6.5 creedmoor rifle

[EvilEmpire]

Hi guys! New to the forum and a lot of great information on here.

I’m looking to getting my 1st 6.5 creedmoor. I have a budget of $2k for the rifle and $2k for the scope. I’m opened to a custom build too. I want something that can go out to a minimum of 1000 yards. Not looking for a competition rifle.

What would you recommend for a custom built and by who? I’m thinking of either a nightforce or vortex scope. I appreciate the feedback.

 

[Krob95]

Zermatt origin, KRG Bravo, quality remage Barrel nut prefit from your choice of manufacturer or a HLR recoil lug and use TL3 shouldered prefits. Run a trigger tech special.

Not a nightforce fan, so I would recommend a Vortex razor Gen ii in your price range. Especially if weight is of no issue.

You’ll have no issues hitting 1k with the above setup up. You will be the limiting factor.

 

[2aBaC̶a̶]

Hi guys! New to the forum and a lot of great information on here.

I’m looking to getting my 1st 6.5 creedmore. I have a budget of $2k for the rifle and $2k for the scope. I’m opened to a custom build too. I want something that can go out to a minimum of 1000 yards. Not looking for a competition rifle.

What would you recommend for a custom built and by who? I’m thinking of either a nightforce or vortex scope. I appreciate the feedback.

Welcome.

You will be hard pressed to get into a custom for under $2k unless you're putting it together yourself even then its more like $2500. And unless everything is in stock be prepared to wait. It will be very nice when it's done though.

Other option simply finding a decent production rifle like a Tikka or Bergara in stock at your local GS. You'll even have cash left over for a decent bipod and accessories.

You can however get a good scope for under $2k.

 

[TRPrecision]

Check out the Badrock Southfork. Defiance action, MDT chassis, Triggertech trigger, X-caliber barrel. Very nice package, close to a custom at $2000. These things are very well put together and have a buttery smooth action.

 

[BuckeyePrecision]

There are multiple options to go the custom route for the rifle which is what I would suggest and although you will be hard pressed to stay under the 2k mark, if you are willing to eat into your optic budget a little bit it can be done. Zermatt Origin, ARC Nucleus, Kelbly Atlas Tac, and several other actions are in the area of 850-1050. Add a prefit barrel from PVA, Preferred Barrels, or one of the other makers. A Trigger Tech or Bix'n Andy Trigger and a KRG bravo and you are good to go. There are plenty of options out there for optics and mounts under the 2k mark that are still very serviceable. The Vortex Viper Gen II or a used Razor Gen I come to mind immediately for me, although others may chime in with more options.

Another option would be a prebuilt custom like the John Hankcock from PVA ($2000) or the GA Precision PPR ($2500). I know some of these go out of your original budget, but if you are willing to use a little more of your 4k total for the rifle then they are possible.

 

[ColdBarrelZero]

I recently did the same. Knowing I didn't have the funds to do custom right, I ended up going with a Bergara B14 HMR for slightly under $1,000 which is based on the Remington 700 short action. I can drop it into another custom stock later and that gave me money left over for a quality scope rail, muzzle brake, etc. I also used some of the funds I saved to invest in a pair of range finding binos (Sig Kilo 3000 BDX). This sport is expensive.

In terms of scopes, look hard at Tract. Their Toric PRS line gives you a lot of scope for the money and their attention to detail around support is next level. I opted for the 4-20x FFP PRS along with their 30mm IOTA accessory kit which all came in well under $2K and I feel like it's a setup that I won't have to upgrade for a while.

 

[celltech]

As everyone else has stated you need to shift funds from the glass to the rifle. You can get a *lot* of glass these days for well under 2K. Right now CameraLand has the Gen2 Cronus with rings for $1600. For 4K you can go full custom, buying all the parts and tools necessary to put it together yourself, including a solid bipod. If you are MIL/LEO don't forget about companies offering nice discounts.

 

[EvilEmpire]

Welcome.

You will be hard pressed to get into a custom for under $2k unless you're putting it together yourself even then its more like $2500. And unless everything is in stock be prepared to wait. It will be very nice when it's done though.

