Best 6.5 Creedmoor Barrels for the Money (2022)
OUR TOP CHOICE: Howa 1500 Barreled Action
- Adjustable trigger pull
- Stunning accuracy and range
- Comes fully assembled
- No headspace adjustments needed
The Howa 1500 6.5 Creedmoor Heavy Varmint 24″ Barreled Action is a stunning achievement in the hunting rifle world. It has a 1-8 twist rate and a light, two-stage trigger with an adjustable pull. The forged steel short-action receiver uses a hammer-forged barrel and a one-piece bolt.
The 6.5mm Creedmoor rifle is an excellent asset for any hunter. It has a flat trajectory that makes it easy to hit targets up to 1,200 yards away.
To make the most of its long-distance accuracy, you need to get a barrel that allows bullets to stay straight and on target. Look for a barrel that is hand-lapped and button-rifled for uniformity, and ideally, a barrel that is pre-installed to eliminate headspace hassles.
There are dozens of options online, but not all of them are high-quality products that are backed up by user reviews. Here are some of the best 6.5 Creedmoor barrels to add to your gun.
Best 6.5 Creedmoor Barrels in the Market
- Howa 1500 6.5 Creedmoor Heavy Varmint 24″
- Thompson Center Encore Pro-hunter 6.5 Creedmoor Barrel
- Criterion Barrels 308AR Hybrid Barrel
- Proof Research PR10 6.5 Creedmoor Carbon Fiber CamGas Rifle Barrel
- Aero Precision M5E1 Assembled Gen 2 Upper Receiver
- Proof Research PR10 Stainless Steel CamGas 6.5CM
- Faxon Firearms 20in, Heavy Fluted, 6.5 Creedmoor
Editor’s Choice: Howa 1500 6.5 Creedmoor Heavy Varmint 24″ Barreled Action
The Howa 1500 6.5 Creedmoor Heavy Varmint 24″ Barreled Action is a stunning achievement in the hunting rifle world. It has a 1-8 twist rate and a light, two-stage trigger with an adjustable pull. The forged steel short-action receiver uses a hammer-forged barrel and a one-piece bolt.
It has the barrel already placed and is fully assembled, so it’s easy to install in an existing gun without having to adjust the headspace or other barrel parts. Once it’s in, the 24″ barrel provides excellent accuracy up to 1,500 yards away. It’s an incredible investment for avid hunters who need to take their long-range shooting to the next level.
7 Best 6.5 Creedmoor Barrels Reviews
Although 24″ barrels typically don’t provide as much accuracy as longer ones, this model provides fantastic accuracy. The heavy barrel reduces recoil and can be shot over and over again with little need for cool-down time.
It’s perfect for stand shooting and any other relatively stationary hunting, but it can also be a great companion on more mobile hunts. Since the action is already assembled, it’s easier for novices to install and use it, especially if there is no gunsmith nearby to check the headspace.
The ⅝” -24 threaded muzzle delivers consistent results, both at the range and while hunting. It’s a stellar barrel that can make the most of the power packed into a 6.5 Creedmoor.
Who Should Get This?
This model is great for anyone who hunts in rough terrain or wants to work on their long-range shooting skills but doesn’t want to have to mess with measuring headspace.
- Trigger pull between 2.5-3.8 pounds
- Pre-assembled with action
- Headspace is already adjusted
- Excellent accuracy up to 1,500 yards
- Barrel is heavy for novice hunters without upper body strength
Shorter barrels are usually the cheapest on the market, but this value-priced 28″ barrel is an excellent choice for shooters on a budget who still want accuracy. It gets consistent, exceptional results both at the shooting range and in the thickest forests.
The lightweight, fluted design is helpful for hunters who stay on the move instead of waiting for their prey to come to them. It is pre-drilled and tapped for scopes, so hunters can quickly install new scopes as needed to take their skills to the next level.
The stainless-steel finish gives a professional appearance to your rifle and is durable enough to hold up to years of shooting and trudging through unforgiving terrain. It’s an excellent value for novice and veteran hunters.
Who Should Get This?
Hunters who stalk their prey instead of shooting from stands need a fluted barrel because of its lighter weight. Its 28″ length makes it an excellent value for anyone.
- 28″ length for better accuracy
- Fluted design is lighter than heavy barrels
- Pre-drilled and tapped for scope mounts
- Requires manual installation and checking of headspace
Read Also: 6.5 Creedmoor Muzzle Brake Reviews
Criterion Barrels has made high-quality barrels for a wide range of rifles, and their 6.5 Creedmoor barrel is no exception. Its hybrid contour balances weight and heat resistance for the best qualities of heavy and fluted barrel types. It has less recoil than fluted rifles, thanks to its heavier weight, yet it isn’t too heavy for hauling around on multi-day trips.
The .308 AR barrel is button-rifled and hand-lapped, creating a product that has bore uniformity throughout. It has some of the best accuracy available for 18″ rifles. It’s great for shorter-range hunting, including in wooded areas for large and small game.
