PLEASE READ Nominate BEST 6.5 Creedmoor Factory Rifles

[Forum Boss]

Guys,
I am starting work on a 6.5 Creedmoor/6mm Creedmoor Cartridge Guide.

This is a major project -- 100+ man-hours. The Guide will supplement our other Cartridge Guides, some of which have been viewed over 1 million times. See: https://www.accurateshooter.com/category/cartridge-guides/

FACTORY RIFLES
The first section of the guide I am preparing will be a list of recommended 6.5 Creedmoor factory rifles.

REQUEST: Please nominate YOUR choice for a 6.5mm Creedmoor factory rifle. I want 100-200 words about the rifle posted in this thread.

a. State the reasons for your choice
b. List the good features of the rifle
c. State the rifle street price (or MSRP) and give your thoughts.
d. PHOTO -- Post a photo of your own 6.5 CM factory rig; otherwise link to a marketing photo.

Here is an example, 155 words:

Howa Bravo in 6.5 Creedmoor
Smooth action, great 2-stage trigger, good stock -- this gun delivers. We shot this gun with Berger factory ammo and it delivered nearly half-MOA for five shots. You could actually win a PRS match with this rifle, a Howa KRG Bravo rig in 6.5 Creedmoor. Yet, at $1099.99, this KRG Bravo is one-third to one-forth the price of custom tactical rigs (less optics). This Howa was chosen as the official factory rifle for the National Rifle League (NRL), and we can understand why. With the KRG Bravo, you get a complete rig with a smooth-running action, nice two-stage trigger, AICS mag compatibility, good ergonomics, and competitive accuracy -- all for less than you might spend for a custom action by itself. The polymer KRG stock features an aluminum internal sub-chassis. This gun can be purchased through Brownells -- check for Brownells promo codes -- you might be able to save $100 or more.

If your "nomination" is selected you will get a by-line credit. I will consider the best posters for PAID Cartridge Guide assignments.

 

[Forum Boss]

Another part of the guide will be about 6.5 CM cartridge brass. I am interested in those with experience with at least three brands. Don't post that here, but please contact me via PM.

Also, I know there are Forum members who will think it is clever to post sarcastic remarks about the 6.5 Creedmoor. Guys, don't attempt to make jokes here. If you do that, your post will be removed, which wastes my time. You will also earn warning points.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Bergara

 

[Stan Taylor]

I will try an provide some input on your project from customers that I Have barreled in the creedmoor cartridges we have wore out 2 chamber reamer starting on the 3rd as we speak very good PR ON this case.

 

[grovey]

I just got a new to me low rd Tikka t3x Lite I'm going to wring out this yr. I expect magical things if it shoots like my other Tikka's. It eats twice as much as my others, so hopefully I can afford to feed it.

 

[Dgd6mm]

Following: I've been eyeballing the T/C Compass.

 

[riflewoman]

Here’s a review of the T/C Compass in 6.5 Creedmoor.

He also has a whole video series on Reloading for it. He gets a lot of good results. If the bullets are well made there’s usually at least one load with most powders that shoots well.

 

[DHuffman]

The only factory 6.5 Creedmoor I've had is/was a Savage Model 11 LRH and it is very accurate for a factory barrel and very smooth especially for a Savage. I've since re barreled it to 6 Creedmoor. All my other 6.5 Creedmoors have been Savage or Remington actions with pre fit custom barrels and aftermarket stocks. All very good shooters. I've got a Remington 700 getting a shouldered Lilja barrel now that I'm looking forward to shooting this spring.

It's a great cartridge that I credit for getting me interested in shooting "small" instead of just shooting!

 

[Zero333]

I don't have one, but REALLY want one...

Cadex CDX-R7 Lite
Cadex uses Bartlein barrel for this one and most of their rifles. Need I say more.

