The 6.5 Creedmoor was introduced into the market by Hornady Manufacturing Company in 2007. Since then, it has become the world’s most popular cartridge because of its versatility in use and the fact that it shoots well in all guns.
The 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge is commonly used in mid to long-range shooting activities such as match competitions, varmint hunting, and law enforcement sniper shooting.
A good scope will incorporate features that allow for versatility to use across the range distances and allow for excellent image clarity, precise aiming and accurate shooting.
The Best Scopes for 6.5 Creedmoors Are:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Vortex Optics Viper HST 6-24x50mm SFP Riflescope |  Top Pick |
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| 2. Nikon Black FX1000 6-24x50mm Riflescope |  |
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| 3. Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 Riflescope |  |
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| 4. Burris Fullfield E1 4.5-14x42mm Riflescope |  |
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| 5. Leupold VX-3i 6.5-20x50mm SF Riflescope |  |
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| 6. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-18x44mm AO SFP Riflescope |  |
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| 7. Athlon Optics Argos BTR 8-34x56mm FFP Riflescope |  |
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| 8. Monstrum G2 6-24x50mm FFP Riflescope |  |
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| 9. Trijicon TR23 5-20x50mm Riflescope |  |
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1. Vortex Optics Viper HST 6-24x50mm SFP Riflescope — Best 6.5 Creedmoor Scope
The Vortex Optics Viper HST 6-24x50mm SFP Riflescope is the ideal scope for a wide range of long-range shooting activities. The reason is that Vortex combined the best features of two of their best selling scopes to develop the Viper HST riflescope. It is an example of the next level innovations into extreme long-range optical performance.
This scope is built into a tough 30mm single-piece tube that maximizes internal adjustment and strength. A single piece tube has the advantage of easy alignment onto the barrel for the best visual performance and accuracy.
The scope has incorporated fully multicoated lenses that enhance light absorption to allow visibility in low light. The coatings also enhance clarity and color contrasts which improve the image quality.
The higher the magnification, the darker the image becomes. To counter this the scope features a 50mm objective lens that allows for more light transmission to improve the image brightness in high magnification.
Specs
- 6-24x Magnification
- 50mm Objective lens
- 30mm Tube Diameter
- 0 in Eye Relief
- VMR-1 Reticle
- Weight: 22.6oz
Pros
- Exposed tactical-style turrets provide fast and accurate adjustments
- SFP reticle for precise and accurate long-range shots
- MAG View fiber optic a visible magnification setting reference point
- CRS Zero Stop aids in return to zero
Cons
- Some blurriness at 24x
The Viper HST initials stand for Hunting, Shooting and Tactical which means that this scope is intended for multipurpose. If you’re a first time user of the 6.5 Creedmoor, this will be an excellent beginner scope for you.
Rating: 4.7/5
2. Nikon Black FX1000 6-24x50mm Riflescope — Best 6.5 Creedmoor Scope for Competition
The Nikon Black FX1000 6-24x50mm Riflescope is engineered to deliver long shots with precision. The Black FX1000 was unveiled some time ago to much excitement in the industry. Nikon launched a competition-ready scope that was affordable and accessible to everyone.
Black FX1000 integrates the Nikon proprietary FX-MOA reticle which is expressly designed for the FFP optical system used in this scope. The reticle enables accurate measurements for ranging and ballistic information. It features side adjustments for 10 brightness levels of red illumination with off positions between each level.
FFP reticle is located at the front of the magnifying glass and changes size as the lens zooms in and out of magnification. This allows for the ballistic information to remain accurate at all magnification that is useful at long range.
Specs
- 6-24x Magnification
- 50 mm Objective lens
- 30 mm Tube Diameter
- 6-4.0 in Eye Relief
- Illuminated FX_MOA FFP Reticle
- Weight: 24.5 oz
Pros
- Match-grade FFP reticle for accurate range measurement
- Side Focus Parallax Adjustment and Quick Focus Eyepiece
- High-speed turrets with a return to zero stop
- Generous eye relief keeps your eyebrow safe
- Shock-proof construction to withstand hard recoil and rugged use
Cons
- Blurry images at 24x
The Black FX1000 is a value spotting scope that has all the features that would excite long-range shooters. It is best for competition, target shooting and extra long-range applications.
