Piecing together your own rifle build is a great way to personalize the overall feel and preferences from the “ground up”. This can be especially convenient if you are a competitive shooter, or are looking for a more accurate, comfortable shooting experience.
The 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge was created specifically for long-range accuracy, and so customizing a rifle built to handle the round makes sense. Take a look at some of the best 6.5 Creedmoor Lower Receivers we’ve compiled to help you with a quality, affordable build.
Comparison Table of The 5 Best 6.5 Creedmoor Lower Receivers
BRAND
Aero Precision – 308 AR M5 Lower Receiver
DETAILS
- DPMS patterned
- Basic Receiver
- Easy to customize with kit
Aero Precision – AR 308 M5 Lower Parts Kits W/ MOE Grip
- DPMS Patterned
- Lower Receiver Kit
- Includes all parts to finish a lower build
PSA GEN3 PA-65 6.5 Creedmoor Complete MOE STR EPT Lower Receiver
- PSA Proprietary
- 6.5 Creedmoor Specific
- Broad compatibility with .308 BCG’s
PSA GEN3 PA10 Forged Complete STR SSA-E .308 Lower With Over Molded Grip
- PSA Proprietary
- .308 Win for use with 6.5 CM
- Broad compatibility with .308 BCG’s
Spikes Tactical .308 Standard Lower Parts Kit
- DPMS Patterned
- Lower Receiver Kit
- Includes all parts to finish a lower build
6.5 Creedmoor Uses and Popularity
Because the 6.5 CM cartridge often utilizes an AR10 tactical design, it is really important to know a few things about this gun if you are looking to complete a build. Created to enhance competition shooting with its incredible energy and long-range accuracy, the 6.5 CM has made its way into the hunting scene due to the consistency and power it provides for mid to long-range kills. Popular due to how easy it is to modify an existing AR platform for the round, there are some important details that need to be considered when looking to match upper and lower receivers or mod out parts.
Unless you have a true Armalite AR-10 rifle, you aren’t shooting an AR-10. Instead, you are most likely shooting a DPMS LR-308 platform rifle, the competitive design that was embraced by multiple manufacturers after the ordinal AR-10 patent expired. Even though many people still call it an AR-10, it just isn’t.
The DPMS design offers more advantages and features than the original AR-10, and the two aren’t compatible with one another. To complicate matters, some companies have created proprietary designs, taking the best from each to create great products that only fit one another. Don’t let this turn you off from your own build, however. Instead, just inform yourself so you don’t end up with a part that doesn’t fit.
Detailing the Difference Between the AR10 and DPMS LR308 Compatibility
To physically see the difference between the AR10 and LR308, you need to look at the angular cut in the upper receiver. On the lower right side, right before the buffer tube, an angular cut can be seen on the AR10. On a DPMS compatible upper will have this rounded out. If you are purchasing a lower, you need to check with this compatibility as this cut shape will determine what fits with what. It also keeps certain parts from being interchangeable – which is important to know when replacing parts or modifying the firearm.
Lower Receiver Key Components
The lower receiver of a firearm is the most legally regulated part of a build as it is considered the actual firearm due to housing the trigger group as well as the location of the serial number. Although this is hotly contested, be aware this argument exists. When buying a lower, you can purchase complete lower builds to customize and add to an upper, or stripped pieces in order to assemble your own.
What’s Included
The following helps define what is included in a lower. Some of this can be modified out with more personalized choices as well.
Trigger Groups
Trigger groups include the trigger and hammer, as well as the trigger housing components. This is a highly customizable piece that you can use to personalize trigger pull weight and physical comfort.
Buffer Tube
As part of the recoil system, the buffer tube and assembly absorb most of the felt recoil. The tube assembly houses both the buffer and buffer spring to help protect the integrity of the frame and take undue pressure off it.
Buttstock
The buttstock is highly customizable as it is part of the comfortable feel of your rifle when firing. They are easy to swap out and personalize for length and padding to help find the perfect distance between your shoulder and rifle for balance and accurate shooting.
Grip
The grip is also highly customizable and provides you a good, comfortable grip for a well-balanced, comfortable firing experience.
What to Watch For: A Quick Buyer’s Guide
Keep in mind a few of these details in order to get exactly what you want without worrying about compatibility.
Receiver Compatibility
As mentioned earlier, you have to watch for receiver and part compatibility when working with this caliber of the rifle. Even though a lower can work with a variety of different caliber uppers, matching them together is going to be your main concern to start with. Often, it is smarter to stick with the same manufacturer of both the upper and lower to ensure you have no issues with this.
Trigger Guard Modifications
Triggers and trigger guards are a popular modification, and even though chances are your lower will come with a standard option, it should be easy to swap out if you want. This is often done to accommodate more sensitive shooting scenarios, competition matches, and hand size and comfort needs. Ambidextrous triggers are also a popular option for many.
