6.5 Creedmoor Rifle

'88Scrat · October 20, 2020, 12:05 AM

Finally decided I want to invest in a 6.5 CM rifle. After some soul searching, I'm thinking a bolt gun is the best option for me. I can worry about the optic later, that will be a while different bag of worms.

I was looking at a Remington 700 5R or a Christianson Arms Ridgeline. Considered a Proof Elevation but that's starting to be more of a PRS kind of setup.

Thoughts on the R700 vs CA Ridgeline? Ornother option entirely?

cptjack · October 20, 2020, 03:55 AM

tikka 3tx

jmr40 · October 20, 2020, 05:47 AM

If you're looking more toward a heavier target rifle then Tikka CTR.

https://choose.tikka.fi/usa/tikka/t3....5%20Creedmoor

Street price is around $1000 in blue, around $1100 in stainless. If you're shooting 1000 yards or less the 20" barrel is enough. If you want to go longer than 1000 yards 24" is an option. If you don't go too heavy with the scope they are still suitable for hunting. Certainly on the heavy side, but doable.

If you're geared more toward hunting then T-3. Street prices are about $600 in blue, $750 in Stainless. Weight scoped will be 7 1/4 to 7 1/2 lbs.

https://choose.tikka.fi/usa/tikka/t3....5%20Creedmoor

You can spend more money, but won't get a better rifle.

Nathan · October 20, 2020, 06:09 AM

CA, Tikka, Winchester 70.....done!

stagpanther · October 20, 2020, 06:37 AM

What is your primary intended use?

If you're considering a Mauser-style bolt and receiver like the Model 70--I'd also take a look at a Ruger Hawkeye which has many of the same outstanding characteristics--but IMO operates smoother than a 70 (I have both).

bamaranger · October 20, 2020, 06:57 AM

Bamaboy bought a Ruger Predator and plunked it into a Magpul stock and added a Vortex optic, dang thing shoots good groups with Hornady factory ammo.

stagpanther · October 20, 2020, 08:57 AM

The predators are nice--but nowhere near the same class as the Hawkeye.

Ruger does seem to have down the "budget Tupperware" rifle better than most other competitors.

Pathfinder45 · October 20, 2020, 12:30 PM

The 6.5 Creedmoor is now available in the Winchester model 70 Featherweight....

T. O'Heir · October 20, 2020, 12:55 PM

Considering the bankruptcy issues Remington is in the middle of, I'd be thinking anything but unless you're building the rifle. Otherwise, one commercial hunting rifle is pretty much the same as the next.
Best you find a reliable source of ammo and/or brass too. Both Midway and Graf's show ammo as being difficult to come by. Brass is kind of sporadic too. Buying as much brass as you can find/afford, when/if you can find it is a good idea too.
Can't find any recoil tables with the 6.5 Creed on it but that Christiansen Arms rifle weighs 6.3 pounds. Sounds kind of light to me. A 142 grain bullet out of an 8 pound rifle has about 12 foot pounds of recoil energy.

stagpanther · October 20, 2020, 01:58 PM

Quote:

The 6.5 Creedmoor is now available in the Winchester model 70 Featherweight....

It's also available in a lightweight Hawkeye--either one would probably shoot great--as well as hold their value well.

Tallest · October 20, 2020, 02:48 PM

If it were me, though I'm not a fan of the stock, I would get the Ruger Hawkeye FTW 6.5 cm. I have a buddy who has one, and it is in the top 5 of the most comfortable to shoot, consistent, and accurate rifles I've ever handled. But of the two options mentioned in the OP, I would go with the Christianson Arms. Remington has some proving themselves to do.

**Shane Tuttle** · October 20, 2020, 02:53 PM

I'm a big fan of Savage. They have several different models to tailor to your needs. Here's one example:

https://savagearms.com/content?p=fir...ummary&s=57552

stagpanther · October 20, 2020, 03:33 PM

Hmmm...didn't know about the axis 2 on MDT chassis already assembled being offered now by savage--even though I've put together a couple myself. Looks about even price wise with a home-brew.