Rating: 4.8/5
3. Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44 Riflescope — Best 6.5 Creedmoor Scope for Mid-Range
The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44 Riflescope is purpose-designed for mid-range shooting. While this scope is built to the highest standards traditional to Leupold scopes, it makes small compromises to make it affordable and accessible to more consumers.
The VX-5HD features a 3-15x variable magnification that lets you take advantage of short-range action in tight spaces and higher magnification for open fields. Leupold is well known for crystal clear optics so you can be sure of clear images at the highest magnification.
Besides clarity, the lenses use Guard-Ion coating for durability and protection against dirt and scratches. The duplex reticle features FireDot Illumination which is a visible red dot aiming point to help in low light conditions. Ballistic reticle allows for easy target acquisition through multiple aiming points in different zoom settings.
Specs
- 3-15x Magnification
- 44 mm Objective lens
- 30 mm Tube Diameter
- 8-in Eye Relief
- Illuminated Duplex RFP Reticle
- Weight:19.7oz
Pros
- CDS elevation dials for easy custom dial elevation adjustments
- Twilight Max HD adds up to 30 extra minutes of shooting time
- MST automatically deactivates and activates illumination to conserve energy
- Side Focus Parallax Adjustment allows quick parallax adjustments from any shooting position
Cons
- Elevation turrets need better quality control checks
The VX-5HD is well designed and lightweight which makes it easy to carry in the field. The highest magnification delivers a bright and clear view allowing you to take precise shots at longer distances.
Rating: 4.9/5
4. Burris Fullfield E1 4.5-14x42mm Riflescope — Best 6.5 Creedmoor Riflescope for Long-Range
The Burris Fullfield E1 4.5-14x42mm Riflescope is in the modest price range but also built for high performance. The scope is a good fit for the occasional varmint hunter, match and target shooters.
The Fullfield E1 features a 4.5x, at the low-end, zoom that allows for a wider field of view. The 14x magnification will extend your long-range shooting capacity and a 42mm objective lens will deliver excellent brightness and clarity at 14x. Features a power ring zoom that is easy to turn and keeps the flip-up lens covers from turning.
It features a side focus parallax adjustment that is easy to reach while positioned behind the scope. The Long Range MOA reticle on this scope offers details and precision that will give a target shooter and advantage in long-range competitions.
Specs
- 5-14x Magnification
- 42mm Objective lens
- 1″ Tube Diameter
- 1-3.8 in Eye Relief
- Long-range MOA RFP Reticle
- Weight:15.3oz
Pros
- Finger adjustable windage and elevation turrets create a sleek profile
- Burris Hi-Lume multicoating on lenses for optimal low light performance and reduced glare
- Nitrogen purged scope tubes to prevent internal fogging
- Double internal spring-tension system allows the scope to hold zero through shock, vibrations, and recoil
- Guaranteed by the Burris Forever Warranty
Cons
- Elevation/windage turrets are tight when new
The Burris Fullfield series of scopes have a strong brand presence in the market because they’re manufactured with game-changing features. The E1 scope is a continuation of that legacy.
Rating: 4.7/5
5. Leupold VX-3i 6.5-20x50mm SF Riflescope — Best 6.5 Creedmoor Riflescope for Hunting
The Leupold VX-3i 6.5-20x50mm SF Riflescope has the right magnification and optical performance for long-range precision. The scope is specially designed with match-grade accuracy and consistency for quick target acquisition and precise shooting.
The VX-3i features a Front Focal TMR reticle which is an expansion on their existing Mil-Dot reticle. It uses a mil based system that utilizes hash marks instead of dots for increase ranging and hold over precision.
The scope uses the traditional style slow focus eyepiece which allows the shooter to make very precise adjustments to match their eye. Fitted in front of the eyepiece is the power select ring that has a throw lever attached to it that allows for quick and easy magnification adjustments.
The reticle is a Front Focal which magnifies along with the image to provide greater accuracy in range estimation and ballistic information.
Specs
- 5-20x Magnification
- 50mm Objective lens
- 30mm Tube Diameter
- 62-4.41 in Eye Relief
- Front Focal TMR Reticle
- Weight: 21.7oz
Pros
- Side focus parallax adjustment for easy focus in any shooting position
- Front Focal Plane reticle for accurate range estimation at all zoom settings
- Twilight Max Light Management System provides premium lens clarity and image resolution
- Absolute waterproof and fog proof for optimal performance in extreme weather
Cons
- Stiff elevation turret especially when new
The VX-3i is compatible with many rifles and is a good fit for the 6.5 Creedmoor. Its target market is long-range hunters and F-Class sports shooting but it doesn’t have the high-level precision for snipers.
