[Top 8] Best Scopes for 6.5 Creedmoor Rifle-Detailed Review

Best scope for a 6.5 Creedmoor

The 6.5 Creedmoor was specifically engineered for long-range precision shooting, and it has since become a go-to choice for anyone seeking accuracy, efficiency, and versatility in a single cartridge.

The cartridge stands out for its mild recoil when compared to other long-range, and powerful cartridges such as the .308 Winchester and the .300 Magnum. To put this into perspective the effective recoil of the 6.5 Creedmoor is around 17 lb-ft while the .300 magnum has around 25-30 lb-ft.

This article lists and reviews the best scopes available on the market that will give you the best service when paired with a 6.5 Creedmoor.

Best Scope for a 6.5 Creedmoor-Top Picks

Product Image Best Price
Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm Vortex-Optics-Viper-PST-Gen-II-Second-Focal-Plane-Riflescope
NightForce NXS 5.5-22x56mm NightForce-NXS-Tactical-Scope
Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Leupold-VX-5HD-3-15x44mm-Rifle-Scope
Vortex Viper HS 4-16x50mm Vortex-Optics-Viper-HS-LR-First-Focal-Plane-Riflescopes
Burris Fullfield E1 6.5-20x50mm Burris-Fullfield-E1-6.5-20x50mm-1in-Tube-Second-Focal-Plane-SFP
Barska Huntmaster Pro 3-12×50 IR Barska-Huntmaster-Pro-3-12x50-IR-Rifle-Scope-Illuminated-Reticl
Vortex Crossfire II AO 6-18x44mm Vortex-Optics-Crossfire-II-Second-Focal-Plane-1-inch-Tube-Riflescopes
Vortex Diamondback 6-24x50mm Vortex-Optics-Diamondback-Second-Focal-Plane-Riflescopes

The detailed reviews…

1) Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm Rifle ScopeVortex-Optics-Viper-PST-Gen-II-Second-Focal-Plane-Riflescope

 

 

This scope features an illuminated reticle that is easily customizable depending on the target range and the surrounding nature. It features one of the best-quality lenses fully coated for better light transmission and a crisply clear image. A wide 50mm objective lens diameter also makes better light ingress

The scope is user-friendly with features like; rapid zero return that prevents you from dialing below sight, a fast-focus eyepiece, and a radius bar that provides a highly visible reference point for turret rotations

Durability is not a problem with the Vortex Viper PST 25 x50. The scope is waterproof, shockproof, and fogproof. The lens is covered in an Armatek coating to protect it from scratches oil and dirt. And the tube features a hard anodized finish that protects it from corrosion.

Features

  • Magnification: 5 – 25 x
  • First focal plane
  • Field of View, 4.8 – 24.1 ft at 100 yds
  • Eye Relief 3.4 in
  • Weight 31.2 oz

Pros

  • Glass-etched Illuminated reticle
  • Great quality optics
  • Includes a fast Focus Eyepiece
  • Detailed hold points on the reticle

Cons

  • Adjusting the turret needs some getting used to

 

2. NightForce NXS Tactical Scope – 5.5-22x56mmNightForce-NXS-Tactical-Scope

 

 

This scope was originally designed for law enforcement, and it’s perfectly suited for medium to long-range targets.  Although it employs an SFP it has a convenient variable magnification of 5.5x-22x. That’s powerful in the highest setting. It lets you hit targets as far as 2000 yards with accuracy.

This scope is one of the more popular alternatives because it also comes with attractive features. That favors it to be used with a Creedmoor 6.5 renowned as a long-range caliber. These include; a large field of view, LED illumination, a long 4 inches of eye relief, and 100 M.O.A elevation travel. Which is enough adjustment to give you pinpoint accuracy on a distant target.

Features

  • Objective Lens Diameter: 56 mm
  • Magnification: 5.5 – 22 x
  • Field of View, 4.7 – 17.5 ft at 100 yds
  • Eye Relief: 3.9 in
  • Weight: 32 oz

Pros

  • Wide range of adjustment travel
  • Rugged construction
  • High-quality optics
  • Versatile 5.5-22x magnification

Cons

  • Pricey and it’s made for pros

 

3. Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Rifle ScopeLeupold-VX-5HD-3-15x44mm-Rifle-Scope

 

 

This is a hunting scope with numerous unique features that make it an excellent choice for pairing with your Creedmoor 6.5. One of its advantages is its greater performance in low light despite its rather small (44mm) objective lens.

It includes a custom dial function, which allows you to simply configure the turret based on ballistic and environmental circumstances, as well as a zero-lock dial that keeps you from accidentally turning the dial.

The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm gets a variable magnification of 3x- 15x so that you can easily adapt to any type of target. Whether short medium or long-range. The glare reduction characteristic of the lens gives the scope of one of the best light transmissions which works well with the illuminated reticle for better contrast.

