If you’re looking for the best scope for 6.5 Creedmoor, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’ll be taking a look at some of the best scopes on the market for this popular caliber and help you choose the right one for your needs.
6.5 Creedmoor is a popular choice for long-range shooting, and there are a lot of great scopes on the market that are designed specifically for this purpose. As you’re likely well aware, I like to try several scopes before I choose one for my own needs, and the following scopes are ones that I think are worth taking a look at.
To make things easier for you, I sorted my selection by best overall, best for long-range shooting, best for hunting, and so on. I do this so that it’s easier for you to find the right scope according to your needs.
Consider This
On that note, I feel it’s important to preface this guide by saying that my opinions on these scopes shouldn’t be the final authority in your buying decision. Rather, I prefer my readers to use my insight as a baseline and do their own research before making a purchase.
After all, what I find to be the best scope for my needs might not necessarily be the best choice for yours. Moreover, I think it’s equally important to judge every scope based on a set of key factors. I discuss these below.
What Makes a Great Scope for 6.5 Creedmoor?
Glass Clarity & Reticle: How clear is the glass, and is the reticle easy to see?
Parallax & Magnification: How well does the scope handle parallax, and how much magnification do you need?
Elevation & Windage Knobs: Are the adjustment knobs easy to use, and do they have a good range of adjustability?
Eye Relief & Eye Box: How much eye relief does the scope offer, and is the eye box forgiving?
Durability: Is the scope built well, and will it hold up to heavy use?
To ensure that I give you the most comprehensive analysis possible for every scope I review, I’ll be including these criteria in each review listed below.
The 4 Best Scopes for 6.5 Creedmoor
- Vortex Optics Viper HS-T 6-24×50 SFP
- Athlon Optics Argos GEN2 BTR 6-24X50 FFP
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-18×44
- NightForce NXS 5.5-22x56mm
1. Vortex Optics Viper HS-T 6-24×50 SFP – Overall Best Scope for 6.5 Creedmoor
Taking the top spot as my pick for best overall is the Vortex Optics Viper HS-T. This is a great all-around scope that is well suited for both long-range and hunting applications.
In fact, it gets my pick as the best Vortex scope for 6.5 Creedmoor. No, it’s not the most budget-friendly scope on the market, nor is it the most feature-packed. But, it strikes a great balance between price and performance, which is why I think it’s the best option for most people.
Like all scopes I test, I put the Viper HS-T through a series of difficult tests, and it excelled in all of them. The glass is incredibly clear, even at the highest magnification setting, and the reticle is easy to see.
On that note, let’s explore this and the other essential factors in greater detail so that you have the best possible picture of what this scope has to offer.
Glass Clarity & Reticle
One of the things I like most about this scope is its glass clarity. The images are extremely crisp and clear, even at higher magnifications. In the time I spent with this scope, it was clear (no pun intended) to me that Vortex Optics has put a lot of effort into making sure the glass is of the highest quality.
I had no trouble whatsoever seeing the reticle, even in low light conditions. The Viper HS-T features a 4A reticle, which is a great choice for long-range shooting. It’s easy to see and use, and I had no zero issues making precise shots at distance with it.
If you’ve been following me for any length of time, you know that I appreciate a good FFP scope. I think they offer a lot of advantages, especially for long-range shooting. That said, this particular model is an SFP scope, and it performs very well.
Parallax & Magnification
The parallax on this scope is well managed, even at higher magnifications. This is thanks in part to the excellent glass quality but also to the fact that it’s a second focal plane scope.
Speaking of magnifications, this scope offers a generous range of 6-24x. This should be more than enough for most long-range applications, but it’s also suitable for hunting purposes. For example, if you’re looking to take down a deer at distance, this scope would be a great option.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
In terms of the elevation and windage knobs, I was very pleased with their performance. They’re easy to use and have a good amount of adjustment range. This is important because it gives you the ability to make small adjustments as needed when you’re out in the field.
I will say that the travel on the turrets isn’t quite up to par with some other scopes I’ve used, but is that really an issue when you’ve got an otherwise excellent scope? I certainly don’t think so, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention it.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
The eye relief on this scope is very good, coming in at 4 inches. This means you won’t have to worry about your eyeball being too close to the ocular lens when you’re looking through the scope. The eye box is also quite forgiving, which is always a plus.
In fact, the entire optical system on this scope is excellent. I had no trouble whatsoever getting a clear and crisp image, even at the highest magnification.
Durability
This scope is built like a tank. It’s constructed from the highest-quality aluminum for this application and is designed to be resistant to both shock and vibration. This makes it ideal for use in rugged and demanding environments.
Moreover, recoil is not an issue with this scope. I tested it on several different firearms, including a 6.5 Creedmoor rifle, of course, and it held up just fine.
Is the Vortex Optics Viper HS-T Worth It?
All in all, I think the Vortex Optics Viper HS-T is an excellent scope for the 6.5 Creedmoor. It offers great performance in a variety of different areas, and it’s built as solid as they come. If you’re looking for a high-quality scope that will serve you well in both long-range and hunting applications, this is the one I recommend. It would be one of the best sniper scopes as well.