Other option simply finding a decent production rifle like a Tikka or Bergara in stock at your local GS. You'll even have cash left over for a decent bipod and accessories.

You can however get a good scope for under $2k.

let’s say I go up to $2500, what would you change?

thank you for the feedback.

 

[EvilEmpire]

Thank you for all the responses.

I know parts is probably an issue right now giving the way things are going right now with all firearms. Worst case, I can probably go up to $5k total. Doesn’t has to be super light.

Who would you recommend to build it? I see Mile High name comes up a bit.

 

[celltech]

Who would you recommend to build it? I see Mile High name comes up a bit.

Build it yourself....it's not rocket science.

Bighorn Origin	850​
TT Primary	150​
X-Cal Barrel (on one of their frequent sales)	375​
PVA Barrel Nut	25​
PVA Jet Blast Brake	125​
KRG Bravo	350​
KRG ARCA Spigot	122​
Atlas CAL + RRS Clamp	300​
Cronus + rings	1600​
Barrel Vice	60​
GO Gauge	30​
Total...more or less...	3987​

 

[Steel head]

Build it yourself....it's not rocket science.

Bighorn Origin	850​
TT Primary	150​
X-Cal Barrel (on one of their frequent sales)	375​
PVA Barrel Nut	25​
PVA Jet Blast Brake	125​
KRG Bravo	350​
KRG ARCA Spigot	122​
Atlas CAL + RRS Clamp	300​
Cronus + rings	1600​
Barrel Vice	60​
GO Gauge	30​
Total...more or less...	3987​

My cheapo 260 savage beats that but I’m scared to add up the cost of my 7mm

 

[BuckeyePrecision]

Mile High and Altus are both great companies to work with. I have never had them build a rifle myself, but I know plenty who have and were very happy with the work. If you are not comfortable doing it yourself, give both of them a call and see if they offer what you want.

I have always put my own together as it is not that difficult these days, especially if you go with a shouldered prefit. A barrel vice, action wrench, and torque wrench is all I used to change out a barrel. Doing a prefit with a barrel nut gets a little more difficult, but still not hard by any means. Either way, I double check everything with Go/No Go gauges.

 

[EastBayRidge]

Think American Rifle Company has some Nucleus 2.0 builds in stock.

 

[J-Ham]

I'd buy a John Hancock from PVA (I have one & love it) & put a Gen 2 Razor on it... That's actually exactly what I did.

 

[Anonymoose]

There are multiple options to go the custom route for the rifle which is what I would suggest and although you will be hard pressed to stay under the 2k mark, if you are willing to eat into your optic budget a little bit it can be done. Zermatt Origin, ARC Nucleus, Kelbly Atlas Tac, and several other actions are in the area of 850-1050. Add a prefit barrel from PVA, Preferred Barrels, or one of the other makers. A Trigger Tech or Bix'n Andy Trigger and a KRG bravo and you are good to go. There are plenty of options out there for optics and mounts under the 2k mark that are still very serviceable. The Vortex Viper Gen II or a used Razor Gen I come to mind immediately for me, although others may chime in with more options.

Another option would be a prebuilt custom like the John Hankcock from PVA ($2000) or the GA Precision PPR ($2500). I know some of these go out of your original budget, but if you are willing to use a little more of your 4k total for the rifle then they are possible.

If I had $4k to put on a rifle and scope today it would be the GAP PPR and a Athlon or Tract that fits in the budget. PPR has very limited availability though I understand.

 

[hereinaz]

ARC Nucleus rifle is a lot for the money, and I like the Xylo chassis better than anything else I have handled.

If you wanted a stock, you could sell the chassis in the PX here and have all sorts of money for a nice stock.

 

[celltech]

ARC Nucleus rifle is a lot for the money, and I like the Xylo chassis better than anything else I have handled.

If you wanted a stock, you could sell the chassis in the PX here and have all sorts of money for a nice stock.

+1 on that advice....I love mine. I bought 2 of them and sold off 1 of the stocks. I believe people think about just the rifle and scope only. Don't forget you need rings, brake, bipod, magazines, bags, etc...that adds up.

