15 Best 6.5 Creedmoor Rifles for Long Range Shooting & Hunting

Best-Scope-for-6.5-Creedmoor

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The 6.5mm Creedmoor rifle has been around for several years. Based on current trends it would seem that the rifle cartridge has found a solid home among both hunters and target shooters alike. Here are some of the offerings in current production regarding this new and very popular rifle.

PRODUCT

DETAILS

Products

BEST FOR EFFECTIVNESS

Ruger Precision Gen 3

Ruger Precision Gen 3

  • Barrel Length: 24
  • Twist Rate: 1:8
  • Weight: 9.8lbs
BEST FOR DURABILITY

Winchester XPR Hunter

Winchester XPR Hunter

  • Barrel Length: 20
  • Twist Rate: 1:8
  • Weight: 6.5lbs
BEST FOR HUNTERS

Ruger American Bolt-Action Rifle

Ruger American Bolt-Action Rifle

  • Barrel Length: 22
  • Twist Rate: 1:10
  • Weight: 9.3lbs
BEST FOR SMOOTH ACTION

Savage Axis II XP

Savage Axis II XP

  • Barrel Length: 22
  • Twist Rate: 1:9
  • Weight: 7.38lbs
BEST FOR QUALITY

Bergara B-14 HMR

Bergara B-14 HMR

  • Barrel Length: 22
  • Twist Rate: 1:9
  • Weight: 9.15lbs
BEST FOR CONSISTENCY

Browning X Bolt

Browning X Bolt

  • Barrel Length: 24
  • Twist Rate: 1:7
  • Weight: 6.3lbs
BEST FOR STEEL MATERIAL

Springfield Armory M1A 6.5 Creedmoor

Springfield Armory M1A 6.5 Creedmoor

  • Barrel Length: 22
  • Twist Rate: 1:11
  • Weight: 9.3lbs
BEST FOR ACCURACY

HAWKEYE PREDATOR

HAWKEYE PREDATOR

  • Barrel Length: 22
  • Twist Rate: 1:8
  • Weight: 7.7 lbs
BEST FOR ACCURACY

HAWKEYE PREDATOR

Daniel Defense DD5 V5

  • Barrel Length: 20
  • Weight: 8.9 lbs
  • Magazine: PMAG 20 round
BEST FOR ACCURACY

HAWKEYE PREDATOR

Desert Tech MDRX Platform

  • Barrel Length: 30
  • Twist Rate: 1:8
  • Weight: 9.2 lbs
BEST FOR ACCURACY

HAWKEYE PREDATOR

Palmetto State Armory Gen3 PA10

  • Barrel Length: 20
  • Twist Rate: 1:8
  • Extension: M4
BEST FOR ACCURACY

HAWKEYE PREDATOR

Desert Tech SRS-A2

  • Barrel Length: 26
  • Twist Rate: 1:8
  • Weight: 9.5 pounds
BEST FOR ACCURACY

HAWKEYE PREDATOR

Barrett Fieldcraft 6.5 Creedmoor

  • Barrel Length: 43.1
  • Capacity: 4+1
  • Weight: 5.75 lbs
BEST FOR ACCURACY

HAWKEYE PREDATOR

Weatherby Vanguard Synthetic Bolt Action Rifle

  • Barrel Length: 24
  • Capacity: 5+1
  • Weight: 7.75 lbs
BEST FOR ACCURACY

HAWKEYE PREDATOR

Howa 1500 Hogue Bolt Action

  • Barrel Length: 22
  • Capacity: 5+1
  • Weight: 7.8 lbs

1. Ruger Precision Gen 3 Bolt-Action Rifle

best 6.5 creedmoor rifles

This Gen 3 Precision bolt-action gun is a variant on the chassis rifle in that it is all metal, floats its barrel completely off the hand guard, and is built totally by Ruger. In fact, you will find the manufacturer's logo all over the rifles because everything comes from their own plants and is their design.