Rating: 4.0/5
6. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-18x44mm AO SFP Riflescope
The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-18x44mm AO SFP Riflescope is a reasonably priced and versatile scope for 6.5 Creedmoor rifles. The scope features 1″ tube that allows for great size and weight for long tracking activities.
The scope offers 6-18x variable magnification for mid-range but combined with the 44mm objective lens, the scope can deliver clear and bright images and greater distances. Adjustments for optimal focus and clarity on the objective lens provides the shooter with properly focused images and parallax removal.
The lenses are fully multicoated to deliver bright, clear images and resolution even at the highest magnification. The scope’s single-piece tube allows for easy alignment for greater accuracy, visual performance, and compactness of the scope. O-Ring seals provide waterproofing and nitrogen gas purging prevents fogging.
The Crossfire II features a Dead-Hold BDC reticle that features a customized hashmark design to provide accurate windage and holdover corrections. The reticle can provide the shooter with a true point of aim for a known distance.
Specs
- 6-18x Magnification
- 44mm Objective lens
- 1″ Tube Diameter
- 7 in Eye Relief
- Dead-Hold BDC Reticle
- Weight: 19.6oz
Pros
- Constant and generous eye relief
- Adjustable objective improves image focus and parallax removal
- Durable and compact single-piece tube
- Fast focus eyepiece allows for quick and easy reticle focusing
- Anti-reflective coatings on the lenses provide bright and clear images
Cons
- Some blurriness to the image at high magnification
The Crossfire II is a dependable and accurate scope that sells for a reasonable price. It has top-notch features light and has exceptionally clear glass for its price range. It’s adaptable for use in different ranges for hunting and shooting.
Rating: 4.7/5
7. Athlon Optics Argos BTR 8-34x56mm FFP Riflescope
The Athlon Optics Argos BTR 8-34x56mm FFP Riflescope is a favorite choice for shooters looking to get more value for their money. It’s a high-quality budget scope that incorporates features normally found on high-end scopes.
Firstly, this scope has a large 56mm objective lens that is sure to add weight to your rifle. The glass is multicoated to increase brightness and clarity and has XPL coating to protect the lenses from dirt and grease.
It features a variable magnification which loses a bit of clarity on the edges at 34x but maintains crystal clarity at the lower magnification settings.
The reticle is one of the easiest to use MIL reticles in the market. It is glass etched for shock resistance to recoil and illuminated for visibility in low light. The FFP means that the reticle changes size as you zoom in and out which keeps the ballistic information accurate and precise holdover positions.
Specs
- 8-34x Magnification
- 56mm Objective lens
- 30mm Tube Diameter
- 3 in Eye Relief
- APMR FFP IR MIL Reticle
- Weight: 32.2oz
Pros
- Side parallax adjustment that is easily within reach
- Glass etched reticle for durability and shock resistance to recoil
- Argon purging for waterproofing and thermal stability
- First Focal Plane makes the reticle highly visible
Cons
- Quite heavy at over 32 ounces
Overall, this scope is excellent for precision mid-range tactical shooting and hunting. It is also a good starting scope to learn the milliradian system with.
Rating: 4.3/5
8. Monstrum G2 6-24x50mm FFP Riflescope
The Monstrum G2 6-24x50mm FFP Riflescope is a budget 6.5 Creedmoor scope. Of all the scopes we’ve reviewed so far, this scope offers the best bang for the buck.
This is a First Focal Plane scope which most long-range shooters prefer because it gives accurate range estimates the reticle changes size with the increase or decrease of the zoom settings. Also, the reticle is illuminated and parallax adjustments are on the side which allows for a sharper focus on the image.
The glass quality is exceptional although as in most scopes of this price, the image gets blurry as the zoom goes higher. The lenses are multi-coated for better image resolution and focus. The scope comes with a honeycomb sunshade to further reduce glare.
Specs
- 6-24x Magnification
- 50mm Objective lens
- 30mm Tube Diameter
- 0-4.5 in Eye Relief
- Illuminated Rangefinder Reticle
- Weight: 1.0lb 13oz
Pros
- Illuminated etched black reticle with multiple red/ green brightness settings and off positions
- Easy to adjust windage and elevation turrets
- 24x Zoom capable of long-range targeting of up to 1500 yards
Cons
- Turrets dials are not very crisp
The scope is one of the best budget scopes in the market with exceptional features for its price range.