 

[Steel head]

Think American Rifle Company has some Nucleus 2.0 builds in stock.

a lot of rifle for the $$$$

 

[EvilEmpire]

If I had $4k to put on a rifle and scope today it would be the GAP PPR and a Athlon or Tract that fits in the budget. PPR has very limited availability though I understand.

think I saw they have a 6 - 9 month back order.

 

[Anonymoose]

think I saw they have a 6 - 9 month back order.

The PPR is a single run product. I don't know if the ordring window is still open but they are scheduled to be delivered in March. That's it for 2021 and a new purchase cycle will begin in December of 2021 for March 2022 delivery.

 

[ColdBarrelZero]

I don't get some of the recommendations in this thread. If he's not running competition, why would he need to spend $2.5K on a Nucleus? Or worse, 4K on a custom gun. Is there 2.5-4.0X of value over a Bergara, Howa, or similar if the intent is casual long range work? Not being snarky. Just help me understand.

 

[EvilEmpire]

I don't get some of the recommendations in this thread. If he's not running competition, why would he need to spend $2.5K on a Nucleus? Or worse, 4K on a custom gun. Is there 2.5-4.0X of value over a Bergara, Howa, or similar if the intent is casual long range work? Not being snarky. Just help me understand.

yeah, not looking to compete. Just looking for a great rifle. This will be my first bolt action. I’m one of those who like to do things right the first go around. Lol

 

[ColdBarrelZero]

yeah, not looking to compete. Just looking for a great rifle. This will be my first bolt action. I’m one of those who like to do things right the first go around. Lol

Totally get that. But if you're not competing, think about what the rest of the money you'd spend on the gun/scope with minimal returns on performance for a casual shooter could be used for to upgrade other aspects of your long range gear (spotting scope, range finder, kestrel, case, bags, shooting mat, reloading equipment, etc.). Not to mention ammo for practice, which is expensive as shit right now. Unless you're all set on those fronts, but if it's your first bolt action then that probably isn't the case. Just food for thought.

 

[Harman117]

@ColdBarrelZero brings up a good point. Is 4k your total budget? Have you thought about peripheral equipment and ammo?

If you're truly brand new, you may even consider attending a well respected training course. That'll expedite the f@#k out of your abilities and understanding.

Edit: Also it's spelled "Creedmoor"

 

[EvilEmpire]

@ColdBarrelZero brings up a good point. Is 4k your total budget? Have you thought about peripheral equipment and ammo?

If you're truly brand new, you may even consider attending a well respected training course. That'll expedite the f@#k out of your abilities and understanding.

Edit: Also it's spelled "Creedmoor"

haha - good catch.

Not new to shooting, so I know that there are other associated cost. Just really familiar with AR platforms and pistols. Been wanting a bolt action for the last couple of years. I have a 308 (ar-10), but would like to get into the 6.5 creedmoor. I have shot a couple bolt action rifles, just never owned one.

thanks for the feedback.

 

[2aBaC̶a̶]

let’s say I go up to $2500, what would you change?

thank you for the feedback.

Honestly, for a first time rifle I ALWAYS reccomend a production rifle with a decent scope. Unless somone is made of money and or insists on a custom build.

Buying a production rifle at a local GS gives you a piece of mind that it will just work. Its a turnkey rifle. Plus you can go finger fuck the rifle and actually feel it. It will perform just as good as a custom for around $1500. IF you have a problem, you have both the GS and the manufacturer backing you. And you'll be shooting stress free in days vs months. Plus save a few bucks and put it towards gear.

Dont forget everything that goes along with it.
Rifle case $50-$100 (included with some rifles)
muzzle break $50-200
Bipod $100-300
Rear bag $100
Shooting mat $50-100
Ammo - $$$?

Once you break the $2k barrier you also get into semi custom. Pre built rifles from custom shops. The PVA, ARC, GAP, MPA, etc

Nucleus Gen2 Rifle

www.americanrifle.com

MPA BA PMR Rifle - MasterPiece Arms, Inc.

