Seeking advice on 6.5 Creedmoor rifle + scope ($1000)

[nixdorf]

Folks,

I'm interested in buying a new rifle and scope combo for around $1000 total. I would appreciate your advice.

A bit of background on me: I consider my rifle skills somewhere around intermediate heading towards advanced. I own .22LR, AR-15, and .30-06 rifles and have shot thousands of rounds at the range. I usually plink with the .22LR and AR-15, but I have been honing my shooting skills at short/medium ranges with the .30-06. I have gotten down to sub-MOA groups at 100-200 yards (around 1.5-1.75" at 200 yards). I enjoy shooting at 200 yards and would like to try my hand at longer ranges. I do handload all my centerfire ammo.

Here's what I'm thinking about that I'd like your feedback on. The rifle would be used almost exclusively to put holes in paper at the range, although it may see some action on varmin and coyotes/predators.

Cartridge: I'm leaning towards 6.5 Creedmoor for the next chambering, although .260 Remington is also interesting. The high sectional density of these rounds is appealing.

Rifle: I'm looking for something that is accurate out of the box, has good features, and leaves enough money in the budget for good optics. I'm currently looking at the Winchester XPR model line based on stellar reviews. I like the walnut stock on the Winchester XPR Sporter, but am willing to go synthetic.

Optics: I'm looking at two Vortex scopes: the Diamondback HP 4-16x42mm and the Crossfire II 6-24x50mm. I'm leaning towards the Diamondback due to better lens coatings, but also like the larger magnification of the Crossfire (even if it does have a huge 50mm objective lens).

Thoughts? Feedback is appreciated!

 

[Captcurt]

You might want to take a look at the Bergara line. I have a B-14 Hunter in the 6.5 CM that I have shot out to 500 yards. At present I have a Vortex 6X18 Crossfire 2 on it and it works well. The action is a modified 700 with a Timney trigger and Bergara is known to have a quality barrel. They make the synthetic stocked Hunter and 2 wood stocked models.

 

[LoonWulf]

Hmr and bmp also......if your cool with that "modern" look (my next 6.5 with be an HMR)

I would second the suggestion of a Bergara, i have the B-14 Timber. The only downside to that rifle in my experience is the palm swell is not cut back in on the opposite side of the grip. For my fat hands this feels great, but i know its contentious point for other folks, especially if you like a slim wrist on a rifle.

Also in that price range dont over look the Savages, its pretty rare when one of those wont turn in sub Moa accuracy, and theres no other centerfire bolt action design thats as modular.

(The Xbolts, 700, m70s etc are all good options as well, honestly it fairly unusual to buy a bad gun, I just recommend the above due to what ive seen as cost/performance)

On the cheaper side
Ive got no experience with the Winchester, it SEEMs like a very nice rifle tho. With the rebate they are very affordable as well. If the hype is true it may well be the best basic budget gun on the market right now.

Right now my favorite budget rifle is the Ruger American, best over all design and features of the sub 400 dollar guns that ive shot so far. Your stuck with synthetic stocks or a Boyds on these guys tho.

Another rifle ive been really happy with is the Howa 1500s. They can be had in the sub400 dollar range as well, but are generally more expensive. No wood stock options over the counter either, but you can get old stocks from numrich for about 140. The one i got was a S&W deluxe stock and was very pretty.
Very accurate, open top design makes single loading much easier than the tube guns and there are dm conversions (im using one on my 700) if you want that option.
The downside to the howas is that they are quite heavy for a sporter rifle. My 6.5 weighed something like 9lbs with a 3-9x40 nikon on it.


Optics wise i dont have an opinion on the Vortex scopes your looking at, Ive never used them. From general consensus tho I dont think they would be a bad choice.
Right now im hooked on Nikons, and im beginning to really like Athlons. Ive got another athlon, the Argos 4-20x50 on the way.

Honestly Cartridge wise is really the only place i have a real opinion, and i think the 6.5CM would be a great choice. There isnt anything wrong with the .260, and if you see a gun you like chambered for it, id check the twist rate first, but id buy one.
The 6.5 is better supported now than the .260 is tho so you have more options in rifles.

 

[dieselchief]

I have exactly both of the scopes you listed. the diamondback hp is definitely a better scope. I also shoot a RAP in 6 creedmoor. I would go for the ruger with either a better yet scope or spend the difference on dies, brass, etc. dc

 

[Dr T]

Someone has to say it: Make sure you look at the Tikka T3. Mine are tack drivers.

 

[Captcurt]

I have exactly both of the scopes you listed. the diamondback hp is definitely a better scope. I also shoot a RAP in 6 creedmoor. I would go for the ruger with either a better yet scope or spend the difference on dies, brass, etc. dc

The Americans will shoot. In fact the 6.5 CM Predator that I had shot better than the Bergara, but I am not a big fan of the American stocks. It made for an excellent light hunting rifle though. I kind of wish that I had kept it. It had a 4X12 Diamondback and was laser accurate.