Rob228 · October 20, 2020, 03:40 PM

I picked up a Kimber Hunter in 6.5 last week, put a 2.5-10 Vortex Viper on it. I'm waiting for the local range to get over the pre-opening day rush, should be able to put some rounds through it this weekend.

kilotanker22 · October 20, 2020, 07:29 PM

Tough call, either would be ok. The Christensen probably excellent.

'88Scrat · October 20, 2020, 07:53 PM

I'm not gonna lie...

I kinda just want one because...

Why not?

I'm sure I'd use it for a few hunting trips but more than anything the one thing I lack in my collection is a rifle that reach out 600 yards plus accurately and reliably. The more I think about it a PRS might subconsciously what I'm going for.

bamaranger · October 21, 2020, 12:41 AM

Wanting a new rifle in 6.5CM is reason enough to have one if a fella is so inclined. The 6.5 CM gets to 600 and beyond with less drop and drift than a .308, and thus is more forgiving with range and wind estimations. It does that with less recoil as well. The 6.5CM has also been wildly touted in the gun press. Resultantly, a lot of 6.5CM rifles have been sold, and though developed as a paper puncher, there are undoubtedly now a lot of those rifles afield for game. I've been tempted to obtain a Kimber Hunter in 6.5CM myself.

For me, thing is, as primarily a hunter, I don't shoot stuff at 600 and beyond. Additionally, in fact I don't think there's a 600 yd range within an hours drive of me if I wanted to punch paper that far out. So I've resisted the urge to get a 6.5CM.

So far.

stagpanther · October 21, 2020, 07:28 AM

If you're thinking mostly paper-punching--you might want to give 6mm Creedmoor some thought.

Andy1 · October 21, 2020, 09:47 PM

I'm not one for bolt guns, generally. I prefer single shots. Winchester 1885 in 6.5CM is super nice. There's also the Henry Long Ranger lever gun 6.5CM.

Dranrab · October 23, 2020, 08:40 AM

In the past year I have had to send both a Remington 5R and a CA Mesa back to the factory for not functioning correctly.

I'd look no further than a Tikka. Disappointed Tikka owners are an endangered species.

Eight_is_enough · October 24, 2020, 12:11 AM

I would get the 5R. I don't have one, just several older 700's, but the 5R sounds great.

One nice thing about a 700 is that it is a push-feed, and so it can easily be shot single-shot. A 700 is a great action to add a new barrel to a few years down the road, too.

hooligan1 · October 26, 2020, 04:13 AM

My son picked up the Savage Tactical Hunter which is a fantastic shooter.
Pick one up and handle it before you decide to pay for another name brand.

Houndog · October 29, 2020, 07:05 PM

If you don't mind a little extra weight, it's hard to go wrong with a Tikka CTR in 6.5CM.

Plus, if you decide to go this route and then want to do PRS/long range shooting you can swap out the stock for an XLR chassis, spend $10 on a YoDave trigger spring and shoot the rifle out to 1000 yards. That's what I did with mine and its a .75 MOA rifle.

epl1007 · October 31, 2020, 12:54 PM

Tikka T3

October 20, 2020, 12:05 AM	#1
'88Scrat Senior Member Join Date: July 11, 2011 Location: Kansas Posts: 549	6.5 Creedmoor Rifle Finally decided I want to invest in a 6.5 CM rifle. After some soul searching, I'm thinking a bolt gun is the best option for me. I can worry about the optic later, that will be a while different bag of worms. I was looking at a Remington 700 5R or a Christianson Arms Ridgeline. Considered a Proof Elevation but that's starting to be more of a PRS kind of setup. Thoughts on the R700 vs CA Ridgeline? Ornother option entirely? __________________ BOOM

October 20, 2020, 05:47 AM	#3
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,809	If you're looking more toward a heavier target rifle then Tikka CTR. https://choose.tikka.fi/usa/tikka/t3....5%20Creedmoor Street price is around $1000 in blue, around $1100 in stainless. If you're shooting 1000 yards or less the 20" barrel is enough. If you want to go longer than 1000 yards 24" is an option. If you don't go too heavy with the scope they are still suitable for hunting. Certainly on the heavy side, but doable. If you're geared more toward hunting then T-3. Street prices are about $600 in blue, $750 in Stainless. Weight scoped will be 7 1/4 to 7 1/2 lbs. https://choose.tikka.fi/usa/tikka/t3....5%20Creedmoor You can spend more money, but won't get a better rifle. __________________ "If you're still doing things the same way you were doing them 10 years ago, you're doing it wrong" Winston Churchill