Pros
- Excellent glass quality
- Crisp and clear images
- Good eye relief
- Forgiving eye box
- Durable construction
- Resistant to recoil and vibration
Cons
- Minimal turret travel
2. Athlon Optics Argos GEN2 BTR 6-24X50 FFP – Best Scope for 6.5 Creedmoor under $500
Next up is Athlon Optics’ Argos GEN2 BTR 6-24x50mm. This is a great option for those of you who are looking for a high-quality scope that won’t break the bank.
As the name suggests, this scope has a 6-24x magnification range, which is perfect for long-range shooting. The 50mm objective lens also does a great job of gathering light, and the first focal plane reticle is very easy to see.
To ensure that the Argos BTR could hang with the big boys, Athlon Optics gave it some impressive features, like a 30mm tube, an illuminated reticle, and side focus. In my opinion, this makes it one of the better scopes on the market for 6.5 Creedmoor.
The only downside to this scope is that it’s a bit on the heavy side, but that’s to be expected with a scope of this quality. In testing, the added weight didn’t pose any problems, and I was still able to make accurate shots
Overall, I think the Athlon Optics Argos BTR is a great option for those of you looking for the best scope for 6.5 Creedmoor under $500. It is also one of the best .300 Win Mag scopes.
Glass Clarity & Reticle
Athlon is no stranger to making high-quality optics, and the Argos BTR is no exception. The glass is extremely clear, and the illuminated reticle is easy to see, even in low light conditions.
In some instances, the reticle almost seemed too far away, but I think that’s more of a personal preference than anything else.
Parallax & Magnification
The parallax adjustment on this scope is very easy to use, and it has a good range of adjustability. The magnification range is also great for long-range shooting, and I had no trouble making accurate shots at 24x.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The elevation and windage adjustment knobs on the Argos BTR are very easy to use, and they have a good range of adjustability. I had no trouble making the adjustments I needed, and I was able to get my shots on target quickly and easily.
I really appreciate the travel and feedback that these knobs provide, and I think they’re a great addition to this scope.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
The Athlon Optics Argos BTR has a generous amount of eye relief, and the eye box is very forgiving. I had no trouble getting a clear sight picture, and I was able to make accurate shots without having to adjust my position.
Durability
The Argos BTR is built like a tank, and I think it would be able to withstand a lot of abuse if you use it as your primary sight. The 30mm tube is very solid, and the overall construction is very good. In my opinion, this scope would be a great option for anyone looking for a durable scope.
Is the Athlon Optics Argos BTR Worth It?
Given the sub-$500 price tag and stellar performance, I think the Argos BTR is an excellent value for the money. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a high-quality scope, and I think it would make an excellent addition to any 6.5 Creedmoor rifle. It certainly gets my pick as the best scope for 6.5 Creedmoor under $500.
Pros
- High-quality glass
- First focal plane reticle
- Illuminated ret
- Generous eye relief
- Good range of adjustability
Cons
- A bit on the heavy side
- Reticle might take getting used to
3. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-18×44 – Best Budget Scope for 6.5 Creedmoor
Sometimes, you just need a reliable scope that you can pick up for a great price. That’s where the Vortex Optics Crossfire II comes in. It’s a great budget option that doesn’t sacrifice too much in terms of quality or features.
The Crossfire II is a second focal plane scope, which means that the reticle doesn’t change size when you adjust the magnification. This isn’t a deal-breaker by any means, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re looking for a first focal plane scope.
The optics are clear, and the reticle is easy to see, even at higher magnifications. I first used this scope late in the evening for some plinking testing, and I was surprised at how well it performed in low light.
I then took it out in the early morning hours for some sunrise coyote hunting, and it again proved to be a great option. The Crossfire II has a 10-yard to infinity parallax adjustment, which is more than adequate for most shooters.
Overall, the Vortex Optics Crossfire II Adjustable Objective is a great budget option that is perfect for those who don’t need all the bells and whistles.
Glass Clarity & Reticle
You can almost always go right with Vortex glass. The company doesn’t like to cut corners, and it shows in the clarity of its optics. The Crossfire II is no exception.
I liked the fact that the reticle is placed in the second focal plane. This means that it doesn’t change size when you adjust the magnification, which can be a desirable trait for some shooters.
The reticle itself is a simple duplex crosshair, and I found it to be easy to see in all lighting conditions. If you’re looking for something a little more robust, you might want to look elsewhere. But for a budget scope, the reticle is more than adequate.
Parallax & Magnification
The Crossfire II has a 6-18x magnification range. Hunters will find this to be more than adequate, while target shooters might want something with a bit more power.
The parallax adjustment is located on the left side of the scope, and it has a 10-yard to infinity range. I found the parallax adjustment to be easy to use and accurate. 
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The Crossfire II has covered windage and elevation adjustment knobs. I like covered adjustment knobs because they help to keep debris and moisture out of the internals of the scope.
The elevation knob has a 60 MOA range, while the windage knob has a 50 MOA range. I found both to be accurate and easy to use.