As a generation 3 rifle, the manufacturer has made some changes. This quality rifle has the new M-Lok slot system on the free-floating hand guard. This guard retains a black nitride finish, as does the rest of the rifle. The barrel is a medium couture .75” at the muzzle, with 5/8-24 threads.

This rifle is muzzle-break installed and also set up for a suppressor in the event that is the direction the buyer wants to go.

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The barrel on the Ruger precision rifle is a 24” cold hammer-forged 4140 chrome-moly steel with the new R-5 rifling (Russian design). Head spacing and chamber dimensions are produced with very tight specifications. I know this to be a fact as I have three of these riles in varied calibers/cartridges and all of them drive tacks all day long.

The barrels on these rifles can be replaced with ease via a good gunsmith with the correct wrenches.

The lower receiver on the Ruger Precision is built in two parts from 7075-T6 aluminum. This design makes use of two machined parts that are derived from aerospace-grade material.

best budget 6.5 creedmoor rifle

The upper receiver is built as a one-piece precision CNC-machined block of metal that is of a 4140 chrome-moly material. This material will reduce any level of flex or distortion when firing rounds. As part of my own 338 Lapua, and 300 PRC rifles built by this manufacturer, I have found the actions to be exceptionally strong.

The bolt on this rifle is a three-lug design with a 70-degree throw, and has dual cocking cams on the full body smooth running bolt. The receiver retains a 20 MOA Weaver-style rail that adds elevation to the rifle in the event the shooter wants to stretch his or her maximum range. 

best budget 6.5 creedmoor

The trigger on this rifle is adjustable from 2.25 to 5 pounds. Barrel twist 1 in 8. Stock Ruger Precision MSR folding, and adjustable. Overall length is 43.25/46.75 inches. Weight without sights is 10.7 pounds.

In terms of rifle for the price point, I don’t believe you can beat this Precision. Anything else in a long-range precision chassis rifle with this level of flexibility and design offerings will cost the shooter several thousand and change. Adding up the best scope for 6.5 creedmoor gives you more effective  precision shots. 

Ruger Precision Gen 3 Bolt

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2. Winchester XPR Hunter Bolt-Action Rifle

best bolt action rifle under 500

The Winchester XPR is close to my heart because this is a rifle I reviewed when it first came out, and I have hunted with it for the past several years. I have given credit to the rifle for decking a trophy whitetail deer at 540 yards using the 6.5 Creedmoor round and a totally out-of-the-box stock rifle (Leupold sniper-grade optics).

This is the kind of work the $4000 chassis rifles do, but rest assured, this CNC-built sporter can deliver the mail, and do so at a working man's price tag.

This new rifle makes use of 21st century engineering and old school Model 70 Winchester core design. It retains a 24” button-rifled barrel with a target crown and will deliver outstanding accuracy for a pencil pipe sporter.

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The MOA trigger system has no take up or excess travel whatsoever. The trigger is set at 3.5 pounds at the factory. Believe me, this is a smooth system as I have shot some outstanding groups when building hand loads for this rifle.

The one-piece bolt retains a three-lug locking system and the bolt size is massive compared to lightweight sporters in other brands. This is a solid design and it won’t shake loose from age or rounds downrange.

The bolt retains a surface treatment of nickel Teflon for a super smooth action motion and a tight lockup as well. The stock is synthetic and is designed with a good pistol grip surface as well as proper ergonomics. The package is fast-handling in tight cover, or an easy hold for long shots when sliding up against the wheel of a big farm tractor.

Winchester XPR Hunter Bolt

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3. Ruger American Bolt-Action Rifle

6.5 creedmoor hunting rifle

This American bolt-action is a no frills, basic rifle that will get the job done well. These rifles are the result of modern CNC machining and, to be quite honest, a receiver built for the American is not much if any different than that made for a $2000 rifle in some cases.

This rifle makes use of an adjustable trigger (Marksmen series), and will adjust from 3 to 5 pounds.