October 20, 2020, 06:37 AM	#5
stagpanther Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2014 Posts: 11,789	What is your primary intended use? If you're considering a Mauser-style bolt and receiver like the Model 70--I'd also take a look at a Ruger Hawkeye which has many of the same outstanding characteristics--but IMO operates smoother than a 70 (I have both). __________________ "Everyone speaks gun."--Robert O'Neill *I am NOT an expert--I do not have any formal experience or certification in firearms use or testing; use any information I post at your own risk!*

October 20, 2020, 06:57 AM	#6
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,312	options Bamaboy bought a Ruger Predator and plunked it into a Magpul stock and added a Vortex optic, dang thing shoots good groups with Hornady factory ammo.

October 20, 2020, 08:57 AM	#7
stagpanther Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2014 Posts: 11,789	The predators are nice--but nowhere near the same class as the Hawkeye. Ruger does seem to have down the "budget Tupperware" rifle better than most other competitors. __________________ "Everyone speaks gun."--Robert O'Neill *I am NOT an expert--I do not have any formal experience or certification in firearms use or testing; use any information I post at your own risk!*

October 20, 2020, 03:55 AM	#2
cptjack Senior Member Join Date: October 1, 2014 Posts: 314	tikka 3tx

October 20, 2020, 06:09 AM	#4
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,331	CA, Tikka, Winchester 70.....done!

October 20, 2020, 12:30 PM	#8
Pathfinder45 Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2008 Posts: 3,224	The 6.5 Creedmoor is now available in the Winchester model 70 Featherweight....

October 20, 2020, 12:55 PM	#9
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	Considering the bankruptcy issues Remington is in the middle of, I'd be thinking anything but unless you're building the rifle. Otherwise, one commercial hunting rifle is pretty much the same as the next. Best you find a reliable source of ammo and/or brass too. Both Midway and Graf's show ammo as being difficult to come by. Brass is kind of sporadic too. Buying as much brass as you can find/afford, when/if you can find it is a good idea too. Can't find any recoil tables with the 6.5 Creed on it but that Christiansen Arms rifle weighs 6.3 pounds. Sounds kind of light to me. A 142 grain bullet out of an 8 pound rifle has about 12 foot pounds of recoil energy. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

October 20, 2020, 02:48 PM	#11
Tallest Senior Member Join Date: January 23, 2016 Location: West of the Atlantic Posts: 418	If it were me, though I'm not a fan of the stock, I would get the Ruger Hawkeye FTW 6.5 cm. I have a buddy who has one, and it is in the top 5 of the most comfortable to shoot, consistent, and accurate rifles I've ever handled. But of the two options mentioned in the OP, I would go with the Christianson Arms. Remington has some proving themselves to do. __________________ Matthew "All men are ignorant. The topics of our ignorance may vary, but the nature of the world is that no man may know everything." ~ R Jordan

October 20, 2020, 02:53 PM	#12
Shane Tuttle Staff Join Date: November 28, 2005 Location: Montana Posts: 9,443	I'm a big fan of Savage. They have several different models to tailor to your needs. Here's one example: https://savagearms.com/content?p=fir...ummary&s=57552 __________________ If it were up to me, the word "got" would be deleted from the English language. Posting and YOU: http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/posting

October 20, 2020, 03:33 PM	#13
stagpanther Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2014 Posts: 11,789	Hmmm...didn't know about the axis 2 on MDT chassis already assembled being offered now by savage--even though I've put together a couple myself. Looks about even price wise with a home-brew. __________________ "Everyone speaks gun."--Robert O'Neill *I am NOT an expert--I do not have any formal experience or certification in firearms use or testing; use any information I post at your own risk!*

October 20, 2020, 03:40 PM	#14
Rob228 Senior Member Join Date: May 29, 2010 Location: Hampstead NC Posts: 1,450	I picked up a Kimber Hunter in 6.5 last week, put a 2.5-10 Vortex Viper on it. I'm waiting for the local range to get over the pre-opening day rush, should be able to put some rounds through it this weekend.

