The 6.5 Grendel cartridge has become increasingly popular among shooters and hunters due to its excellent accuracy and versatility at long ranges. However, to fully maximize the potential of this cartridge, it is crucial to pair it with one of the best 6.5 Grendel BDC scopes.
BDC scopes are designed to compensate for bullet drop at different ranges, making it easier for the shooter to hit their target without making manual adjustments. In this article, we will be discussing the best BDC scopes that are best suited for the 6.5 Grendel cartridges.
We will be looking at each scope’s features, pros and cons, and performance to help you make an informed decision when selecting the best BDC scope for your 6.5 Grendel rifles.
So, let’s dive in.
Why 6.5 Grendel BDC Scopes?
Below are some key reasons why BDC scopes are a great choice for shooters using the 6.5 Grendel cartridges;
- BDC scopes compensate for bullet drop at different ranges. This is useful for high-velocity cartridges like the 6.5 Grendel.
- The 6.5 Grendel is capable of delivering accurate shots at extended ranges, and a BDC scope can help shooters take full advantage of this cartridge’s capabilities.
- BDC scopes are designed to simplify the aiming process, making it easier for shooters to take accurate shots without having to manually adjust their scope for each shot.
- Many BDC scopes come with reticles that are specifically calibrated for the 6.5 Grendel cartridge, which means that shooters can take advantage of these specialized reticles to improve their accuracy and precision.
- BDC scopes are popular among hunters and long-range shooters, making them a great choice for anyone looking to get the most out of their 6.5 Grendel rifles.
Best 6.5 Grendel BDC Scopes Review
1) Vortex Viper HS-T 4-16x44mm SFP Rifle Scope
The Vortex Viper HS-T 4-16x44mm 30mm Tube Second Focal Plane Rifle Scope is a high-quality scope designed for hunters, competitive shooters, and tactical operators who demand the best in performance and durability.
The Viper HS-T 4-16x44mm scope features a 30mm tube, which is larger than the standard 1-inch tube found on many scopes. The larger tube allows for greater light transmission and provides more room for adjustment knobs and other features.
The scope is built with a single-piece aluminum alloy tube, which enhances durability and helps protect against recoil. It also features Vortex Optics’ proprietary XR fully multi-coated lenses, which provide maximum light transmission and ensure bright, clear images even in low-light conditions.
The lenses are also scratch-resistant and easy to clean, which helps to maintain the scope’s performance over time.
The scope features a second focal plane reticle, which means that the reticle stays the same size as you zoom in or out allowing for faster target acquisition and easier aiming at longer ranges. The reticle is a VMR-1 MOA reticle, which is a versatile, easy-to-use reticle that provides precise aiming points for long-range shooting.
The scope’s turrets are also designed for easy and precise adjustments. They are made with precision-machined, finger-adjustable, low-profile turrets that allow for quick and easy adjustments without the need for tools.
The turrets are also resettable to zero, which allows you to easily return to your original settings after making adjustments.
The Viper HS-T 4-16x44mm scope is also built with a fast-focus eyepiece, which allows for quick and easy focusing of the reticle. This helps to ensure that you can quickly acquire targets and make accurate shots, even in fast-paced hunting or shooting situations.
Pros
- High-quality construction for durability
- XR fully multi-coated lenses offer maximum light transmission
- Easy to adjust
- Fast-focus eyepiece allows quick and easy focusing
Cons
- Limited eye relief at higher magnifications
2) Bushnell Elite Tactical DMR 3.5-21x50mm Rifle Scope
The Bushnell Elite Tactical DMR 3.5-21x50mm Rifle Scope is a high-performance scope designed for precision shooting, tactical operations, and hunting. It features a 50mm objective lens and a 30mm tube, which allows for a larger range of adjustment and greater light transmission.
The larger objective lens provides a wider field of view and improved low-light performance, while the 30mm tube provides greater durability and strength.
The scope has a first focal plane G3 reticle, which provides accurate ranging and precise holdovers at any magnification. The reticle is compatible with night vision devices and is illuminated, with 11 brightness settings, allowing for easy visibility in low-light conditions.