The stock is a sporter style that is light and fast-handling. This is a walking big game rifle in every respect. The 70-degree bolt is strong, and built to clear all scopes mounted over the receiver.

best 6.5 creedmoor bolt action rifle

The rife uses the manufacturer's “Power Bedding”, which is a receiver block system that free-floats the barrel beyond the receiver ring. The barrel itself is hammer-forged and the rifles I have tested all illustrated solid accuracy from cold bore to a warm pipe.

The rifle uses a rotary magazine that fits flush with the bottom of the stock. Nothing hanging out to catch in your jacket, and a good solid resting bed for shooting over a backpack, for example, prone on a long shot. The scope-mounting system is a single Weaver-style rail, and that makes for quick easy scope-mounting without question.

With the stock-mounting sling swivel studs and a soft recoil pad that is not required for the 6mm Creedmoor as much as it is for a grabber grip on your shoulder when off hand shooting, the rifle is field-ready right out of the box.

Ruger American Bolt

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4. Savage Axis II XP Bolt-Action Gray Rifle

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Savage Axis II is another example of a rifle that is often sold as a rifle/scope package for deer hunters who don’t want to spend the farm on a rifle, but still want an accurate meat-hunting system at hand. What drives the high end rifle builders crazy is the Savage rifle shoot, and they shoot very well. 

I covered a bench-rest 600-yard event some years ago when two guys showed up with heavy barreled 110 Savage action rifles. They walked away with the show. Need I say more? Is this rifle as good as those rifles of yesteryear, you're asking? Better, because they are now manufactured with state-of-the-art CNC equipment.

As a side note, this manufacturer has just been sold and the new owners have walked into a company with brand-new state-of-the-art CNC-machining equipment and other related manufacturing tooling. The new Savage rifles are better then ever as a result of this major change in owners.

This Axis retains a synthetic stock in a matt black finish. The barrel is carbon steel, as is the receiver. The manufacturer uses a barrel-to-receiver ring-system of their own design, and it works. The barrel itself has some proprietary elements involved. In effect, knowing how they get the accuracy is their little secret.

The Accu Trigger system on a Savage is also so good that it is copied by a number of rifle builders today. This trigger can be set for a very ultra light left off, or a deer hunter's level of about 3 pounds. Target practice or field, the trigger is flexible.

The rifle makes use of a slick smooth bolt slide and, at the receiver, a detachable box magazine. It is offered with sling studs, and a soft recoil pad that won’t slip at just about the time you're touching off that 300-yard shot.

Savage Axis II XP Bolt

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5. Bergara B-14 HMR

rifles in 6.5 creedmoor

The Bergara B-14 HMR is rather new to the American market, and it has been doing well among target and hunting level shooters alike.

The rifle is comparable to the Ruger Hawkeye, of which I shoot several, and buyers at times have a hard time sorting out the differences between the two. I know this from the calls and e-mails I get from shooters wanting to know more information when making a decision.

The Bergara is both a left- and a right-hand design. It features a mimi chassis molded frame that is installed in the over cover stock. Bedding is solid with this system, and the barrel remains free floating as a result of the installation.

semi auto 6.5 creedmoor

This is a rifle for long-range shooting and, as such, the stock style and overall control feel is not sport class, but rather target grade, or very workable as a police sniper as well.

The rifle weighs in at 9.5 – 9.9 pounds, with an overall length of 40-47 inches depending on cartridge chamber and barrel length. The barrel is a number 6 taper and medium heavy, by my standards when selecting a longer-range rifle barrel. The muzzle is threaded with 5/8-24”, and a knurled thread protector is installed.

6.5 creedmoor for sale

The stock, as previously discussed,is the HMR Molded model. The rifle mounts receiver scope bases that fit Remington Model 700s using 6-48 screws.

The rifle retains QD flush cup sling mounts and swivel mounts. The rear butt stock is fully adjustable (length of pull). I will say the rifle carries some features, such as the butt stock, that are found on rifles costing three times the asking price for this longer-range variant in a turn-bolt rifle.