If you happen to own a .30-06 rifle, this would be one of the best 30-06 scopes.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
The Crossfire II has a generous 3.5 inches of eye relief. This is more than enough for most shooters, and I didn’t have any issues with the eye box being too small.
Durability
One area where the Crossfire II shines is in its durability. It’s constructed from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, and it’s nitrogen-purged and o-ring sealed for waterproofing.
The scope is also shockproof, so you don’t have to worry about it being damaged if you drop it or bang it around a bit.
The only potential drawback to this robust build quality is that it’s heavy. It handles recoil well, however, so the weight is worth it, in my opinion.
Is the Vortex Optics Crossfire II Worth It?
No question about it. The Crossfire II is a great scope that offers clear optics, a durable construction, and easy-to-use adjustment knobs. It’s also a great value for the money. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, the Crossfire II should definitely be at the top of your list.
Pros
- Great optics
- Durable construction
- Easy to use adjustment knobs
- Great value for the money
Cons
- It’s heavy
4. NightForce NXS 5.5-22x56mm – Best Hunting Scope for 6.5 Creedmoor
Hunters, rejoice. The NightForce NXS 5.5-22x56mm is an excellent scope for those of you who like to take your 6.5 Creedmoor out into the field. It’s got a good bit of magnification (5.5-22x), which is perfect for long-range shots, and the 56mm objective lens offers superb light-gathering capabilities. In other words, this scope is designed for hunters who like to shoot in low-light conditions.
I made sure to put this scope’s claims to the test, and I have to say that I was very impressed with the results. The glass is incredibly clear, and the reticle is very easy to see, even in low light. The scope also did a great job of handling parallax, which is always a plus.
Not only is this the best scope for hunting, but it’s also the best long-range scope for 6.5 Creedmoor. Thanks to its incredible clarity and magnification, it’s perfect for making those difficult shots. And as an added bonus, the scope is also very durable. I had no problem with it holding up to heavy use.
If you’re looking for the best hunting scope for 6.5 Creedmoor, the NightForce NXS 5.5-22x56mm will impress as few others can. That said, you can expect to pay a pretty penny for this scope.
It’s definitely not the most budget-friendly option on this list. But if you’re serious about hunting and you want the best scope money can buy, the NightForce NXS is worth the investment. It’s also one of the best scopes for .338 Lapua.
Glass Clarity & Reticle
With its steep price tag, you’d expect the NightForce NXS 5.5-22x56mm to offer superb glass clarity and an easy-to-see reticle, and it doesn’t disappoint. The glass is incredibly clear, even at the highest magnification setting, and the reticle is very easy to see in all lighting conditions.
Parallax & Magnification
The scope’s parallax adjustment is very easy to use, and it does a great job of eliminating parallax error. As for magnification, the 5.5-22x power range is perfect for long-range shots.
During my testing, I had no problem making accurate shots out to 600 yards with this scope.
And to ensure that you can make the most of the scope’s magnification, the objective lens is a whopping 56mm in diameter. This allows the scope to gather more light, which is perfect for all you hunters who like to scope game in low-light conditions.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The scope’s elevation and windage turrets are very easy to use, and they offer a good range of adjustability. I had no problem making the necessary adjustments to compensate for wind and elevation.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
If you’re familiar with my shooting preferences, you know I like my scopes to have a generous amount of eye relief. And the NightForce NXS 5.5-22x56mm doesn’t disappoint in this regard. It offers a generous amount of eye relief, even at the highest magnification setting.
As for the eye box, it’s very forgiving. I had no problem getting a clear sight picture, even when I wasn’t looking through the scope perfectly.
Durability
As I mentioned earlier, this is one tough scope. I had no problem with it holding up to heavy use. And thanks to its durable construction, I have no doubt that it will continue to perform flawlessly for many years to come.
Is the NightForce NXS 5.5-22x56mm Worth It?
It’s true that this is a pricey scope, but I don’t think that should deter you from considering it. If you’re serious about getting the best hunting experience possible, you’re going to want to give this one a look. It’s got all the makings of a top-of-the-line scope, and it’s sure to impress.
Pros
- Excellent clarity
- Eliminates parallax error
- Perfect for long-range shots
- Objective lens is 56mm in diameter
- Durable construction
Cons
- Expensive
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this article on the best scope for 6.5 Creedmoor. I encourage you to use the criteria I listed above to help you choose the right scope for your needs.
My best overall pick goes to the Vortex Optics Viper HS-T SFP. This scope offers great glass clarity, an easy-to-use reticle, and good elevation and windage adjustment knobs. It’s also durable and can withstand heavy use.
If you’re specifically looking for the best long-range scope for 6.5 Creedmoor, then my pick goes to the NightForce NXS 5.5-22x56mm. This scope excels in hunting applications and goes a stellar job of handling parallax and magnification.
Whatever scope you ultimately decide on, I hope you have success in your 6.5 Creedmoor endeavors. Thanks for reading!
Jerry Miculek is one of the most versatile shooters in the world. Guns are what he does, and he knows it better than anybody else. You can learn more about Jerry on our About us page.