Best 6.5 Creedmoor Magazines in 2023

First and foremost, I’m a shooter. I don’t just write for this website but also shoot as much ammo downrange as I can when I get the chance.

Specifically, I’m very interested in this particular optic, and I don’t want to spend money on more magazines unless they’re good quality and affordable. Since I also carry firearms for self-defense, feeding issues in a magazine is something that I’m always on the lookout for and do not have time to mess with, so before I make a purchase recommendation for you, I review everything I recommend carefully.

Here, I’m going to aim for two main things. First, I want to keep magazine costs low so that you can feed rounds down range with your hard-earned money. I also want to keep folks out of trouble, so I will make recommendations that both promote smooth feeding and comply with local and state laws where you are.

Many states are deeply concerned with how many rounds people put in their guns. I’m not an attorney, and I’m certainly not your attorney, but as fellow shooters, make sure you’re aware of the restrictions on magazine ammunition capacity in your state. Some can be relatively strict, but at least the gun laws here aren’t as restrictive as in places like Europe.

With that in mind, our list will also include some magazines that comply with more restrictive states, but it’s your responsibility to make sure that the magazines you own comply with the laws in your local area. With all of that in mind, let’s get onto our list

1. Magpul PMAG Gen M3

I’m starting our list with our top pic: Magpul’s polymer magazines are more or less stock equipment in the shooting industry, and there’s a good reason.

Unlike metal magazines, these are made of high-quality polymer, tend not to dent when dropped, and feed exceptionally well thanks to the Magpul anti-tilt followers.

These hold 20 rounds, so if for some reason you need to, or can, fire full auto in 6.5 Creedmoor, these are great magazines for you. In most AR1- style rifles, these magazines are a great way to get more rounds into your gun.

2. FN SCAR 16 20 Round Magazines

3. Magpul PMAG Gen M3 Windowed

These are something of an update of our top pic: this is the version of the PMAG that has witness holes in the body of the magazine so that you know when reloading is necessary.

If the PMAG is standard, those with the witness holes are the gold standard in magazines if for no other reason than these will let you know when more rounds are needed before you run the gun dry.

Out of the box, Magpul magazines tend to feed reliably and are the best 6.5 Creedmoor magazines for the rifles that take them, generally AR10 pattern weapons of various kinds. I recommend the glass-reinforced polymer magazines as extra magazines if you need any and can find them at an affordable price.

4. USGI M1A/M14 Magazines

If you find yourself in possession of an M1A in 6.5 Creedmoor, these are the magazines that you’ll need. These ten-round magazines, which are in a black oxide finish, are more or less the same magazines made with the platform for years.

However, many of the newer magazines have more reliability thanks to anti-tilt followers that aid in the feeding process.

These are also some of the only magazines available today for the M1A in 6.5 Creedmoor that cost less than an arm and a leg, so I think these have an important place in the market.

5. Hexmag Series 2 AR 10 Magazines

These polymer magazines are fantastic for those looking for something more unique than the standard black polymer models. The hexagonal texturing does a lot more than look cool, and it can also make reloading easier.

The high visibility orange followers are also something different here. We’d appreciate those in cases where I would need to do tactical reloads, so being able to quickly and visually identify empty magazines could be a major bonus.

Hexmags also come in multiple colors to coordinate with your rifle, for you fashionistas.

6. Beretta T3X TAC A1/CTR Magazine

If you have a Tikka T3 Compact rifle, these ten round, black oxide magazines with a fared base are necessary.

These are factory replacements, so they’ll fit well in your rifle and should prevent any feeding issues that you might get with worn-out magazines.

While bolt action rifles aren’t exactly known for being fast to reload, having a box magazine with a flared base like this does help things along nicely, and I think that these are well-designed magazines for a well-built and durable rifle.

7. D&H Industries 6.5 Creedmoor Magazine

For those who want a steel magazine for their AR10 pattern rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor, these magazines are an excellent way to go.

They’re well built, have a bright orange follower to let you know when they’re empty, and can be bought in two capacities: five and twenty rounds. That way, you can get these durable and well-functioning magazines even in states where magazines are strictly regulated in terms of capacity.

Normally I don’t go for lower capacity magazines unless forced, but for hunting purposes, the five-round version of these magazines would be an excellent choice for those looking for both utility and reliability.

8. Accurate Mag AICS Pattern Magazine

Since the 6.5 Creedmoor is an exceptionally accurate cartridge, many gun owners have a custom AICS pattern rifle chambered in the round. These well-made magazines will fit in most chassis and stocks utilizing ACIS patterns.

These are steel magazines, black in color, and can be bought in either a five or ten-round configuration. While most states, even the most restrictive of the lot, would be fine with the ten-round magazines, the five-round options offer a more flush-fit in some hunting rifles — making them easier to pack into the field and go prone if necessary.

9. Magpul Short Action AICS 10 Round PMAG

Magpul also makes magazines for the short action type of rifle under the ACIS pattern. Aside from the action type, these are standard 10-round Magpul mags, and that’s a beautiful thing.

These are made out of the durable polymer you’ll find in combat all over the globe, and Magpul’s tried and battle-tested designs tend to work well under a wide variety of circumstances. If I had a bolt action rifle that took ACIS magazines and I needed a good balance of capacity, value, and sheer rugged durability, these would be the magazines that we’d pick.

10. Savage Arms 10 Round .308 Magazine

A final option for short-action rifles, this offering from Savage Arms is a well-made magazine meant for rifles that have a bottom release latch.

They are offered in a blued steel that looks great with various rifles, especially hunting models that have dark wood or blued steel. In particular, these magazines are made for the Savage Model 10 BA, which is relatively low production in and of itself, so it’s hard to find the magazines.

Sadly, that does mean that when you do find the magazines, you’ll be paying a premium for OEM magazines such as these, but they can be worth it for the sake of authentic completeness.

When you’re looking for a magazine, a primary consideration to keep in mind the capacity. Of course, the very first thing that should guide your purchase decision is the law: don’t exceed the capacity mandated by the laws that apply within your state or county.

Beyond the legal concerns, the 6.5 Creedmoor magazines that I highlight here come in various capacities, from four to twenty rounds, providing options for both competitive shooters and hunters alike.

Secondly, magazines are made out of different materials. Here, I take a look at two materials that are the most common in the 21st century: polymer and metal. Polymer is much lighter than metal, but metal can be slightly stronger at the cost of added weight.

• Under $50. The more specialized magazines for bolt action rifles, either in hardened polymer or metal, can be found around $50. Most magazines are available for less than $50 regardless of features, material, and capacity, even heavy-duty options designed to stand up to heavy use.
• $50-$100. If you happen to have an especially rare rifle or can find a 50-round drum magazine in 6.5 Creedmoor — you might well have to pay $100 or more, but this is, thankfully, not that particularly common.

First and foremost, I pulled together this buyer’s guide to help you find 6.5 Creedmoor magazines for a variety of firearms. From there, I try to find things that are both in stock and affordable at the time of writing.

Finally, I think it’s important to recommend magazines that will work well for you if you choose to buy them.

1. Giffords Law Center, Ammunition Capacity Law Page