Bergara B-14 HMR

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6. Browning X Bolt

6.5 creedmoor bolt action

If you ever see a copy of my last of three long-range rifle books, the cover photo is of me shooting the Browning X Bolt Rifle. This is my rifle and yes chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor. Mounting a Leupold M4 optical system, this rifle is deadly to 1400 yards at 3000 feet above sea level. I mean a tack driver.

The bottom line here is that the X Bolt rifle is a shooter's dream.

The Browning X Bolt Stalker is a lighter variant of my rifle and is designed for the deer-, elk-, or sheep-hunter in that the weight is reduced from that of the long-range models, and the surface treatment, being stock and barrel/receiver, uses the manufacturer's special Dura-Touch coating.

bolt action 6.5 creedmoor

The color on the stock and receiver/barrel is a flat black in order to hold off glint in bright sunlight during a stalk on a high country goat, for example.

The receiver is drilled and tapped for scope bases. Browning offers the correct bases for the rifle through its dealers. The barrel on this rifle is free-floated and button-rifled. Also using a crown at the muzzle, the barrels are built to exacting tolerances.

top 6.5 creedmoor rifles

When chambered, the task is done on an individual basis, and each chamber is hand-measured with extreme care. These rifles are built to shoot and, with the hands-on method of construction, they do just that.

The fully adjustable trigger meets the exacting standards of hunters and target shooters alike. The action length on the 6.5 is the short model, allowing for a quick short throw regarding the bolt's lock time.

Browning X Bolt

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7. Springfield Armory M1A 6.5 Creedmoor

6.5 creedmoor guns

With the dropping of the early M1 Grand rifle from military procurement, a new rifle came into existence. The rifle was the M-14 and the round used in the rifle was reduced from the 30-06 to the new, at the time, 7.62 NATO, better known as the 308 Winchester.

In time, and it was not that long to be sure, the rifle, built by Springfield Armory, was turned into the M1A. Now, after a well-scripted stint among target shooters, old school market hunters, as well as the general shooting population, the M1A has been offered in the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge.

Why this round? Because it outshoots the old 308 by at least 300 yards, is accurate to the letter, and produces much less felt recoil when on the line and shooting for a winning score. In short, this is a competition rifle more than it is a hunting rifle.

best 6.5 creedmoor ar

Getting down to basics, what is the M1A?

This rifle is patterned after the basic action of the M1 Grand of old, but in a much shorter action design because of the original 308 round. As the 6.5 Creedmoor falls right into this group of cartridges, it is a slam-dunk in terms of chambering the M1A for the Creedmoor round.

The M1A weighs in at a hefty 11.4 pounds empty. That makes is a pile of steel to haul around, but a dead-on hole driller when settled into a shooting jacket or bench-rest. The rifle stock is Pattern Archangel adjustable for both comb height and length of pull.

The rifle mounts a 22 inch stainless-steel National Match barrel, and this barrel retains a military-style muzzle break.

The sights on the rifle consist of a National Match front sight, and the same source in a fully adjustable rear sight. These rifles can be fitted with scope mounts designed just for the M1A scopes when glass sights are the call of the day. This is actually one of the best M1A rifle scope mounts on our list.

6.5 creedmoor long range rifle

Because this is a long-range target rifle, it has several options when a sling is installed with flush mounts (holes) on the sides and standard studs forward and aft.

When chambering the rifle, the air gauge system is used to measure exactness of the rifle's chamber. Accuracy is everything in this rifle, and the manufacturer has worked hard to keep the M1A running as a tight shooting match winning design.

Being the Gen 4 in the series of Match rifles, you can expect the latest technology when it comes to manufacturing. The rifle is not side-tracked in terms of its updated design features and techniques in building the rifle either.

Springfield Armory M1A

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8. Hawkeye Predator (Author's Choice)

6.5 creedmoor bolt action

In terms of a rifle I shoot a great deal and own in two different calibers and chamberings, I have selected the Ruger Hawkeye in the Green Mounting laminated stock and set up as a long-range 6.5 Creedmoor varmint rifle.