The Elite Tactical DMR scope features Bushnell’s exclusive EXO Barrier lens coating, which repels water, oil, dust, and debris, and provides superior protection against scratches and abrasions. The lenses are also fully multi-coated, providing maximum light transmission and clarity.
The scope’s turrets are built with a low-profile, target-style design, with 0.1 MIL click values for precise adjustments. The turrets are also lockable, with a zero-stop function that allows for an easy return to zero after making adjustments. The elevation turret features a RevLimiter zero stop that prevents over-rotation, ensuring that you never lose your zero.
The Elite Tactical DMR scope also features a fast-focus eyepiece, allowing for quick and easy reticle focusing. The eyepiece is also designed with a locking diopter, which prevents accidental movement and maintains focus over time.
Pros
- High-quality construction
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Lockable turrets prevent over-rotation
Cons
- High price point
3) Primary Arms SLx Series 4-14x44mm Rifle Scope
The Primary Arms SLx Series 4-14x44mm Rifle Scope is a versatile, high-performance scope that is ideal for a variety of shooting applications. The scope features a 44mm objective lens and a 30mm tube, providing a larger adjustment range as well as great light transmission.
The scope features a second focal plane ACSS reticle, which provides accurate ranging, bullet drop compensation, and wind holds at any magnification. The reticle is illuminated, with 6 brightness settings for easy visibility in low-light conditions. It can also be used with night vision devices.
The SLx Series scope features fully multi-coated lenses that also guarantee maximum light transmission and clarity. The lenses are treated with a durable hard coat to protect against scratches and abrasions.
The scope’s low-profile, finger-adjustable turrets are designed with 0.1 MIL click values for precise adjustments. The turrets are also resettable for easy return to zero after adjustments.
The SLx Series scope also features a fast-focus eyepiece that allows quick and easy reticle focusing. It has an eyepiece with a locking diopter to prevent accidental movement.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Easy to adjust and use
Cons
- Limited brightness settings
4) Barska 1-4×28 Mil-Dot Reticle Rifle Scope
The Barska 1-4×28 Mil-Dot Reticle Rifle Scope is built with fully multi-coated lenses to allow for maximum light transmission and clarity. The lenses are treated with a special coating to protect against scratches and abrasions, which ensures that the scope stays clear and free from distortion.
The scope features a 28mm objective lens and a 1-inch tube, in a lightweight and compact design. The smaller objective lens provides a wide field of view, making it easy to acquire targets quickly, while the 1-inch tube provides a strong and durable construction.
The scope features a first focal plane Mil-Dot reticle, which provides accurate ranging and holdover points for targets at any magnification. It is etched onto the glass for improved durability and reliability, especially in rough or harsh conditions.
The scope features a low-profile, finger-adjustable turret system, with 0.5 MOA click values for precise adjustments. The turrets are also resettable for easy return to zero. Additionally, the fast-focus eyepiece allows for quick and easy reticle focusing.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design
- Fully multi-coated lenses offer maximum light transmission
- Easy to adjust
Cons
- Limited magnification range
5) Athlon Optics Ares BTR Gen II HD 4.5-27x50mm APRS5 Rifle Scope
The Athlon Optics Ares BTR Gen II HD 4.5-27x50mm APRS5 Rifle Scope is a high-end optic designed for precision long-range shooting. It features advanced optics and construction, along with a range of features to help shooters achieve maximum accuracy.
The scope features a 50mm objective lens and a 30mm tube, which provides excellent light transmission and a wide field of view. The larger objective lens also allows for better low-light performance, making it easier to shoot in dim or overcast conditions.
The scope features a first focal plane APRS5 reticle, which is designed for precision ranging, holdover, and windage correction at any magnification. The reticle is illuminated, with 11 brightness settings to allow for easy visibility in any lighting conditions.
The scope’s lenses are fully multi-coated to provide maximum light transmission and clarity, even in low-light conditions. They are treated with a special coating to protect against scratches and abrasions.
