Which 6.5 Creedmoor Would You Go With?

[SteveAndTheCrigBoys]

I've been riding the indecision train on a 6.5 Creedmoor for a while now. I've narrowed it down to six, partially based on buying new or buying used. Which would you go with? Being vague on some of the models because some of the used models with those actions vary.

Hunting mostly deer and bear in the northwest, mostly backcountry, and want to be comfortable out to 500. Likely shooting a 140+ grain round.

 

[chicoredneck]

If in a bolt action I would skip the 6.6 creedmoor personally and go with the 6.5 PRC. It will give you a little better wind performance if shooting out to 500 yards. Have you thought about an AR10? If only shooting out to 500 yards you can buy or build a lightweight AR10 in 6.5 Creedmoor that will be more versatile than a bolt action.

Of the models you mention above, I have experience with a Tikka in 6.5 creedmoor. It shot very well and was light. Recoil was a bit excessive for such a mile round until I put a new recoil pad on it.

 

[260madman]

I have the HCS. Very smooth, light and not much recoil. I’d buy another one.

 

[hereinaz]

Bergera for me. REM 700 pattern and well made. I would also try the carbon fiber Howa.

 

[Superdoo]

For money and weight. Take the stainless Tikka.

 

[260madman]

Bergera for me. REM 700 pattern and well made. I would also try the carbon fiber Howa.

Being a Howa fan I’d definitely want to handle the rifle in person. They’re actions are heavy. Nothing worse than having a rifle that doesn’t balance well. I have a Howa Alpine that is pretty nice balance wise.

 

[Mulyhuntr]

If in a bolt action I would skip the 6.6 creedmoor personally and go with the 6.5 PRC. It will give you a little better wind performance if shooting out to 500 yards. Have you thought about an AR10? If only shooting out to 500 yards you can buy or build a lightweight AR10 in 6.5 Creedmoor that will be more versatile than a bolt action.

Of the models you mention above, I have experience with a Tikka in 6.5 creedmoor. It shot very well and was light. Recoil was a bit excessive for such a mile round until I put a new recoil pad on it.

Don't know that a 12+lb ar would make my top 10 list for a deer/bear rig.

My vote goes to a tikka superlite or lite. Skip the prc as the creedmoor is right at the verge of fun in terms of recoil from a Tikka imo. Creedmoor will do anything a prc will inside 500 and ammo/brass are much easier to come by.

 

[AZ_Hunter_2000]

Which one shoulders the best for you?

My T3X in 6.5 CM has been awesome since day one. Recoil is minimal and the bullets go where you want them to.

Using 129 gr ABLR at 2900 fps. Hits 1800 fps @ 800 yards.

 

[MeatMissile]

I bought 2, a new 700 ADL that I bolted into a B&C stock, and a T3x Superlite. The Tikka has a lot more OAL with the M+ magazine. But, I like the 700 more and it shoots great. So I sold the T3x.

 

[ScreamingPotato]

There's a nice PRC in the classifieds, same bullets but a little bit faster.

 

[ReddingArcher]

Couldn’t resist! I’d go with a Tikka but I’m a fanboy.

 

[Sprunk]

I threw my vote out for the Tikka T3x Lite, as you are going backcountry. But if you're browsing take a look at the Bergara's, lots of model options. I have a 2 and they are shooters, I love my Tikka as well though!

 

[BrentH]

I have a HCS in 6.5cm and it is a great rifle. However, if I was to do it over again, I would strongly consider the Tikka.

 

[WCB]

Out of your list the Bergara. We picked one as a retirement gift for my former manager...I was surprised by it and it quickly turned into one of his facorite guns. (Needless to say he has a couple hands worth of fingers of rifles). Not on your list Savage High Country. I own one in 6.5manbun and absoltely my favorite gun to shoot and my best shooting rifle. 135 Berger Hybrids or 140 Accubonds shoot absolutely lights out

 

[NorthIDHunter]

How has @Ryan Avery not jumped on this post yet? I could have sworn I read somewhere he was the new 6.5CM spokesperson. @robby denning were you not being truthful?

 

[MeatMissile]

 

[Couescrazy33]

Kimber rifle is my choice

 

[MTMeatHunter]

I would definitely go with my Creedmoor Mesa that’s listed in the classifieds, since it’s a proven shooter at a great price . But seriously, the only reason I’m selling is because I want the same rifle in 308. They’re sweet little hunting rigs that to me, are light enough to be nice to carry, and heavy enough to be easy to shoot well. The sweet spot between Kimber and Bergara.

 

[swavescatter]

I love my Bergara 6.5CM HMR Wilderness, but the stock is heavy for hunting. I’d go with the lighter B14’s or just buy a lighter chassis for hunting.

The beauty of Bergaras is the REM 700 platform - tons of options for customizing.

 

[SteveAndTheCrigBoys]

One thing I left out is that I’m partially going down to a 6.5 because I’m recoil shy. I’m hoping a lot of reps with this gun will eventually help out with that at larger calibers.