Optics for 6.5 Creedmoor

[Dr T]

My right shoulder has been acting up a little lately, so I have been thinking about picking up a light recoiling, do-everything (except Bears) in North America rifle.

Right now, I am tending to a 6.5 Creedmoor in either a Ruger No. 1 Light sporter or a Ruger Stainless Steel Hawkeye Model 77 (a T/C Icon Weathershield is also considered, but it is $200 more).

The question is optics. If I settle on the No. 1, I am tempted by a Burris Fullfield 2-7x with the German P3 reticule. I have this scope on an Encore 30-06 and am pleased with the match to the stalking single shot.

If it is one of the bolt guns, the choice is harder. Right now, a Redfield 4-12x with the accurange reticule is my front runner (I have this scope with the 4 Plex on a Remington R15 and it works well), but I have no experience with the little circle and crosshair reticule.

Any thoughts?

 

[mc223]

You have an R-15. Have you considered a 30 AR upper and one of your existing scopes that you are familiar with ?
I have no experience with the 30 AR but am kindof intrigued with it in a way. Looks to have a bit of potential with a well developed handload.
I have always used some sort of "plex" type reticule with the exception of the Weaver T scopes. Guess we tend to gravitate to the comfort zone.
I guess I might also lean towards a bolt gun over a single shot in certain situations where a quick follow up was needed.


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[benzy2]

What's the budget? Mostly a hunting rifle or mostly a target rifle?

 

[Dr T]

All of my rifles are fundamentally hunting guns. Some may spend more time on the range than others, depending on how fun they are to shoot. The recoil is a factor for consideration. I have found that I can shoot a lot more with my 243 than my 375 H&H and still have fun.

I have thought about an alternative upper for the R-15, but I usually end up thinking about a 6.5 Grendel. But that cartridge does not have the punch for the application I have in mind. Besides, for me a semi-auto is more of a specialty rifle for a target rich environment (think jackrabbits) or moving targets (think coyotes and bobcats). This is a different fundamental application where I am looking at game up to the size of elk.

I hunt with both bolt actions and single shots. In about 50 years of hunting, I have rarely (actually never) needed a rapid follow up shot when I have properly selected the first shot on game. But, if you keep the second round between your fingers, you can cycle a No. 1 about a quick as you can crank a bolt.

The budget: Hard to tell. The rifle will be between $600 and $900 and the optics will run another $200 or $300. The first step is to get the configuration for the platform for the 6.5 Creedmoor right. After that, I will do the hard shopping.

 

[Maverick223]

FWIW I am really liking the Savage Model 11 Lightweight Hunter (though the Ruger No. 1 is a fine rifle too). I believe it is available in 6.5Creedmoor, but it is definitely available in .260Rem. (which I prefer due to being around for a bit longer and better components available). The weight is the biggest selling point, for me at least...at a mere 5.5lbs! Even with a lightweight like that recoil should be quite manageable.

As far as the scope, I think you could do a great deal worse than a 3-9x Sightron S-II, 3-9x Vortex Viper, or 2-8x Nikon Monarch. At any rate, I would prioritize glass over magnification...but if you want a bit more you can nearly squeak out a 3-12x or 4-16x Sightron S-II with your budget.

 

[GooseGestapo]

My Remington Mod-7 in .260 wears a Leupold 3-9x "compact" scope. I like it a lot, but it doesn't focus well inside 100yds. (I'm over 50....).

I have a Leupold Vari-X 2.5-8x on my Remington Mod-7 in 7mm08. It is probably the ultimate scope for a "walk-about" rifle. Expensive for a new one, however. (I've bought all my Leupolds "used"...)

If budget allows, I'd go for the 2.5-8x Leupold VX-3. If not, then the 2x-7x VX-1 will suffice.
For the least expensive alternative, I'd suggest either the Redfield 2x-7x or the Nikon ProHunter 2x-7x.

 

[Dr T]

I have decided to go with the Ruger 77 (stainless steel, 24 inch tube).

Thanks for reminding me about the 2.5 - 8 x Leupold and Sightron scopes. I am looking for a bit more power in the scope to the end of having it do some double duty plinking on the range. Ultimately, the selection of the glass may depend on the rings shipped with the rifle (sort of like having a doorknob and needing to buy a house to put it on...)

 

[Maverick223]

sort of like having a doorknob and needing to buy a house to put it on...

Yep, but fortunately for you Ruger will let you send the doorknob back and replace it with one of your choosing (like a bigger knob)...that way it'll match the house.

 

[Dr T]

I ordered the Redfield 4-12x. Now I need to wait on the brown trucks...