Ruger American 6.5 Creedmoor

[1911master]

I have never been a hunter or rifle shooter, so I need some advice.

I purchased a used American 6.5 Creedmoor with a Vortex Crossfire II scope. The intent of this rifle is to hunt deer, coyotes ect. I don't anticipate a shot at much more than 250 yards. Yes I know the 6.5 will shoot 1,000 yards but I can't.

So, my questions are:
Is the scope good enough?
Any harm in cutting and recrowning the barrel to 18 inches?

Thanks to all.

 

[dennishoddy]

Great round that needs the longer barrel to achieve its expectations.
Yes, it will work fine for deer with the shorter barrel, but why shorten it?
Unless your in incredibly dense woods you don’t need a shorter barrel

 

[Cowcatcher]

I wouldn't cut the barrel down. The vortex brand and crossfire model will probably be good enough. You didn't mention the magnification so I'll just assume you can see a coyote thru it at 250yds and hold steady enough to kill it.

 

[1911master]

I wouldn't cut the barrel down. The vortex brand and crossfire model will probably be good enough. You didn't mention the magnification so I'll just assume you can see a coyote thru it at 250yds and hold steady enough to kill it.

I knew I would forget something, lol. My Vortex is 6x18.

 

[Cowcatcher]

I knew I would forget something, lol. My Vortex is 6x18.

Oh yeah, I'd be confident with that setup for sure!

 

[dlbleak]

Yep, that’s a nice rig that didn’t break the bank. It’ll do what you intend just fine.

 

[swampratt]

I say cut it if you want it shorter.
https://rifleshooter.com/2016/02/6-...el-length-on-velocity-cutting-up-a-creedmoor/

You are not shooting far and the drift and drop will not be noticed at that short of a range.
I cut my 24" .308 to 20.5 and it grouped much tighter and was not as finicky on loads.

That was a heavy barrel Savage .308.
I love short barrels for the simple fact they have less whip.
I was told for a few years if I cut that 24" down to 18" accuracy would greatly improve and If not shooting past 800 yards it makes no difference.
I now have an 18" barrel Savage .308 and love it.
I used to be in the long barrel crowd but not any more.

 

[magna19]

Don't cut your barrel unless there is a problem with accuracy from the crown. The rifle like it is will be worth more if traded or sold later.

 

[SPDguns]

Yes.
No.

 

[swampratt]

Sometimes it hurts value, sometimes not.

I got $650 for cut and crowned Savage 10FP heavy barrel .308 without scope because a guy at the range said it was the most accurate gun he ever shot and had to have it. Yea I let others shoot my guns
I had 90 bucks in it. Good trading you know.
Went and got an 18" Savage 10PT-SR in .308 for less than the $650

I will say the short barrels handle much better, better swing and balance.
But I compared heavy barrel cut not pencil barrel cut.