6.5 Creedmoor Options

[Domer]

I have just bought a Benelli Lupo Granit Moss in 6.5 CM with the 20 in barrel and a F&D UTS 281.

Even with a pard attached it’s not that heavy and short enough in length to not get in the way.

It seems accurate in the limited shots I’ve take and smooth in operation, it feels like a quality rifle . Recoil is bugger all and with that 281 up front it didn’t sound much louder than my mates hmr with a wild cat whisper.

I’m really pleased with mine and at a grand they are well priced for what you get.

I don’t get the safety catch issue as it’s quite stiff but them I rarely use a safety catch as I’m always unloaded when walking about so wouldn’t be an issue for me anyway.

 

[PhilSN12]

I have had my Sig Cross for a few years now and can't fault it. 18" barrel, no problems with accuracy, light, slick bolt action, no feed issues, just a very nice rifle to use and own.

 

[25 Sharps]

They have both been bore scoped and gauged and the dealer says they're both in excellent condition.

How much do you trust him? He’s trying to sell you a rifle at the end of the day.

 

[Shootinshyster]

Hey guys!

I'm looking to get a 6.5CM, new or second hand. It will be used for stalking and foxing, not any range work.

I've previously owned a .308 for stalking, but found it was 'too much rifle' for most of my deer work, which is the occasional harvesting of Roe at 150 yards max.

Therefore ideally light and handy, and not with a 24" barrel etc.

I like the look, feel and handling of the Benelli Lupo, but a couple of knowledgeable people have told me the safety catch position is unsafe as it routinely catches on your belt and 'knocks off'. Not that I ever rely on the safety catch, but this has caused me a double think.

Are there any models more tailored to stalking/field than target, perhaps with a shorter barrel as standard.

I'm in no rush to purchase, and once I have a couple of solid options on the table am happy to wait to try and find a good second hand opportunity.

Cheers,

Snapcaps

Just get a 6.5x55 instead. Find an old Husqvarna 1640 in 6.5x55 or a Voere Titan. Or a Tikka LSA-65. These older rifles are much nicer than anything made today

 

[Hardyb]

I have a tikka t3x super varmint in 6.5 creedmore. Great rifle but with a scope and wildcat mod, it's heavy.

 

[Mungo]

I am leaning towards the Tikka. Anyone agree/disagree? It doesn't have a rail on it. Would I need a 15/20MOA rail on it? I'm going to buy a Hikmicro Alpex Pro on the rifle

Tikka is the right answer.

0MOA rail is all you need.

 

[Bowland blades]

Hey guys!

I'm looking to get a 6.5CM, new or second hand. It will be used for stalking and foxing, not any range work.

I've previously owned a .308 for stalking, but found it was 'too much rifle' for most of my deer work, which is the occasional harvesting of Roe at 150 yards max.

Therefore ideally light and handy, and not with a 24" barrel etc.

I like the look, feel and handling of the Benelli Lupo, but a couple of knowledgeable people have told me the safety catch position is unsafe as it routinely catches on your belt and 'knocks off'. Not that I ever rely on the safety catch, but this has caused me a double think.

Are there any models more tailored to stalking/field than target, perhaps with a shorter barrel as standard.

I'm in no rush to purchase, and once I have a couple of solid options on the table am happy to wait to try and find a good second hand opportunity.

Cheers,

Snapcaps

there is no great different in energy produced between a 6.5 and 308 . having a few inches off the barrel is way way cheaper solution

 

[Leec6.5]

Hey guys!

I'm looking to get a 6.5CM, new or second hand. It will be used for stalking and foxing, not any range work.

I've previously owned a .308 for stalking, but found it was 'too much rifle' for most of my deer work, which is the occasional harvesting of Roe at 150 yards max.

Therefore ideally light and handy, and not with a 24" barrel etc.

I like the look, feel and handling of the Benelli Lupo, but a couple of knowledgeable people have told me the safety catch position is unsafe as it routinely catches on your belt and 'knocks off'. Not that I ever rely on the safety catch, but this has caused me a double think.

Are there any models more tailored to stalking/field than target, perhaps with a shorter barrel as standard.

I'm in no rush to purchase, and once I have a couple of solid options on the table am happy to wait to try and find a good second hand opportunity.

Cheers,

Snapcaps

Personally I would have gone up to 180gn and kept the 308 and saved yourself a wad of coin!

180gn would make a lovely neat job

 

[UpNorthMI]

Personally I would have gone up to 180gn and kept the 308 and saved yourself a wad of coin!

180gn would make a lovely neat job

I tried that some decades ago with a number of .308's that I owned (Ruger 77 & Remington 700), neither would shoot a 180 grain accurately, even though I tried several brands of ammo, I'm guessing they did not have a tight enough twist. The limit seemed to be 168 grain target type ammo. I went the other way and shot lighter bullets such as a 110gn round nose at about 2,650 fps, they were very pleasant to shoot, not destructive and I never had a roe complain about them.

Like the OP I've wanted something lighter than a .308 for smaller deer use in England, I've never been a big fan of .223 for deer, I tried one many years ago in Scotland for Roe but was not impressed even though I was careful in my bullet selection. The 6.5 Creedmoor is now so popular and comes with a lot of ammo choices & availability. As we move to non lead picking a high volume or popular caliber is a smart idea for ammo availability for those who do not reload. I've also reached the same conclusion and now have a 6.5 CR barrel for my Blaser R8 for small deer use. I will be trying out Barnes TTSX in 100 and 120 grains at reasonable speeds to see what performs best for smaller deer.