The scope features low-profile, zero-resettable turrets, with 0.1 MIL click values for precise adjustments. The turrets are also designed with a mechanical stop, which allows for an easy return to zero after making adjustments.
The scope also features a fast-focus eyepiece, which allows for quick and easy reticle focusing. The eyepiece is also designed with a locking mechanism to prevent accidental adjustments and hold focus.
Pros
- Advanced optics and construction
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Low-profile, zero-resettable turrets provide precise adjustments
- Wide magnification range
Cons
- Large size and weight
6) Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8x24mm SFP Rifle Scope
The Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8x24mm Rifle Scope is a versatile optic designed for both close-quarters and long-range shooting. It features a range of advanced optics and user-friendly features, making it a popular choice among hunters, competitive shooters, and tactical operators.
The 24mm objective lens and 30mm tube provide excellent light transmission and a wide field of view. The scope is designed with a second focal plane reticle, which means that the reticle stays the same size throughout the magnification range. This allows for faster target acquisition and easier shooting at close quarters.
The scope’s illuminated AR-BDC3 reticle comes with 11 brightness settings to allow for easy visibility in any lighting conditions. The lenses are fully multi-coated to allow for high-light transmission and clarity, even in low-light conditions.
The scope features low-profile, finger-adjustable turrets, with 0.5 MOA click values and a zero-stop function, which allows for an easy return to zero. It also has a fast-focus eyepiece, which allows for quick and easy reticle focusing.
Pros
- Versatile magnification range
- Illuminated reticle with 11 brightness settings
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Lightweight
Cons
- Eye relief may not be suitable for all shooters
7) Burris Fullfield II 4.5-14×42 mm Rifle Scope
The Burris Fullfield II 4.5-14×42 mm Rifle Scope features a 42 mm objective lens, which provides excellent light transmission and a wide field of view. The scope is designed with a second focal plane reticle, which stays the same size throughout the magnification range.
The scope also features a versatile Ballistic Plex reticle, which is ideal for both quick target acquisition and precision ranging at longer ranges. The reticle is designed with a series of dots that correspond to different ranges, making it easy to adjust for wind and elevation at different distances.
The scope’s lenses are fully multi-coated, thus allowing maximum light transmission and clarity. The lenses are also treated with a special coating for scratch and abrasion resistance. This ensures that the images are free of distortion.
The scope’s turrets are finger-adjustable, with 0.25 MOA click values for precise adjustments. They also come with a zero-reset function, allowing for an easy return to zero after adjustments.
In addition is a fast-focus eyepiece, which is designed to allow for quick and easy reticle focusing, with a locking mechanism that helps prevent accidental movement.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Versatile magnification range
- Affordable
- Supported by a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Limited field of view at higher magnifications
Choosing the Best 6.5 Grendel BDC Scopes
Some of the factors to consider when choosing a scope for your 6.5 Grendel cartridges are;
Durability
The durability of the scope is important, especially if you plan to use it in harsh weather conditions or rugged terrain. Look for scopes with features like waterproof and fog proof construction, shockproof design, and scratch-resistant coatings.
Magnification range
The magnification range you choose depends on your shooting style and the intended use of your rifle. If you’re shooting at longer ranges, you may want a scope with higher magnification. Conversely, if you’re shooting at closer distances, a lower magnification may be more suitable.
Reticle
A BDC reticle is important for making accurate shots at longer distances. A good BDC reticle should allow you to compensate for bullet drop and wind drift without having to make adjustments to the scope. Some popular BDC reticles include the Burris Ballistic Plex, Vortex Viper BDC, and Nikon BDC.
Objective lens size
The objective lens size will impact the amount of light that enters the scope, which can affect your image quality. A larger objective lens can provide a clearer and brighter image, but it may also add weight to your rifle.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a scope is not a walk in the park. Especially if you want to get yourself the value for money, going deep into the features and understanding your needs goes a long way in making the best option for your hunting needs.
The 6.5 Grendel, although a powerful cartridge, requires a high-quality optic that allows you to make the most of its power. The discussed rifle scopes are our top picks from what’s available on the market.
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