Masterpiece Arms builds World Class Rifles. We start with our industry leading Chassis System, utilize the Best Actions and Triggers produced, and a 416R SS Handlapped Barrels provide some the best shooting, most accurate rifles in existence. Designed, Built and Enhanced by Long Range Shooters...

masterpiecearms.com

"John Hancock" Bolt Action Rifle - Deposit

[email protected]

patriotvalleyarms.com

Search our events/products and add to your shopping cart

store.ashburyprecisionordnance.com

 

[EvilEmpire]

Honestly, for a first time rifle I ALWAYS reccomend a production rifle with a decent scope. Unless somone is made of money and or insists on a custom build.

Buying a production rifle at a local GS gives you a piece of mind that it will just work. Its a turnkey rifle. Plus you can go finger fuck the rifle and actually feel it. It will perform just as good as a custom for around $1500. IF you have a problem, you have both the GS and the manufacturer backing you. And you'll be shooting stress free in days vs months. Plus save a few bucks and put it towards gear.

Dont forget everything that goes along with it.
Rifle case $50-$100 (included with some rifles)
muzzle break $50-200
Bipod $100-300
Rear bag $100
Shooting mat $50-100
Ammo - $$$?

Once you break the $2k barrier you also get into semi custom. Pre built rifles from custom shops. The PVA, ARC, GAP, MPA, etc

Nucleus Gen2 Rifle

www.americanrifle.com

MPA BA PMR Rifle - MasterPiece Arms, Inc.

Masterpiece Arms builds World Class Rifles. We start with our industry leading Chassis System, utilize the Best Actions and Triggers produced, and a 416R SS Handlapped Barrels provide some the best shooting, most accurate rifles in existence. Designed, Built and Enhanced by Long Range Shooters...

masterpiecearms.com

"John Hancock" Bolt Action Rifle - Deposit

[email protected]

patriotvalleyarms.com

Search our events/products and add to your shopping cart

store.ashburyprecisionordnance.com

thank you for the info. I will look into these rifles.

 

[RFutch]

I don't get some of the recommendations in this thread. If he's not running competition, why would he need to spend $2.5K on a Nucleus? Or worse, 4K on a custom gun. Is there 2.5-4.0X of value over a Bergara, Howa, or similar if the intent is casual long range work? Not being snarky. Just help me understand.

Because once you've gone custom it's hard to go back to (or recommend) factory rifles.

 

[Halfnutz]

ARC Nucleus $2500
ARC rings $180
Gen II Razor- contact @LibertyOptics
RRS pro clamp $100
Atlas $250+
Mags and brake also sold separately.

Performance: I'll know in a week or so when the weather breaks.

 

[leclairk]

Tikka T3X Tac A1.

 

[YotaEer]

I would echo others by recommending a Tikka CTR or Bergara HMR and go from there. You’ll find out a lot of what you do or don’t like and switch things up. A lot better to find out those things on a “cheap” rifle as compared to some custom job, when you don’t even know what you want customized, yet.

that’s what I did with a Tikka CTR and I’ve learned A LOT over the past year. Enough to have extra shit laying around to build a T1x trainer for it lol.

now that I know enough to be dangerous, I’ll likely build a custom next.

 

[ColdBarrelZero]

Honestly, for a first time rifle I ALWAYS reccomend a production rifle with a decent scope. Unless somone is made of money and or insists on a custom build.

Buying a production rifle at a local GS gives you a piece of mind that it will just work. Its a turnkey rifle. Plus you can go finger fuck the rifle and actually feel it. It will perform just as good as a custom for around $1500. IF you have a problem, you have both the GS and the manufacturer backing you. And you'll be shooting stress free in days vs months. Plus save a few bucks and put it towards gear.

Dont forget everything that goes along with it.
Rifle case $50-$100 (included with some rifles)
muzzle break $50-200
Bipod $100-300
Rear bag $100
Shooting mat $50-100
Ammo - $$$?

Once you break the $2k barrier you also get into semi custom. Pre built rifles from custom shops. The PVA, ARC, GAP, MPA, etc

Nucleus Gen2 Rifle

www.americanrifle.com

MPA BA PMR Rifle - MasterPiece Arms, Inc.