This rifle is right in the middle of a target/precision rifle and a lightweight sporter. It weighs in at 8.1 pounds, but is balanced and very workable as a hunter's field rifle when on the move.

The manufacturer uses a non-rotating Mauser-type controlled round feed with a long extractor. This is typical Mauser design and many consider it the best rifle action design in the world. The fix blade ejector is positive functioning.

The cold hammer forged barrel results in extremely good accuracy. And stainless steel makes for a tough field-ready system both down the bore and on the exterior surfaces.

6.5 creedmoor guns

Scope mounts on this rifle are machined directly into the solid steel receiver. These mounts use Ruger rings that are provided with the rifle.

This rifle retains a two-stage trigger that is fully adjustable. My Hawkeye triggers are set up with a let off at 3 pounds. I like this weight for hunting and it does not effect accuracy in any way.

This Hawkeye is based on the M77 Ruger action that has been around since the first rifle the manufacturer ever produced. Bill Ruger founded the company in the 1960s. As you have guessed by now, I am a Ruger guy through and through.

Hawkeye Predator

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9. Daniel Defense DD5 V5 in 6.5 Creedmoor

As the adoption of 6.5 Creedmoor continues to grow, the round keeps making more and more of a splash in the AR-10 variant world. Weighing in at 8.9 pounds (empty), the DD5 V5 has some heft but isn’t quite the behemoth that some other rifles are.

Daniel Defense is a well-respected brand with a fair number of government contracts. Their rifles are fantastic quality and reliable, and their customer service is excellent. The V5 stands for Version 5, so it’s the fifth iteration of an already-solid rifle. The biggest complaint I have with it is simply the cost. This rifle will set you back much further than most bolt actions or AR-10s.

We felt it was essential to include some AR-10s in this list because they are gaining popularity across the board: hunting, 3-guns, etc. 

The barrel is a 20” proprietary Daniel Defense steel alloy with a 1:8 twist and an overall length of between 38 inches and 42 inches, depending on the configuration you get. Considering that many of the criticisms of the AR 10 platform are that you trade accuracy and precision for versatility and semi-automatic functionality, it’s nice to see Daniel Defense put a few extra touches to address that.

If you’re willing to pay for quality and want something semi automatic rifles, the DD5 V5 in 6.5 Creedmoor from Daniel Defense is an excellent option for a do-it-all rifle.

Daniel Defense DD5 V5 in 6.5 Creedmoor

The price of Daniel Defense DD5 V5 in 6.5 Creedmoor varies, so check the latest price at

10. Desert Tech MDRX Platform

Desert Tech is one of those manufacturers that many people are sleeping on if you ask me. Their rifles are fantastic and innovative, and if you like (or are willing to learn to like) a bullpup design, you can get an incredible rifle in a small package.

Compactness is a true benefit, and despite being so short, the MDRX has a very manageable recoil and is comfortable to shoot. Overall it weighs 9.2 pounds, all of which is much closer to your body than with an AR-10 or standard bolt-action. 

In practice, this means it feels much more maneuverable and is probably the most comfortable standing-up shooting experience I’ve ever had.

The MDRX is not designed for long-range precision, but you can get more out of it than you might expect. 6.5 Creedmoor is only available in the 20” barrel version, which has a 1:8 twist and an overall length of only 30 inches. 

These take standard P-mags, so if you’ve already got magazines that feed 6.5 Creedmoor, you can use them here.

Desert Tech’s MDRX does most things just as well as other manufacturers and in an incredibly compact form factor. If you prefer a small, maneuverable option for your 6.5 Creedmoor, this is one I’d recommend taking a look at.

Desert Tech MDRX Platform

The price of Desert Tech MDRX Platform varies, so check the latest price at

11. Palmetto State Armory Gen3 PA10

The PA10 has a great reputation in the AR-10 world. The barrel is 416R stainless steel, which is rated to avoid the sort of issues that stainless steel barrels can have in extreme cold and should be safe to use in temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit.