The scope is durable and easy to be constantly used in the field. It is fogproof waterproof and shockproof, and has a hydrophobic lens coating that shields the rain from traces of dirt and water.

Features

  • Objective Lens Diameter: 44 mm
  • Magnification: 3 – 15 x
  • Field of View, 38.2 – 7.9 ft at 100 yds
  • Second Focal Plane (SFP)
  • Eye Relief: 3.82 in
  • Weight: 19 oz

Pros

  • Custom Dial System
  • Lightweight
  • Performs well under low light
  • Wide field of view

Cons

  • Doesn’t have many reticle options

 

4. Vortex Viper VHS-4307 HS 4-16x50mm Rifle Scope.

Vortex-Optics-Viper-HS-LR-First-Focal-Plane-Riflescopes

 

 

Here you get one of the best performances of accuracy and reliability.  It has a high 16x maximum magnification, features a generous eye relief of 4 inches, and is rugged for daily use.  The scope also delivers one of the best windage and elevation travel for optimum adjustment, no matter the distance of your target.

The image of the target through the scope is of high quality, aided by the coated lens, and a wide 50mm lens diameter that allows ample light to brighten the image. The reticle is however not illuminated but the lens is crisply clear. Therefore, it’s easy to contrast the reticle no matter the type of target.

Features

  • Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
  • Magnification: 4 – 16 x
  • Field of View, 4 – 27.4 ft at 100 yds
  • Eye Relief: 4 in
  • Weight: 22 oz

Pros

  • Fast Focus Eyepiece
  • Excellent optical clarity
  • Comes at a  budget-friendly price
  • BDC reticle helps with accuracy

Cons

  • The reticle isn’t illuminated

 

5. Burris Fullfield E1 6.5-20x50mm Rifle Scope.

Burris-Fullfield-E1-6.5-20x50mm-1in-Tube-Second-Focal-Plane-SFP

 

 

This Burris Fullfield scope greatly improves accuracy on a 6.5 Creedmoor with the use of cascading dots and a trajectory-compensating technology that compensates for wind drift. The reticle has also integrated additional mil measuring tools, and you get a high maximum magnification of 20x. Perfect for distant targets.

The quality of the image on this scope is excellent even in low light. This is due to a multi-coated high-quality lens and a wide 50mm objective diameter that allows ample light. The scope Is simple yet sophisticated allowing for simple adjustments for windage and elevation using just your finger.

The Burris Fullfield E1 is robust for regular field use due to the use of a single piece on the outer tube. It’s also fogproof, waterproof, and can withstand a remarkable number of shocks and vibrations.

Features

  • Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
  • Magnification: 6.5 – 20 x
  • Eye Relief: 1 – 3.6 in
  • Field of View, 6 – 8 ft at 100 yds
  • Weight: 16.9 oz

Pros

  • Trajectory-compensating technology
  • Integrated mil measuring tools
  • Easy to use even for a beginner
  • Rugged

Cons

  • Non-Illuminated

 

6. Barska Huntmaster Pro 3-12×50 IR Rifle ScopeBarska-Huntmaster-Pro-3-12x50-IR-Rifle-Scope-Illuminated-Reticl

 

 

The Barska Huntmaster Pro 3-12×50 is an option available for a shooter with a 6.5 Creedmoor but with a limited budget for acquiring a scope. Although it doesn’t deliver the sharpest images it comes very close for the price.

Additionally, the scope doesn’t give the highest magnification but is very versatile for working on medium to long-range targets. One other draw is the smaller eye relief at just 2.7″ but that’s enough on the 6.5 Creedmoor because of its low recoil.

Barska scopes are renowned for durability and this one is no exception. It’s waterproof, fogproof, and can resist a remarkable amount of shock. The scope is also lightweight and features small dimensions. To prevent it from interfering with your accuracy.

Features

  • Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
  • Magnification: 3 – 12 x
  • Field of View, 10 – 35 ft at 100 yds
  • Eye Relief: 2.7 in
  • Second Focal Plane (SFP)
  • Weight 21.3 oz

Pros

  • Budget-friendly
  • Large Objective lens
  • Comes with an illuminated reticle
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Small field of view
  • Doesn’t give the sharpest images

 

7. Vortex Crossfire II AO 6-18x44mm ScopeVortex-Optics-Crossfire-II-Second-Focal-Plane-1-inch-Tube-Riflescopes

 

 

This is a redesigned version of the original crossfire. The redesign is meant to make this sleek, streamlined, and highly efficient. It is fitted with an almost perfect lens. That is fully coated to give you well-defined clear images.

Despite the small 44mm diameter of the lens, it allows decent light transmission so you get brighter images. You also get illumination on the reticle.

This scope gives the marksman numerous aids which include; an adjustable objective lens to remove all parallax errors, a fast-focus eyepiece, an integrated sun shade to reduce glare, and a high 18x magnification to easily acquire distant targets.

