 style rifle.
- Shootability B+
- Reliability B
- Ergonomics A-
- Accuracy B-
- Value B-
Our Grade
B
Reader’s Grade
TBD
Based on 0 Reviews
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Wilson Combat Recon Tactical Specs
- Action Semi-auto
- Weight 8.4 lbs
- Barrel Length 16 in
- Capacity 20+1
Wilson Combat Recon Tactical Review
Another application for the 6.5 Creedmoor is defensive use. That means whether it’s a truck gun or home defense rifle you’re interested in, you’re going to want a shorter barrel and greater capacity and semi-automatic fire. The Wilson Combat Recon Tactical is built on the manufacturer’s WC-10 platform—yes, that’s equivalent to the AR-10—and features a carbine length 16 inch barrel. This is a well-made carbine that offers all the benefits of the AR platform with the ballistics advantages of the 6.5 Creedmoor.
Because this is an WC-10 platform, it’s a bit heavier than the AR-15, but that’s the price you pay for having an AR in 6.5 Creedmoor. It weighs in at 8 pounds, 6.7 ounces empty, the plus of which is that the weight helps offset felt recoil. This carbine has a match grade barrel, adjustable gas block, and billet upper and lower receivers. Features include a classic Wilson Combat/BCM Starburst Gunfighter pistol grip, Wilson Combat/Rogers Super-Stoc, and premium bolt carrier assembly. An Armor Tuff finish is applied to the receivers for resistance to the expected bumps and scrapes of dedicated use.
Adjusting the stock of this carbine for length is easy and can be done as needed at the range or in the field. It has a full length Picatinny rail on top so the user can mount optics, thermal, magnifiers, and whatever else they want with no fuss. An additional length of Picatinny on the underside of the muzzle end of the handguard makes adding a bipod easy as well. The handguard is M-LOK compatible. Guns come standard with a Wilson Combat TTU (Tactical Trigger Unit) M2. If you want a 6.5 Creedmoor for defensive purposes, fun on the range, or hunting feral hogs, the Recon Tactical is a fantastic option.
Wilson Combat Recon Tactical Pros and Cons
- Highly portable
- Accurate
- High-quality design
- Customizable
- Higher price point
- Shorter barrel means fewer ballistic benefits
Wilson Combat Recon Tactical Deals
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$2,749.75
4 Savage MSR 10 : Best hunting rifle
Savage MSR 10
An AR-10 style rifle from Savage.
- Shootability B+
- Reliability C+
- Ergonomics A-
- Accuracy B-
- Value B+
Our Grade
B
Reader’s Grade
A+
Based on 1 Reviews
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Savage Arms MSR 10 Specs
- Action Semi-auto
- Weight 7.5 lbs
- Barrel Length 18 in
- Capacity 20+1
Savage Arms MSR 10 Review
If you’re interested in an AR-10 platform 6.5 Creedmoor for hunting or range use, check out the Savage Arms MSR 10 (the MSR stands for modern sporting rifle). This rifle features an 18 inch barrel which puts it in the carbine length category but leaves it large enough to deliver greater ballistics than shorter length guns. It has an adjustable Magpul stock with a padded buttstock that does a good job of helping absorb felt recoil. The pistol grip is also Magpul’s.
The overall length of this rifle is 39 inches, but it may vary depending on whether the stock is fully extended or collapsed. The rifle has a 1 in 8 twist rate and is threaded. It ships with a muzzle brake, but because it’s threaded, it’s also suppressor ready. A full length Picatinny rail makes adding whatever optics or thermal the user wants a straightforward process. The handguard is also M-LOK compatible for even more aftermarket accessory mounting options.
Empty, the Savage MSR 10 weighs 7 pounds, 8 ounces. That means it’s light enough to carry for longer distances but heavy enough to dampen felt recoil somewhat. Although we have this one listed as the best hunting rifle, it’s really a great all-around rifle for everything from hunting to sport shooting. A lot of 6.5 Creedmoor fans also enjoy the AR platform and this rifle gives shooters a nicely made platform for the ballistically superior cartridge. It’s also not incredibly high priced—for a 6.5 Creedmoor—and checks all the boxes for reliable cycling and accuracy on target.
Savage Arms MSR 10 Pros and Cons
- AR platform rifle
- Rugged design
- Padded buttstock
- Capacity
- Bulkier setup
- Not a precision rifle
Savage Arms MSR 10 Deals
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$1,246.99
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$1,246.99
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$1,499.99
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$1,549.99
5 Mossberg Patriot Predator : Best budget rifle
Mossberg Patriot Predator
A budget friendly bolt action rifle with threaded barrel.
- Shootability B-
- Reliability B
- Ergonomics B
- Accuracy B+
- Value A
Our Grade
B+
Reader’s Grade
TBD
Based on 0 Reviews
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Mossberg Patriot Predator Specs
- Action Bolt-action
- Weight 6.3 lbs
- Barrel Length 22 in
- Capacity 5+1
Mossberg Patriot Predator Review
Want to get into the 6.5 Creedmoor slowly? Consider a more budget friendly model like the Mossberg Patriot Predator. A respected manufacturer’s name backs this bolt-action rifle and it is well made. All of this comes at a price that won’t completely drain your bank account. The Patriot Predator has a 22 inch barrel, which gives the shooter ideal ballistics. The barrel has an 11 degree match crown and is threaded and suppressor ready. Another feature of this rifle is the Mossberg Patriot chassis. This is a synthetic, fixed design made for stability and comfort while shooting.
The trigger of the Mossberg Patriot Predator is user-adjustable and delivers a smooth pull, clean break, and short re-set. Pull weight adjustments range from 2 to 7 pounds. This means greater accuracy on target, which is important for both hunters and sport shooters. For rapid cycling and ease of use, the bolt handle is oversized and the bolt can be operated smoothly. A length of Picatinny rail over the receiver means mounting optics is simple. Sling attachment points are located at both the front and back of the stock.
This rifle offers gun owners a great way to enter the world of 6.5 Creedmoor. The synthetic stock means it can handle harder use with less worries of damaging wood. The longer barrel length helps maximize the ballistics. And as a bolt-action rifle, this gun delivers an edge for accuracy over most AR platforms. Overall, this is a fantastic rifle for new and seasoned 6.5 Creedmoor shooters alike.
Mossberg Patriot Predator Pros and Cons
- Budget friendly
- Synthetic stock
- Longer barrel for better ballistics
- Not a precision rifle
- Fixed stock
Mossberg Patriot Predator Deals
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$369.99
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$413.39
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$426.99
Conclusion
Choosing a 6.5 Creedmoor rifle starts with knowing what you want to do with it. There are a lot of precision rifle setups out there with stocks adjustable in every way. There are also quite a few rugged hunting rifles. And while guns chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor tend to cost a bit more, there are plenty of friendlier price points on guns that work quite well. Do your homework in advance and, if possible, spend some hands on time with the gun or guns you’re considering. But by all means, do add a 6.5 Creedmoor to your collection. It’s a great cartridge, and it’s not going anywhere.
If you have a 6.5 Creedmoor, or just got one, check out our best muzzle devices for the 6.5 Creedmoor.
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About Kat Ainsworth-Stevens
Kat is a respected author and dedicated student of the gun. To date, she has published three books and written thousands of articles on firearms and self-defense in print and online.
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