It also has a 20” barrel and a 1:8 twist. It’s designed to be lightweight and comes with Palmetto’s full lifetime warranty, which is transferable if you’re buying the rifle secondhand. The PA10 is affordable and offers great performance for the price, and because it’s an AR10, any individual component that doesn’t suit your preference can be swapped out relatively easily.

It’s going to come in a little pricier than some bolt actions, but for a semi-automatic with all the features that Palmetto manages to jam into this thing, it’s really a great price.

The Picatinny rail on the top doesn’t run the entire length of the handguard, which may be a good or bad thing depending on you, but the reasoning behind it is that accessories are rarely mounted in the middle, so you’re adding weight and price for no reason.

The barrel is free-floating, and the handguard is M-lok, making it compatible with most accessories you might want for it. The gas block is adjustable with three positions, and the trigger is a 2-stage with a total weight of 3.5lbs. 

 Palmetto State Armory Gen3 PA10

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12. Desert Tech SRS-A2

Let’s go back to Desert Tech to take a look at their SRS-A2. Despite being from the same company as the MDRX, and also being a bullpup, that’s where their similarities end. The SRS-A2 is a bolt-action, not a semi-automatic, and it’s designed from the ground up as a sniper rifle.

The barrel of this 6.5 Creedmoor long-range rifle is 26 inches long with a 1:8 twist, while the overall length is only 37 inches on the standard configuration. It weighs 9.5 pounds, with a trigger that can be adjusted between 1.5lbs and 7lbs. 

The barrel is threaded (5/8x24) for suppressors, and the handguard has M-lok attachment points every 45 degrees throughout its length. You can get either 6-round or 10-round magazines.

More importantly, the SRS-A2 is guaranteed to have ½ MOA accuracy at 100 yards, provided you are using match-grade ammunition with the same level of performance. A hundred yards may not be particularly impressive, but I’ve personally watched a shooter make a sub-MOA grouping at 700 yards with five rounds, and that was in a .308 configuration, which shouldn’t perform as well as the 6.5 Creedmoor. 

The long-range accuracy and precision you get with this rifle, along with the customizability, compact size, and reasonable weight, can more than justify the high price if they are priorities for you.

Desert Tech SRS-A2

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13. Barrett Fieldcraft 6.5 Creedmoor

It’s important to note that at present, production of the Fieldcraft is on hold. The model has not been discontinued, despite what you may have read online, but Barrett has been awarded several U.S. military contracts that are straining the company’s production capacity. 

You can still pick up a Fieldcraft online if you keep a lookout, and the production of new rifles is expected to come back at some point. 

What really sets the Fieldcraft apart is how light it is. At only 5.2lbs, it’s a good thing the trigger pull is only set to 3lbs and 2 oz. The trigger and barrel are both very high quality and can achieve sub-MOA accuracy given match-grade or hand-loaded ammunition.

Overall it’s 44 inches long, and the barrel is 21 inches. Being so lightweight, you may be concerned that the recoil will be a lot more of an issue, but it’s very pleasant to shoot, and felt recoil is slightly less than you would expect from a rifle chambered in .308.

Operation is smooth and simple, and it comes with a 4-round magazine that gives you 4+1 capacity. The barrel is stainless steel, and the rifle comes pre-drilled and tapped for mounting a scope base. New, the Fieldcraft does not come with Iron sights, but if you’re buying it used, there’s a chance the previous owner put some on. 

The Barrett Fieldcraft is a great option for those who prioritize a lightweight rifle that is very accurate rifle and is willing to sacrifice other features to get one. 

Barrett Fieldcraft 6.5 Creedmoor

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14. Weatherby Vanguard Synthetic Bolt Action Rifle

There’s a lot to like about the Weatherby Vanguard. Weatherby makes a recoil pad on the butt of the stock that does a lot to cushion out the sharpness of the recoil that can come from heavier loads, and the synthetic material that the stock is made out of is incredibly durable and lightweight. 

It’s heavier than the Fieldcraft, of course, like every other rifle on the planet, but it still weighs in at only 7.5 pounds, so it’s not like carrying around an M1A. The barrel length is 24 inches, the rifle is plenty accurate for most shooters, and the price is a lot easier to swallow than some of the other rifles on this list.

The barrel isn’t match-grade, so if you want to take sub-MOA shots at 500+ yards, this is probably not the rifle to do it with. For most of us, though, who just want something decent that’s going to perform well, fire when we want it to and not when we don’t, the Weatherby is a great option.

A fair amount of thought has clearly gone into the design of the Vanguard: unlike most bolt actions, the Vanguard has a 3-position safety. The middle position on the safety allows you to work the action back and forth while not allowing the rifle to fire. The bolt sleeve is fully enclosed, and the bolt body is fluted with three gas ports that allow gases to escape if a casing ruptures.

Weatherby Vanguard Synthetic Bolt Action Rifle

The price of Weatherby Vanguard Synthetic Bolt Action Rifle varies, so check the latest price at

15. Howa 1500 Hogue Bolt Action

Like the Weatherby, the 1500 Hogue comes with a 3-position safety with the same functionality. That’s an important component of this rifle because it is designed from the ground up to be ready to go out of the box for new shooters while still offering the value that experienced shooters need if they can’t justify spending more on a hunting rifle.

The main reason to choose the 1500 Hogue, in my opinion, is the Howa Actuator Controlled Trigger, or HACT. It’s a 2-stage trigger with a total of 3 pounds of weight, but it may be one of the best factory triggers out there and almost certainly is the best in its price range.

The 1500 Hogue is actually a combination of the Howa 1500 and the Hogue OverMolded. The stock comes from the Hogue, and just about everything else comes from the 1500, giving you an ergonomic, solid rifle with more accuracy than you might expect, given the price.

It weighs in at a reasonable 7.8 pounds with a 22-inch barrel length and overall length just shy of four feet. The barrel is blued instead of stainless, which you may view as a feature or a bug, depending on your use case and preferences. Either way, the 1500 Hogue from Howa is a steal at its standard price.

Howa 1500 Hogue Bolt Action

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor?

This completely depends on what you want your rifle for and how much you can spend on it. The best rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor for hunting will not be the best for competition shooting, and neither will be the best for duty or home defense. Any of the rifles on this list could be considered the best for a specific scenario.

What 6.5 Creedmoor Rifle Does the Military Use?

The U.S. military uses Knight’s Armament M110 K1s for their 6.5 Creedmoor sniper rifles. Well, more accurately, they are currently transitioning over to them, which should complete sometime in 2023.

Is 6.5 Creedmoor the Best Long-Range Caliber?

This question makes me think back to watching Top Gun, when Maverick says it’s not the plane, it’s the pilot. The answer is yes if you’re asking whether 6.5 Creedmoor has the flattest trajectory of any common rifle rounds out to 1,000 yards. If you’re asking whether someone switching from .308 Winchester to 6.5 Creedmoor will automatically become a better shooter, the answer is no.

What Is the Most Accurate Load for a 6.5 Creedmoor rifle?

To maximize your accuracy on a 6.5 Creedmoor, you should handload your own rounds, but if we’re talking about factory ammunition, any match-grade ammo is going to perform well. OutdoorLife did a test and found that the Federal 140-grain Sierra MatchKing was the most accurate, but you can also look at the Hornady 147-grain ELD-M.

Final Notes

As the 6.5 Creedmoor is such a very popular and fast-growing cartridge, there are many options when selecting a rifle for use with the new round. These are some but obviously not all. When selecting a rifle, look for performance first and price point second. With this cartridge, your selected rifle need not be the most expensive toy in the box.

We’ve done our best to include a wide variety of rifles in this list so that no matter what your priorities are or what your use case for your rifle is, you’ll be able to find one that will do an excellent job for you. Are there any rifles that belong on this list? Any that we’ve included that we shouldn’t have? Let us know in the comments. 

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