 

[FL-NC]

Ruger American Predator (about $400 street price). You can tighten up the groups some with an attractive Boyd's laminate stock (around $130). That leaves plenty for scope/mounts (whatever you like for your application) and a Harris bipod. The predator version of the RAR has a threaded muzzle, so you will have the option of putting a muzzle brake or even a suppressor on it at a later date, if you want to go that way.

 

[cdb1]

I’d go with a Vanguard or Bergara. For shooting long distance I’d spend as much or more on the scope as the rifle. I think the Diamondback is an okay scope but believe Crossfire sucks, especially the high magnification models.

 

[dieselchief]

yea a good weaver or bushnell is a better scope than the crossfire. my ruger predator has a high end burris on it. shoots three shots in less than a dime sized group. any picture posting experts here pm me and I will send a text of the pic. dc

 

[Klint Beastwood]

Are you trying to spin turrets to get to these distances or are you a max pbr kind of guy?

Quite a few people here have different opinions on long range shooting and how the do it.

I think most scopes these days have alright glass and better the more you spend but, I look for best pupil diameter, and more importantly mechanical tracking in the turrets.
I look look for mildots too, between the .2 and .25 range because it’s what I’m use to using, but even MOA as real MOA and not IPHY, or anything funny like that.

Just somethings to look at, some years back I had a tracking issues as well as quite a few other people I knew with a lot of vortex optics.
However, they’ve (vortex) had plenty of time to correct that since then so I don’t know anymore, but things like that i think would be worth considering when looking for an optic.

A very thorough and properly done tall target test will show any tracking error.

 

[Varminterror]

If someone gave me a Diamondback or Crossfire meant for precision shooting, I'd consider it an insult, not a gift. Vortex has some great scopes, these aren't among them. A gift of either is a burden of trying to resell at a decent value, so I could use the money towards something decent.

In your shoes, where you're just starting out, a mid-weight barreled rifle with a sporter stock CAN be serviceable, but it won't take you far. For this total cost target of $1,000, you should spend more on your scope than you do your rifle. A $369 Savage 12 FV from Cabela's, rebated to $269, with $30 worth of epoxy and some aluminum channel bedded into the stock, plus a $700 scope would be the best means of spending your $1,000. Find a good deal on a Rem 700 ADL (walmart typically under $400),

Spending $600 on the rifle and $400 on the scope would be misguided. Your skills will advance far faster with a decent rifle - which can be bought for under $400 - plus a low end precision scope - which is very difficult to find for under $600, let alone $500, or $400...

 

[bikemutt]

Right now my favorite budget rifle is the Ruger American, best over all design and features of the sub 400 dollar guns that ive shot so far. Your stuck with synthetic stocks or a Boyds on these guys tho.

I noticed that MDT now offers LSS and LSS Gen2 chassis systems for the Ruger American.

 

[Peakbagger46]

Be careful with the mid price range Vortex stuff. I had a Diamondback HP 3-12 that I quickly returned due to poor glass. I’m not an optics snob either, I’ve always been very satisfied with mid price leupold scopes.

 

[HamSlamma]

I just bought a 6.5 Creedmore,,,,,My third SAVAGE!

 

[LoonWulf]

The 12fv VT mentioned is probably the best choice for a precision gun at a low cost....ive actually been trying to get a buddy of mine to go buy one for me.

 

[Skylerbone]

A few thoughts; I can be as budget conscious as anyone and to that end I’ve learned to compensate for the shortcomings of inexpensive rifles by either home smiffin or aftermarket parts. If you’re choosing a rifle on a budget I still believe that most people should spend the lion’s share on it. Why cheap out only to replace the stock and trigger on a $300 rifle when you could have bought a $600 rifle.

The old adage was spend at least as much on the scope as the rifle. Well I may be in the minority here but I say in this day and age there are some outstanding budget friendly offerings that perform far better than older models costing many times more. Without a $4-5k budget, stick to the most accurate rifle you can afford and upgrade the scope later.

If you started with one of the fixed-power SWFA scopes with Mil-quad reticle and 1/10 MIL adjustments, you could choose between 6x, 10x, 12x, and 20x for $300. That leaves a full $700 for your rifle budget which might include a solid bipod or rest to keep that rig steady.

 

[Klint Beastwood]

A few thoughts; I can be as budget conscious as anyone and to that end I’ve learned to compensate for the shortcomings of inexpensive rifles by either home smiffin or aftermarket parts. If you’re choosing a rifle on a budget I still believe that most people should spend the lion’s share on it. Why cheap out only to replace the stock and trigger on a $300 rifle when you could have bought a $600 rifle.

The old adage was spend at least as much on the scope as the rifle. Well I may be in the minority here but I say in this day and age there are some outstanding budget friendly offerings that perform far better than older models costing many times more. Without a $4-5k budget, stick to the most accurate rifle you can afford and upgrade the scope later.

If you started with one of the fixed-power SWFA scopes with Mil-quad reticle and 1/10 MIL adjustments, you could choose between 6x, 10x, 12x, and 20x for $300. That leaves a full $700 for your rifle budget which might include a solid bipod or rest to keep that rig steady.

+1 on swfa.
If you want a good price and a scope that works mechanically well, with decent Japanese quality glass, SWFA is the way to go.
The have variables as well for a little more coin

 

[nixdorf]

Awesome feedback so far, folks. Thank you very much.

I just bought the Savage 12 VT that Varminterror mentioned above. I read up on it and the reviews are all positive. I've also enjoyed the two Savage rifles I've owned in the past. At $269 after Cabela's rebate, that was hard to pass up. I'm not a fan of the cheap feeling plastic stocks, but at this price I can definitely add a Boyd's stock in the future. Thanks for the tip!

That will leave me with around $600-700 for the scope. With the larger optics budget and the feedback on the low and mid range Vortex scopes, I'm not sure where to start. My experience with scopes is fairly limited to two Redfield Revolution 3-9x40mm scopes mounted on my .22LR and .30-06. They're a great value in my opinion, but won't cut it on this rifle. I'll take a look at SWFA, Nikkon, and Athlon as mentioned above. Any other recommendations?

Thanks again!!

 

[dieselchief]

burris veracity

 

[bikemutt]

The old adage was spend at least as much on the scope as the rifle. Well I may be in the minority here but I say in this day and age there are some outstanding budget friendly offerings that perform far better than older models costing many times more. Without a $4-5k budget, stick to the most accurate rifle you can afford and upgrade the scope later.

If you started with one of the fixed-power SWFA scopes with Mil-quad reticle and 1/10 MIL adjustments, you could choose between 6x, 10x, 12x, and 20x for $300. That leaves a full $700 for your rifle budget which might include a solid bipod or rest to keep that rig steady.

While I'm more in the camp of you get what you pay for when it comes to glass, I have to agree with you Skylerbone concerning the fixed power lineup from SWFA. I bought a used one from a guy which clearly showed signs it had been well used. Turns out the use was abuse internally, the scope would not hold zero. I contacted SWFA and told them my sob story, they asked me to send them the scope. They called me on the phone and said the scope was toast and offered to send me a new one at no charge. I still have that 10x scope, the glass punches way above it's weight class, and the company clearly has class.

 

[Skylerbone]

I don’t mean to portend the SWFA will be all the OP will ever need, but until a Nightforce is within budget it’s difficult to recommend something in the $500-$700 range which will be any more useful.

Assuming $570 for rifle and scope, $200 for a Bald Eagle Windage rest, another $150 for front and rear bags, and there’s enough to sneak in a good set of rings. If that were my budget, that’s how I’d spend it for the time being.

 

[Dr T]

BTW, I just got another 6.5 CM a couple of weeks ago for a hunting gun. It came in considerably under the $1000 mark. The gun was a TC Venture ($441 out the door after rebate). Warne Rings (About $40). Bushnell Elite 3200 with Bone Collector Decals that I picked up for about $200 several years ago (As I recall, the decals made it a discontinued item and knocked about $75 off the price).

I have generally been pleased with the Bushnell Elite scopes (but they are the only Bushnell scopes I can say that about). I heard once that these are the re-incarnation of the Bausch and Lomb scopes.

 

[Peakbagger46]

Awesome feedback so far, folks. Thank you very much.

I just bought the Savage 12 VT that Varminterror mentioned above. I read up on it and the reviews are all positive. I've also enjoyed the two Savage rifles I've owned in the past. At $269 after Cabela's rebate, that was hard to pass up. I'm not a fan of the cheap feeling plastic stocks, but at this price I can definitely add a Boyd's stock in the future. Thanks for the tip!

That will leave me with around $600-700 for the scope. With the larger optics budget and the feedback on the low and mid range Vortex scopes, I'm not sure where to start. My experience with scopes is fairly limited to two Redfield Revolution 3-9x40mm scopes mounted on my .22LR and .30-06. They're a great value in my opinion, but won't cut it on this rifle. I'll take a look at SWFA, Nikkon, and Athlon as mentioned above. Any other recommendations?

Thanks again!!

Nice work picking out that Savage! You are going to be impressed with the accuracy and the accutrigger is really nice. Velocity out of a 26” barrel should be high as well.

I bet it shoots just as well as a Ruger Precision. Looks like you can now drop around $700 on a scope. What sort of distance are you looking at shooting at?

 

[Nuclear]

I'm not that impressed with the Vortexs I've looked through. Leupolds are nice, but expensive. I'm going with Nikon, their new scopes look interesting.

 

[nixdorf]

Looks like you can now drop around $700 on a scope. What sort of distance are you looking at shooting at?

Thanks for the feedback.

I'd really like to shoot regularly out to 1000 yards, but I'm limited by ranges close by. Most of my shooting will be 100-200 yards at local ranges with the occasional trip to the Talladega CMP range for 600 yard shooting.