 

[Evlshnngns]

Savage 12fv, my first heavy target gun. The accutrigger can be adjusted well below two pounds. Bolt lift is surprisingly easy compared to earlier models. Heavy 26" barrel and a sturdy synthetic stock help the gun consistently group under MOA. Mine will group at half MOA, often enough to keep me interested. Price point leaves a lot of room for your choice of stock for an upgrade. It is NOT a pantie dropper, no picture required.

 

[clunker]

What a fun thread! My vote is for Tikka.

Keeping in mind that I only started shooting one year ago, and I only own two rifles (both Tikkas), there is good reason that I can recommend a T3x. Astonishingly accurate for a factory rifle. Super-crisp single-stage trigger that can dial down to 2 lbs. Buttery smooth bolt action. And my superlite fluted stainless was purchased on sale for $650. Shoots sub MOA with my pathetic skills, factory Berger, prone with Harris bipod, and no rear bag. Bang-for-the-buck, there is no competition. I bought this superlite rifle exclusively for hunting, and it is not the best configuration for precision shooting.

 

[jsthntn247]

Bargara HMR or Tikka CTR. Best two options out there.

 

[cinch29433]

I can't imagine the Remington's being all that bad and they should make the price limits. I wish the scope price was more toward mid range for factory class. There is nothing better than getting the best of a expensive trap gun with an old side by side (proper gun).

 

[Knotwild]

I read a ton and I have come to heartily dislike the word "best" because it really doesn't work for describing anything, unless “for me” is added. With that said, I chose Tikka for various reasons:

• I wanted a factory gun – because I can't afford custom. There really weren't that many out there when I bought it 3 years ago.
  
  
• I wanted a short, heavy barrel that had to be threaded because I don't like to shoot un-suppressed. The Tikka CTR had a 20” threaded barrel.

• I don't care for .308 recoil, or much recoil period any more.

The CTR was getting some good reviews, but they were kind of scarce because everyone was waiting on an overseas shipment. So, I snapped up the first one I could find on Long Range Hunter's website for $900 shipped.

When the gun arrived and I checked it out, I noticed the factory rail was actually pulled up away from the receiver. The rail has a set screw at the front end to hold a mirage shield and someone had tightened it down until the rail pushed up. It was unfired/new so I sent it to Berreta and they had it back in two weeks. I also noticed the stock really felt like it was made out of plastic, nothing like a composite stock, but it felt solid. The trigger was OK, but I wanted better so I ordered a YoDave trigger spring for $10 and adjusted it to about 2.5 lbs because I hunt with it some. I mounted a Nightforce NXS 3.5x15 on it.

Insert YoDave https://www.yodaveproducts.com/store/p27/Tikka_T3,_T3X_and_T1X_trigger_spring.html

I also decided that some form of break in couldn't hurt so I did an abbreviated break in for about 30 rounds and settled in to shoot. No dies yet, si just factory stuff. For me, the gun shoots good. I haven't tried many 140 -142 grain loads, but the few I tried ran about 0.75” at 200 yards. I shot some Hornady American Whitetail 129 gr. soft points and Prime 130 gr. that went into less than 1/2” at 100. I tried some Federal Premium with the 130 gr. Berger and it did not shoot well, as in an inch or more at 100 yards.

It feeds smooth and dropping single shots on the mag follower is as slick as if it were a single shot.


Rail pulled away from receiver before repair.



Rile with Silencerco suppressor




129 Gr. Hornady American Whitetail



Prime 130 Gr.


I really bought the rifle to try to learn at longer distances and I am slowly learning. I have had some 4.5 – 6” groups at 500 yards with it when I guess the wind right. With the suppressor I can see bullet impact through the scope too.

So, I am overall pleased. I may slap it in a Grayboe or Bravo KRG stock for an upgrade once I start re-loading for it.

I still can't say it's the best because I haven't tried any others, but it works for me and is pleasantly accurate. Sometimes I wish it had a 24" barrel, sometimes I wish I had tried a Bergara, or that the new KRG Howa had been out. But overall, it keeps me pretty entertained.