This model is also available in 22″ length for slightly better accuracy. Both versions can be swapped with .308 Winchester guns and similar models as well for added flexibility.
Who Should Get This?
This model is the perfect fit for hunters who don’t like to lug around longer rifles, or for woodland hunters going after deer and small game.
- Short barrel is easier to store and carry
- Excellent accuracy, despite the short length
- Good price point
- Made in USA
- Requires headspace checking during installation
- Less accurate than longer barrels
Read Also: Top 6.5 Creedmoor Uppers
Proof Research puts out high-quality carbon fiber barrels that deliver stunning accuracy without cutting corners. The 20″, 22″, and 24″ lengths are all accurate and durable enough for even the more active hunters.
They are as durable as heavy steel barrels without the weight and can still dissipate heat. They are made by wrapping thin stainless steel in aeronautics-grade carbon fiber, so they’re strong enough for any adventure.
Carbon fiber barrels are not cheap, so they may not be a great value for gun owners who don’t hunt or don’t shoot rifles often. These barrels are fantastic, so they’re worth the investment if you put them to good use. Any gun with this barrel can be handed down as a family heirloom, spreading the joy of shooting to the next generation.
Who Should Get This?
These barrels are lightweight but expensive, so they’re best for serious hunters who need a lightweight gun for multi-day trips or tracking animals on foot.
- Carbon fiber is incredibly light
- Stronger and stiffer than stainless steel
- Includes gas tube
- Available in three lengths
- More expensive than most barrels
- Must be headspace-checked
The Aero Precision M5E1 Gen 2 comes in 18″, 20″, and 22″ length options for a range of possibilities. The 18″ has a mid-length gas system, but the 20″ and 22″ options have rifle-length gas systems that provide phenomenal cycling and a more durable overall system.
User reviews rave about its accuracy, and even novice shooters notice a serious increase in accuracy once this receiver is installed. The barrel inside is 416R stainless steel and has an A2-style flash suppressor.
Although the receiver is a little heavy for most hunters, it’s worthwhile if you need the accuracy for distant targets. The accessory slots make it easy to use this rifle for a wide range of purposes.
Who Should Get This?
Serious accuracy enthusiasts and long-range hunters should buy this upper receiver that’s easy to install and use. Its accuracy is most useful at distances over 300 yards.
- Extra-length gas system for gentler cycling
- Incredible accuracy, even among novice shooters
- Fits Gen 1 lower receivers for easy installation
- Does not include bolt/carrier group and charging handle
- 6.1 pounds, much heavier than standard barrels
Proof Research creates excellent carbon fiber and steel barrels, and their latest CamGas barrels are no exception. The included gas tube is extra-length and reduces wear-and-tear on the gas system overall. Additionally, the gas port is in a different location from standard gas systems, reducing overpressure problems.
The resulting barrel is still very accurate and powerful. It’s available in 20″, 22″, and 24″ lengths for hunters and range shooters who need a variety of customization options. The stainless-steel finish resists corrosion and holds up through thousands of rounds of use without loss of accuracy.
User reviews rave about the quality of the finish and the lack of machining errors of any kind. This is an excellent barrel for novice shooters who need to measure and install headspace without any mistakes.
Who Should Get This?
All rifle owners who have struggled with overpressure problems when customizing their 6.5 Creedmoor or similar rifle can benefit from this high-quality, durable stainless-steel barrel.
- High-quality, durable stainless-steel barrel
- Delivers accurate shots
- Avoids overpressure issues and high recoil
- Needs headspace checking
- Heavier than average
Faxon Firearms has a specialized type of rifling called heavy fluting, which is a hybrid fluting style that increases bullet velocity and makes the barrel easier to clean. The nitride treatment inside and outside of the barrel makes it more resistant to corrosion.
The extension is Nickel Teflon coated to reduce friction, protect against corrosion, and improve the fit between the extension and the receiver. It’s the perfect barrel for minimizing long-term wear-and-tear in tough environments.
The 20”-barrel length is excellent for on-the-go hunters, especially hunters who travel with tents and other luggage. The reduced length makes it lighter and more manageable for novice hunters, providing a balance of accuracy, durability, and ease of use.
Who Should Get This?
The easy-to-clean and corrosion-resistant design make this a good choice for serious woodland hunters who lug their guns through harsh conditions like mud and swamps.
- Reduced sharp angles for easier cleaning
- Nitride treated to increase lifetime
- Short 20″ barrel is convenient and lightweight
- Not as well-engineered as comparable products
- Can be difficult to install due to headspace checking
Final Verdict
Although there are many excellent 6.5 Creedmoor barrels available, the Howa 1500 6.5 Creedmoor Heavy Varmint 24″ Barreled Action is the best overall. Its heavy barrel minimizes recoil, and its two-stage trigger is adjustable for better control.
The tough steel is designed to deliver shot after shot without requiring the same cool-down as a fluted barrel. It’s an investment that will serve you well through hunting and range outings for years to come.