October 20, 2020, 07:29 PM	#15
kilotanker22 Senior Member Join Date: October 14, 2012 Location: North Central, PA Posts: 2,117	Tough call, either would be ok. The Christensen probably excellent. __________________ “We do not seek peace in order to be at war, but we go to war that we may have peace. Be peaceful, therefore, in warring, so that you may vanquish those whom you war against, and bring them to the prosperity of peace. – St. Augustine

October 20, 2020, 07:53 PM	#16
'88Scrat Senior Member Join Date: July 11, 2011 Location: Kansas Posts: 549	I'm not gonna lie... I kinda just want one because... Why not? I'm sure I'd use it for a few hunting trips but more than anything the one thing I lack in my collection is a rifle that reach out 600 yards plus accurately and reliably. The more I think about it a PRS might subconsciously what I'm going for. __________________ BOOM

October 21, 2020, 12:41 AM	#17
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,312	600 yds Wanting a new rifle in 6.5CM is reason enough to have one if a fella is so inclined. The 6.5 CM gets to 600 and beyond with less drop and drift than a .308, and thus is more forgiving with range and wind estimations. It does that with less recoil as well. The 6.5CM has also been wildly touted in the gun press. Resultantly, a lot of 6.5CM rifles have been sold, and though developed as a paper puncher, there are undoubtedly now a lot of those rifles afield for game. I've been tempted to obtain a Kimber Hunter in 6.5CM myself. For me, thing is, as primarily a hunter, I don't shoot stuff at 600 and beyond. Additionally, in fact I don't think there's a 600 yd range within an hours drive of me if I wanted to punch paper that far out. So I've resisted the urge to get a 6.5CM. So far.

October 21, 2020, 07:28 AM	#18
stagpanther Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2014 Posts: 11,789	If you're thinking mostly paper-punching--you might want to give 6mm Creedmoor some thought. __________________ "Everyone speaks gun."--Robert O'Neill *I am NOT an expert--I do not have any formal experience or certification in firearms use or testing; use any information I post at your own risk!*

October 21, 2020, 09:47 PM	#19
Andy1 Member Join Date: March 16, 2019 Posts: 71	I'm not one for bolt guns, generally. I prefer single shots. Winchester 1885 in 6.5CM is super nice. There's also the Henry Long Ranger lever gun 6.5CM.

October 23, 2020, 08:40 AM	#20
Dranrab Senior Member Join Date: January 24, 2016 Location: NOLA Posts: 203	In the past year I have had to send both a Remington 5R and a CA Mesa back to the factory for not functioning correctly. I'd look no further than a Tikka. Disappointed Tikka owners are an endangered species.

October 24, 2020, 12:11 AM	#21
Eight_is_enough Senior Member Join Date: June 17, 2013 Posts: 168	I would get the 5R. I don't have one, just several older 700's, but the 5R sounds great. One nice thing about a 700 is that it is a push-feed, and so it can easily be shot single-shot. A 700 is a great action to add a new barrel to a few years down the road, too.

October 26, 2020, 04:13 AM	#22
hooligan1 Senior Member Join Date: July 18, 2010 Location: Independence Missouri Posts: 4,586	My son picked up the Savage Tactical Hunter which is a fantastic shooter. Pick one up and handle it before you decide to pay for another name brand. __________________ Keep your Axe sharp and your powder dry.

October 29, 2020, 07:05 PM	#23
Houndog Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2006 Posts: 324	If you don't mind a little extra weight, it's hard to go wrong with a Tikka CTR in 6.5CM. Plus, if you decide to go this route and then want to do PRS/long range shooting you can swap out the stock for an XLR chassis, spend $10 on a YoDave trigger spring and shoot the rifle out to 1000 yards. That's what I did with mine and its a .75 MOA rifle.

October 31, 2020, 12:54 PM	#24
epl1007 Member Join Date: August 28, 2015 Posts: 72	Tikka T3