Features

  • Objective Lens Diameter: 44 mm
  • Magnification: 6 – 18 x
  • Field of View, 3 – 15.2 ft at 100 yds
  • Eye Relief: 3.7 – 4.3 in
  • Weight: 19.6 oz

Pros

  • An adjustable objective lens
  • Versatile magnification
  • Renowned BDC reticle
  • Great image quality

Cons

  • Narrow field of view

 

8. Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24x50mm rifle ScopeVortex-Optics-Diamondback-Second-Focal-Plane-Riflescopes

 

 

 

These are built using the FFP which means that they make long-range targeting using the 6.5 Creedmoor easier for you. The scope appears simple but includes most of the marksman aids. You get the zero reset tactical and elevation turrets, high magnification, and a streamlined design.

Image quality is very good thanks to the extra low dispersion glass used on the lens.  The glass also features numerous coatings that allow for better light transmission. Besides increasing the resolution of your images.

The scope is extremely durable with features like; the use of a hard anodized finish, rugged construction with the ability to withstand impact and shocks, glass etched reticle for reliability, and the use of O-rings seals, to prevent any moisture from getting inside.

Features

  • Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
  • First Focal Plane (FFP)
  • Magnification: 6 – 24 x
  • Eye Relief: 3.9 in
  • Weight: 24.6 oz

Pros

  • Value for money
  • Simple adjustments
  • Excellent glass quality
  • Generous eye box and eye relief

Cons

  • Reticle lacks illumination

 

Best Scope for a 6.5 Creedmoor-Buying Guide

These are the characteristics to look for when buying a scope for your 6.5 Creedmoor

Magnification

Magnification makes the target object appear closer than it is. And the number of times a target has been magnified is denoted by ‘X’. Magnification is very useful when firing on distant objects, but it’s good to remember that skills beat any level of magnification.

A good marksman can probably hit a target 800 yards away with 8x magnification. Yet, someone else who isn’t skillful enough will still miss the target with 10x of magnification.

First Focal plane Vs Second focal plane

This denotes the location of the reticle. The first focal plane (FFP) has the reticle in front of the erector knobs. While the second focal plane (SFP) has the reticle located behind the erector knobs. The size of the reticle changes with magnification on the FFP while it remains constant on the SFP.

Both types of focal planes are equally effective but an FFP Is easy to use with long-range targets. Scopes with an SFP will require you to estimate your target based on the highest magnification. This is because the reticle is usually based on the max power setting. And the sub-tension will keep on changing depending on the magnification. The SFP, however, is the cheaper alternative of the two.

Image quality

The image quality of scopes mostly depends on the coating of the lens and the diameter. Multi-coated lenses reduce the reflective loss resulting in more light transmission through the lens. Conversely, a bigger diameter results in brighter images because more light gets inside the lens.

Also, note that the quality of an image through a scope will change with the amount of magnification. For most scopes, zooming in on a target results in a darker image because less light gets through the lens.

Eye relief

This is the distance from the last point of the eyepiece to the tip of the marksman’s eye, from which the object is visible through the scope. Longer eye relief is good for a high-caliber rifle because these have a powerful recoil. And it might hit your eye if the relief isn’t sufficient.

Good eye relief for a Creedmoor scope should be anything above 3 inches because the gun isn’t renowned for a high recoil.

Durability

Durability means that the scope has a decent build quality that gives it longevity. Quality depends on the type of glass as well as the material used on the casing. That’s not all, a good scope should be able to withstand a considerable amount of shock and recoil. And should also be properly sealed to give it a level of protection against elements like; snow, water, and fog.

Best scope for a 6.5 Creedmoor-FAQs

What is the range of the 6.5 Creedmoor?

This cartridge is renowned for its long-range capabilities and will maintain its effectiveness past 1100 Yards.  The accuracy of the round over a vast distance and low recoil is what has contributed to its popularity.

What magnification is best for 6.5 Creedmoor?

Because the 6.5 Creedmoor is mostly used for the long range one should consider a magnification greater than 10x and can go up to 25x. This, however, depends on the skills of a shooter as well as the existing weather conditions. Other factors also come into play like the size of the objective lens. The bigger the objective lens the more light gets inside the scope resulting in better visibility therefore reducing the need for very high magnification.

What is the best scope for a 6.5 Creedmoor?

The 6.5 Creedmoor is primarily used for long-distant targets and there are numerous options available on the market as seen in this review.  All one has to consider is the level of magnification needed as well as the budget available. The NightForce ATACR or Vortex Viper PST Gen II are excellent choices.

CONCLUSION

This article reviews some of the best rifle scopes, on the market, for a 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge. This list contains all the best ones, guaranteeing excellent performance for a shooter.  If you are still unsure about your buy, use the provided buying guide to know the characteristics you should look for in a scope.

Related: