Referenced Magpul Dynamics
There are tons of scope options to pick from, do you know which ones are better for the 6.5 Creedmoor?
In this guide, we'll showcase the 5 best long-range scopes for 6.5 Creedmoor and PRC based on reticle designs, turret features, ranging capabilities and glass clarity.
Expert shooters are taking their long range shooting skills to another level with these scopes below...
Let's check out what we have:
Best 6.5 Creedmoor Long Range Scopes
Disclosure: All products have affiliate links for earning commission to support the website when you purchase
All recommended scopes delivers top performance ONLY if mounted properly using the right mount and on the rifle.
Leupold VX-3i LRP 6.5-20x50mm
Why use Leupold - the VX-3i LRP is easily possible the best Leupold scope for 6.5 Creedmoor. The sleek and lightweight design gives a modern look and appeal and makes a perfect combination with light rifles and carbines chambered in a 6.5 Creedmoor.
Match Grade Accuracy & Repeatability - Guaranteed match-grade accuracy and repeatability when remounting the scope back onto the rifle (Assuming good mount & properly zeroed)
Recommended reticle for 6.5 Creedmoor - One milliradian (mil) subtension helps shooters successfully estimate range and engage targets with greater flexibility.
Improved Image Quality - Unbelievable sharp image quality paired with the Twilight max fully multi-coated lenses to see targets clearly down range
Battlefield Durability - Single piece 30mm main aluminum tube can withstand all rough handling during brutal competition stages or inclement weather in the field.
The Leupold’s VX-3i lineup encompasses all different magnification ranges, and this specific model comes as a 6.5-20x50mm variable configuration. The 6.5-20x is almost ideal magnification range for all hunting, competition and tactical shooting scenarios for 6.5 Creedmoor.
Why buy Primary Arms - This one of the best long range scope featuring a first focal plane 6.5 creedmoor bdc reticle to estimate range and send accurate rounds down range effortlessly.
Significantly Reduced Learning Curve - Once understood, the reticle is like a cheat code to skip traditional long range fundamentals. Just range, aim with the right subtension and shoot.
What's NEW with the ACSS Apollo reticle - 6.5 Creedmoor Apollo got some evil capability that makes 1000 yrd shot with a 6.5 Creedmoor so deadly accurate, intuitive and easy to use.
Eliminates Wind Dot Guess Work - Wind dot is calibrated right out of the box to eliminate stressful guess work. It's effective wind holds out to 1,000 yards in up to 20mph cross winds.
Fast Aim & Fast Shoot - Using fast stadiametric auto ranging scale to range human size target from 400 - 1000 yrds without a laser range finder, or taking your eye off the target so you can immediately shoot within about half second of ranging.
Unclutter Reticle Center - Accurately range target, index the turret and observe the last bullet impact through the scope with an unclutter reticle center using the Chevron aiming tip.
1/10 Mil ranging scale for targets at extreme distances - No target is too small to range when using the fine 1/10 mil ranging scale for very precise Mil distance reading. Then apply the math:
(Target height [Inches] X 27.77) / # Mils measured = Distance (Yard)
Super Affordable - Only a couple hundred dollars you can get this Amazing scope to hit accurately with your 6.5 Creedmoor rifle out to 1000 yards & beyond with no problem.
Very soon this type of reticle will be applied to other higher power magnification scope to seriously enhance the shooter's performance with the 6.5CM.
Click on our link below to get the best deal
Why pick Vortex PST - No one scope list would be complete without Vortex products, and in our guide for 6.5 Creedmoor and 6.5 PRC, we have chosen PST II 5-25×50 model from the quality Vortex Viper line.
As its name says, the Viper PST (Precision Shooting Tactical) optics is purpose-built for competition and tactical purposes.
Vortex long rang scope, the Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50 is a second-generation with significant improvements to Gen I. the scope is more durable and comes with better glass, larger eye box and eye relief.
The one-piece 30mm main tube is built from a solid block of aircraft-grade 6061-T6 aluminum for more strength and reliability.
With wide magnification range between five and 25 times, the Viper PST is the versatile choice for 6.5 Creedmoor/6.5 PRC rifle owners that want a multi-use combo for hunting, competition and shooting tactical.
The Viper PST Gen II series turrets and the reticles are available in MIL or MOA versions. The PST-5259 model comes with a glass etched EBR-7C reticle set in a first focal plane.
The EBR-7C MRAD illuminated reticle features 1/10 MRAD per click impact point correction. The exposed turrets have total travel of 20 MRAD for elevation and 10 MRAD for windage adjustment ranges.
All interior lenses are XR fully multi-coated, whereas the outer lenses have an additional protective layer named ArmorTek.
With the large 50-millimeter objective lens diameter and extra-low dispersion glass, this Viper PST riflescope offers excellent low light image quality and even contrast similar to the premium Nightforce but without the hefty price tag.
The EBR-7C and EBR 2C reticle are similar, click here to learn how to use them to range target distance & hold
Why people buy Athlon optics - The Argos BTR Riflescope 6-24x50mm is one of the best scopes for 6.5 Creedmoor shooters. It can do pretty much what other scopes can do but at only less than $400.
Great Value For New Shooters - Athlon Optics offers scopes from Argos series designed as the entry-level for sport and medium range and long range shooting.
Which reticle to use - the scope reticle is of ballistic type, a more complex reticle design called APMR MIL.
Calculate Hold For You - The glass etched APMR Reticle has sub-tensions that helps to quickly calculate windage holdovers and bullet drops.
BTR Illuminated reticle - From dusk to dawn, the shooter can cycle through 11 illuminated Bright Tactical Reticle settings to aim under different lighting conditions.
Wide Turret Travel Range - Exposed tactile style turrets allow fast dialing (0.1 Mil/click, total 18 MILs travel) for both elevation and windage. Range, Hold and Shoot targets accurately 1,000 yards away without a doubt
The scope comes with side parallax knob for parallax correction from 15 yards to infinity.
Along with top-notch construction, Athlon Argos BTR 6-24×50 has fully multi coatings on inner lenses for both protection and a clear image with better light transmission.
Why pick this one - The Bushnell Trophy Xtreme series of riflescopes is built for hunters and shooters who need increased magnification in long-range situations.
Bushnell optimized 6-24x magnification and 4 times zoom range with the fully multi-coated optics to provide a successful combination for long-range calibers such as 6.5 Creedmoor.
Which reticle to use for 6.5 Creedmoor - Besides, the Trophy Xtreme X30 6-24×50 model comes with a specialized, but very hunter-friendly long-range reticle called DOA LR800.
While it is an excellent tool for measuring wind compensation and bullet drop out to 800 yards, this Christmas tree style reticle is a second focal plane system.
Finger adjustable turrets - 1/4 MOA windage and elevation turrets are of a capped type and allow you to make quick changes at the range or in the hunt.
The Bushnell Trophy Extreme Rifle Scope has side parallax focus turret, which you can use to remove parallax.
30mm single-piece aluminum maintube - It secures mechanics and provides an ample 50 MOA of adjustment range. The Bushnell Xtreme X30 housing is filled with nitrogen for a fogproof and waterproof performance.
All scopes from Trophy Xtreme lineup come with Bushnell's fully multi-coated lenses and quality Rainguard HD coating, which prevents fogging for a good image in rough weather conditions.
Featuring incredibly many features found in scopes costing 3 times or more, the Bushnell Trophy Extreme scope is perfect high-power scope for high-performance calibers like 6.5 Creedmoor.
Why buy NightForce if you want the best - The NіghtFоrсе NХЅ 5.5-22Х56 HS rіflеѕсоре is the real representative of optics designed for medium to long-range hunting and target shooting in low light.
It's basically the Lamborghini equivalent optic brand in the gun world.
Built like a tank - This Nightforce rifle scope weighs 2-pounds, made of solid 6061-T6 aircraft grade aluminum to handle much higher shock resistance .
The rugged housing of these riflescopes is very rugged, completely shockproof, waterproof and fogproof.
Lightweight & Tough - The NXS line is one of the toughest in Nightforce offer, designed to withstand multiple beatings. However, the 5.5-22X retain a slim profile that makes it versatile to allow mounting on lightweight and elegant rifles like those in 6.5 PRC or 6.8 Creedmoor.
The NightForce NXS scope boasts a wide magnification range between 5.5 and 22 times, making this product ideal for short to extended range shooting. With whopping 4 inches of eye relief, the scope is suitable not only for a mild-recoil 6.5 Creedmoor but for extremely brutal calibers.
While the 56mm objective lens provides maximum clarity and the best light resolution, the lenses are fully multi-coated for more light transmission and better contrast throughout the entire magnification range and in all light conditions.
Which reticle to use for 6.5 Creedmoor - This is a second focal plane MOAR illuminated reticle in the C434 model with good eye relief. It's highly effective for shots at any range from 100 yards to 1,000+ yards.
This advanced ballistic reticle can be used for windage, holdover, wind drift estimating, and ranging objects.
However, the reticle doesn't feature fine 1/10 mil ranginge scale for target too far away to measure accurately
Fast adjustment turrets - The Nightforce NXS 5.5-22x56 HS Zero Stop MOAR has exposed tactical turrets for quick windage and elevation adjustment in MOA, with1/4 MOA of adjustment per click and 100 MOA elevation travel.
If you didn't find what you are looking for, please check out this guide here for more selections.
Core Features A 6.5 Creedmoor Rifle Scope Should Have
Large Objective Lens Diameter
Large objective lens diameter means the scope can gather more light into the scope to provide sharper image so the aim can be more precise.
A precision scope with an objective lens diameter around 40mm - 50mm are generally top picks.
Reticle type
The 6.5 Creedmoor is a long-range caliber, the natural choice would be holdover ballistic reticle that provides points of reference to hold for elevation and wind adjustments.
A first focal plane reticle system is preferred over 2nd focal plane for long-range shooting.
The hunters and less experienced shooters may find suitable reticles with traditional milling (MOA) crosshairs. These come with vertical and horizontal points of reference to hold for wind or hold for elevation.
But the serious shooters in the long-range world prefer an improved mil-dot reticle with a simple grid pattern (Christmas tree) for simple holdovers at the range.
Look for uncluttered reticle center, which is extremely helpful to spot the last hit without having bunch of thick lines or dots blocking the target at extreme long distances.
Also look for fine 1/10 Mil subtensions to help range targets that are very far away and too small to see, and this is where 1/10 Mil bracket can very precisely size up the target in Mils.
These 4 reticles are great for speed ranging and holdover eliminating math as much as possible in the field.
- Horus H59
- Tremor 3
- EBR 7C
- ACSS Apollo 6.5
Ultimately, a good scope reticle design starts with simple design that isn't too complex to understand or requires too much mental energy to process.
Glass clarity & magnification
Referenced NightForce Optics
Scopes for 6.5 Creedmoor require exceptional glass clarity balanced to shooters' budget and intended use of 6.5 rifles. The hunters prefer larger objective bells because bigger lenses are ideal for low-light conditions such as at dawn and dusk.
The riflescope should have fully multi-coated lenses that offer clear and bright images, even in a less than the ideal lighting condition.
The optical system and internal mechanism should be protected in a rugged aircraft-grade aluminum body, which will provide water, fog and shock protection.
At this point, you shouldn't make a classic newbie's mistake and take a scope with the maximum amount of magnification you found on the market.
Although the 6.5mm Creedmoor is designed for long-range shooting, it is not always necessary and practical to use ultra-high magnifications.
As the 6.5 Creedmoor's effective range for the most shooters is around 600 yards, the prevailing opinion is that a magnification level between six and 25 times is quite enough.
Tube Size
By the rule, the 6.5mm Creedmoor long-range scopes utilize a wide elevation and windage adjustment span, which require larger main tubes, 35mm has the widest adjustment range.
While you may encounter one-inch main tubes, you will find a 30 mm , 34mm tube diameter more often, which is a standard among top-quality scopes.
You can find mounts for them here.
We have a guide on our site that goes in-depth explaining the difference among different scope tube sizes, which you read here
MOA or MIL Turrets
MOA scopes provide shooters with a finer degree of accuracy at closer ranges, whereas the MRAD scopes are actually a better choice for longer-distance shooting.
It's much easier to do the math in metric system involving conversion factors, and it's easier to remember as well.
That said, if you own a 6.5 Creedmoor rifle and you are in long-range competition, MRAD turrets paired with milliradian reticles will be preferred.
However, if you are using your 6.5 CM chambered rifle for hunting at relatively close ranges of 300 yards or less, MOA scopes are often the better option.
Read More: Learn how to convert MOA to MIL
Common FAQ
How far will 6.5 Creedmoor kill?
The mild 6.5 Creedmoor loaded with long, slender hunting projectiles will have an effective lethal/ethical distance of 500 yards.
Of course, you can kill something far beyond 500 yards with proper shot placement, but definitely, the mid-weight 6.5mm bullets lose the ability to produce wide wounding at ranges beyond 500-600 yards.
The 6.5 Creedmoor has garnered so much attention in the target shooting community because of its flat trajectory and long-range capabilities.
What scopes is the military using for 6.5?
Recently the military is using the Nightforce Advanced Tactical Riflescope (ATACR 5-25 x 56) for 6.5 Creedmoor chambered in their newest sniper rifle the Mk 17 Mod 3.
Do you shoot 6.5 Grendel? Please check out scopes for 6.5 Grendel here.
What is a good distance to zero 6.5 Creedmoor?
Depending on intended use, it may make sense to zero your flat-shooting 6.5mm Creedmoor at 100, 200, or even 300 yards.
For hunting purposes, conventional distance is 100 yards, and then you should use the reticle within or beyond that distance.
If you zero at 100 yards, the impact at 200-yard target will be 3.43" low and 13.20 inches low at 300 yards.
Some shooters advocate zeroing at 200 yards as more efficient use of your rifle for shooting at all ranges inside of 300 yards.
However, the 100-yard zero is more practical because many shooters haven't 200yd range to use and second, the atmospheric conditions will have no effect at that distance.
What reticle should 6.5 shooters use?
Depending on the applications, 6.5 shooters will benefit the most from first focal plane reticle scopes with grid style reticles that have the capabilities to range targets and holdover.
The majority of top competitive shooters are running Horus or Christmas tree reticles.
For more hunting related reticle content, please read understanding hunting reticles.