Masterpiece Arms builds World Class Rifles. We start with our industry leading Chassis System, utilize the Best Actions and Triggers produced, and a 416R SS Handlapped Barrels provide some the best shooting, most accurate rifles in existence. Designed, Built and Enhanced by Long Range Shooters...

masterpiecearms.com

"John Hancock" Bolt Action Rifle - Deposit

[email protected]

patriotvalleyarms.com

Search our events/products and add to your shopping cart

store.ashburyprecisionordnance.com

You forgot (depending on the gun):

20 MOA Scope Mount $60 - 110
Quality Rings $100-200
Flip-up Scope Covers, Throw Lever, Bubble Level - $100
Magazines (or in some cases additional magazines) $35-75 per mag

 

[hereinaz]

I don't get some of the recommendations in this thread. If he's not running competition, why would he need to spend $2.5K on a Nucleus? Or worse, 4K on a custom gun. Is there 2.5-4.0X of value over a Bergara, Howa, or similar if the intent is casual long range work? Not being snarky. Just help me understand.

It's pretty simple. He asked opinions that included custom. He doesn't need to spend $4,000.00 as a "casual shooter" but that was his question, including custom actions. He can't buy a "custom" rifle build, but can buy one of the "semi custom factory" options. Now, he can pick what he wants.

Yes, having shot the Bergara and Howa, to me, there absolutely is a difference that is worth it. I own Howa, and they are great rifles. Will they shoot that much better? Not really. The only reason I own them are because one is a mini action and the other I picked up for so cheap I couldn't pass it up. Also, with Howa and Bergara, there is still a chance he gets a lemon or has to tweak it, but it is much less likely that happens with a Nucleus.

I am not here to convince OP to buy factory or custom, but I answered his question with what he could get in his budget. But, if you ask guys who buy a custom, very few will go back to factory. As a "casual shooter" I spent $800.00 on my first rifle rig, the entire package. It shot just fine for the casual shooter. But, I wouldn't say I am a casual shooter any more, and I won't buy another Savage...

 

[EvilEmpire]

Thank you for all the feedback! It’s much appreciated.

 

[Anonymoose]

You forgot (depending on the gun):

20 MOA Scope Mount $60 - 110
Quality Rings $100-200
Flip-up Scope Covers, Throw Lever, Bubble Level - $100
Magazines (or in some cases additional magazines) $35-75 per mag

Oh c'mon, we all know that we consciously exclude those items from our total spend.

 

[B_w.]

Tikka ctr, your choice of chassis, Gen 2 razor or Athlon crocus btr. Arc nucleus is also very nice. Tikka is a $20 trigger spring away from being very good. Will get you way past 1000.

 

[IDR]

I have been shooting a 6.5 CM with a stock CTR T3X Tikka out to 1,200 yards at the COSSA range in Central Oregon. It is one of the nest all around ranges in the US. Gong range to one mile. I have not got consistent hits beyond that but what do you expect from a 9.5 pound factory rifle? (sling, ammo and scope) .I recently upgraded to a KRG Bravo stock. I like it. But no noticable increase in range. The semi custom rifles you mention have long delivery schedules. They are not really facotry rifles for PRS competition. Look at the Tikka https://choose.tikka.fi/usa/tikka/t1x-upr.

 

[copier11]

I didn’t read the rules......

 

[2aBaC̶a̶]

I have a brand new rifle, scope, case, loaded! Never fired, custom ordered from

BadRock Precision Rifles South Fork - Firearms for tactical and target use.

BadRock Rifles are built for tactical and target use, the South Fork uses a precision bolt action, set into an aluminum chassis. Call us at 406-897-2776.

badrockrifles.com

It is a 6.5 Creedmoor, muzzle brake, magazine, 30 moa base, etc.