Rating: 4.1/5
9. Trijicon TR23 5-20x50mm Riflescope
The Trijicon TR23 5-20x50mm Riflescope is a long-range tactical riflescope engineered for military-grade precision and accuracy. This scope is one of Trijicon’s longest-range scopes and features the best optical clarity in that market.
The TR53 features a tritium and fiber optic illumination system that automatically adjusts the reticle brightness according to the lighting conditions in the environment. This system is battery-free and can also be manually adjusted to suit the shooter’s preference. The reticle is available in amber, green and red illumination.
The 5-20x variable magnification and multi-coated lenses deliver extreme clarity and brightness to the image. The reticle is in the second focal plane which allows it to remain constant at the different zoom settings. This allows for better and more accurate aiming points, especially at high magnification.
Specs
- 5-20x Magnification
- 50mm Objective lens
- 30mm Tube Diameter
- 8-4.1 in Eye Relief
- Illuminated BAC Triangle Post SFP Reticle
- Weight: 26.9oz
Pros
- Capped crisp and precise elevation and windage adjusters
- T6016-T6 aluminum all-weather rugged construction
- Battery-free tritium and fiber optic reticle illumination technology
- Easily accessible side parallax adjustments for better accuracy at long range
- Eye friendly illumination options to accommodate long hours of shooting and scoping and shooting
Cons
- The scope is a two-piece construction which makes it vulnerable to moisture and shock damage
The TR53 scope is engineered for use by law enforcement snipers and hunters for targets of up to 1000 yards. The exceptional glass quality, precise turrets, and powerful magnification all allow for the shooter to take accurate long-range shots.
Rating: 4.6/5
What to Look For When Choosing The Best Scope For 6.5 Creedmoor Cartridges
The 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge was originally designed to deliver the accuracy and reduced recoil effect for all competitive disciplines and long-range shooting for a competitive price. The cartridge has also become a favorite for long-range hunting because of its efficiency and high ballistic coefficient.
Considering that the 6.5 Creedmoor is a long-range cartridge, the best 6.5 Creedmoor rifle scope would require to have high magnification combined with a large objective lens that allows for clear images at extreme long-range.
Here are some of all the features that you might need to consider:
Magnification
A scope in the 3-20x range is good for mid-range hunting because it allows for accurate target aiming at up to 600yards.
Objective Lens
When using high magnification above 30x, a 50mm scope works best because it allows for the maximum light transmission making the image bright and visible. But for most hunting needs, a 40mm scope is the best value as it will give quality images up to 18x.
Fully multi coated lenses also help in increasing the brightness and clarity of images. The coatings reduce glare enabling you to see better and also protect the lenses from scratches increasing their durability.
Parallax Adjustments
Side parallax adjustments make for easy adjusting as it is much easier to reach when positioned behind the scope, especially in sniper shooting. The disadvantage is that the side adjustment scopes are usually much heavier than scopes with an adjustable objective.
Reticles
There are different types of reticles but for this article, we’ll look at the best long-range reticles that work best for 6.5 Creedmoor.
The first option is a BDC reticle which is a ballistics reticle that allows you to use the holdover point for extreme long-range shots of up to 1000 yards. These reticles are versatile and user-friendly and can be used for long-range quick shooting.
The Mil-Dot reticle is ideal for snipers and extreme long-range shooters and hunters. It is a military-grade reticle which takes fewer clicks than the MOA reticle to make corrections. It is not as common as the MOA reticle that is easier for the average shooter to use because it uses the imperial measurement used in America.
The second focal point reticles are better for extreme long-range because the reticle remains the same size across all the zoom settings. This allows for precise shots though the reticle can be difficult to see.
Illuminated reticles allow for extended shooting hours in low light because they help you to see the reticle better depending on the brightness conditions in the environment.
Conclusion
We’ve given you 9 great scopes with different features and at great prices to help you decide on the best 6.5 Creedmoor scope for you. Whether you’re competing or hunting, the scope you’ll pick will be suited for your preference.
But if this is your first time using a 6.5 Creedmoor riflescope, we recommend choosing the Vortex Optics Viper HST 6-24x50mm SFP Riflescope. It features a high variable magnification for both mid to long-range and an objective lens that allows for the best images at the highest magnification.