BadRock South Fork 6.5 CM RH (Ordered on 3/06/2020)

Huckleberry chassis
SCOPE RAIL 30 MOA BADROCK Muzzle Brake
Area 419
Magazine -MDT - 308 10 RD

$2374.99



Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5x25x50mm SFP EBR-4 MOA Reticle $857.65

Seekins Precision 30mm Tube .97" High 4 Cap Screw Scope Ring $136.74

APACHE 9800 Weatherproof Protective Rifle Case - Long Black $158.99

(5/27/2020)

Mike Lucas custom cleaning bore guidefor South Fork in 6.5CM for J. Dewey cleaning rod .1875" in diameter $66.95

AAdmount custom flip scope caps $108.80

1 x Switchview Magnification Adjustment Throw Lever, Anodized Flat Black, 1811SV Vortex Viper PST GenII SKU: 3KM-RA-MATL-1811SV

1 x Vortex Riflescope Accessory - Bubble Level BL30
Size: 30 mm Outer Diameter: 2.2 - 2.4in SKU: VX-RA-LVL-BL30 $86.87

Total $3790.99

sell for $3300, I have no place to shoot it, COVID killed private range in my area

Got any personal references there Mr. First time poster?

 

[65prc]

I have a Seekins havak bravo and a Daniel defense delta five- bith 6.5 cm-both are lasers. Love both. They both have vortex viper pst 6-24x50 scopes.
Seekins purchased from cheaper than dirt, delta five from grab a gun and scopes from euro optic.
both rifles shoot better than half moa consistently and ring steel at 1000 yards easily. Almost too easily.

 

[2aBaC̶a̶]

I have a Seekins havak bravo and a Daniel defense delta five- bith 6.5 cm-both are lasers. Love both. They both have vortex viper pst 6-24x50 scopes.
Seekins purchased from cheaper than dirt, delta five from grab a gun and scopes from euro optic.
both rifles shoot better than half moa consistently and ring steel at 1000 yards easily. Almost too easily.

Two more good options for production rifles.

 

[JLTX]

Bought a Tikka Tac A1 in 6.5cm several months ago. Mounted a NF NX8 4-32 (Mil-C) onto a Spuhr 3602. Have approx 500rds through and am extremely happy with the set up.

 

[STLSteve86]

Save up a little more and buy a used 6.5 from the px section and see what you like

 

[hereinaz]

Two more good options for production rifles.

The DD I saw at SHOT did not impress me. Not bad, but better rifles for that money.

 

[UTShooter58]

For that budget you can get a Tikka T3x Tac A1 and put a Vortex Razor Gen II on it; which is what I did. I don’t know whether it will eventually limit me, but if it does I’ll be shocked. its not often you’re pleasantly surprised when you get what you think will be awesome gear, but this setup far outshines what I expected.

to do better you’d have to spend a LOT more

 

[10X Rifles]

PM me. I might have what you want for sale .

 

[Zatchmo]

Lots of recommendations here. I went down this path myself. I bought a howa even before they had a cool chassis. Try to be honest with yourself about how much you're going to shoot. If that answer is <500 rounds, off the shelf rifle is a great suggestion. If that answer is 5k rounds (multiple barrels), think seriously about the recommendations above that have prefits available. Barrel vice and wrench are optional initially.

Whatever you pick, just get out and shoot and have fun.

 

[Leland T]

I would consider a Tikka T3x Tac A1 and a used 3 -15, or 4-16 quality rifle scope and you should be way under budget.

 

[russ10x]

Get yourself a Bergara B14 HMR in 6.5 Creedmoor EGW 20MOA steel scope rail, Vortex Diamondback Tactical MRAD scope. Vortex medium 30 mm rings, Harris BRMS bipod 6-9, and a APA brake. That will leave you enough money for a decent case and if you can find it a few boxes of ammo.and a decent shooting bag. With that set up you can keep up nicely with the big boys. Then get the Bergara B14R trainer in .22 and swap the optics snd bipod in the off season and truly have a compatible training system. Don’t fall for all the big bucks stuff when you are just starting out.

 

[max1840]

I'm not going to tell you what to do I'll just give you the path I followed. I started with a Savage M10 in .308. Ended up upgrading the trigger, barrel and replaced the plastic stock with a aluminum chassis. A year later I built a 6.5 PRC, 6mm Dasher and a .300PRC. One right after another. Start simple and follow your interest if it leads you further. It has become all encompassing for me.