Single vs Two-Stage Triggers
Single-stage triggers are a standard go-to and are most likely what will come standard with any building kit. Simple and effective, the only complaint some people have is the 7 to 9 lb pull weight if you are seeking something lighter.
A two-stage trigger requires two points of contact before hammer release, and often only has an initial 2 lb force to release the disconnector hook, with a second 2 or 3 lb pull weight to fire. This works two ways: as an additional safety feature, and as a way to work towards a more accurate shot.
Drop-In Triggers
Drop-in trigger upgrades are self-contained and have all the components you need for quick, preassembled installation of a new guard and trigger.
Caliber Compatibility
A 6.5 Creedmoor lower is technically going to be compatible with a wide variety of .30 caliber uppers since it truly isn’t specific to the round. This makes them more versatile all-around.
Buttstock Customization
Great to customize for comfort and balance, the buttstock is a popular piece to modify for various shooting scenarios. Since most tactical rifles offer an adjustable buttstock, they are easy to remove and replace.
6.5 Creedmoor Lower Receivers Worth Taking a Closer Look At
Since finding the perfect 6.5 CM lower can be a bit of a challenge with compatibility concerns, we have compiled a list of some quality options to help you get started. These are all excellent choices manufactured by trusted brands to provide you with the products you need to complete your build.
1. Aero Precision – 308 AR M5 Lower Receiver
- DPMS patterned
- Basic Receiver
- Easy to customize with kit
Aero Precision is a well-known name in gun manufacturing parts, and their 308 AR M5 lower receiver provides a basic DPMS patterned option to accept a wide range of finishing parts. With Mil-Spec dimensions and coating it is machined from 7075-T6 high-quality aluminum and finished with a matte black, hard-coat anodized mil 8625 Type 3, Class 2 finish. It also has a rear takedown pin detent hole with a 4-40 thread for a set screw. The bolt catch is also threaded for a screw pin to avoid the use of a no roll pin. The integrated trigger guard provides function with 45, 60, and 90-degree safety selectors as all standard safeties.
Pros
- DPMS compatible
- Mil-Spec finished for long use
- Details to allow for easy compatibility to customize
Cons
- Does not include buttstock or handguard
2. Aero Precision – AR 308 M5 Lower Parts Kits W/ MOE Grip
- DPMS Patterned
- Lower Receiver Kit
- Includes all parts to finish a lower build
Looking for a kit to finish off your lower receiver rather than purchase all the parts separately, then look no further, designed for the Aero Precision M5 lower, these DPMS compatible parts help complete and customize your lower receiver and include a Magpul MOE grip in black or FDE, all pins, springs, and detent. The M5 bolt catch and buffer; magazine catch button, body, and spring, as well as the buffer retainer are all included.
Pros
- Has everything you need to complete your lower receiver build
- DPMS compatible
- Fits Aero Precision receiver perfectly
Cons
- Not a complete lower receiver build
3. PSA GEN3 PA-65 6.5 Creedmoor Complete MOE STR EPT Lower Receiver
- PSA Proprietary
- 6.5 Creedmoor Specific
- Broad compatibility with .308 BCG’s
Palmetto State Armory is known for its high-quality proprietary receivers. Their PA-65 is specific to the 6.5 Creedmoor and is compatible with all PSA Gen 1, 2, and 3 receivers and parts, both PA-65, and PA-10. This is a complete lower made from a 70-75-T6 aluminum with a precision machine and black anodized hard coated MIL-8623 Type 3, Class 3 Specs. Since this is a complete lower, it comes with a popular EPT fire control group with a Magpul MOE stock and MIAD grip. A carbine length buffer tube finishes off the build with a few extra perks, like twice staked castle nuts and relief cuts for broad compatibility with .308 BCG’s.
Pros
- Easy to fit a .308 BCG
- Magpul finishing parts
- Durable finish
Cons
- Proprietary to PSA Uppers
- Mixing gen designs may not be aesthetically pleasing to some
4. PSA GEN3 PA10 Forged Complete STR SSA-E .308 Lower With Over Molded Grip
- PSA Proprietary
- .308 Win for use with 6.5 CM
- Broad compatibility with .308 BCG’s
Another excellent choice from PSA, this complete Gen 3 PA-10 complete lower is forged from 7075-T6 aluminum with a black anodize hard coated, MIL-8625 Type 3, Class 2 specs. It also comes complete with a Geissele Super semi-auto enhanced (SSA-E) trigger, Magpul STR stock, and overmolded pistol grip. It is an ideal platform for .308 cartridges, and other .30 cal cartridge compatible shooting options. It also comes with a few extra perks, like twice staked castle nuts and relief cuts for a broad compatibility with .308 BCG’s.
Pros
- Enhanced trigger is excellent for competitive shooting and marksman rifle type
- Multiple .308 BCG compatibility
- Durable finish
Cons
- Proprietary to PSA Uppers
- Mixing gen designs may not be aesthetically pleasing to some
5. Spikes Tactical .308 Standard Lower Parts Kit
- DPMS Patterned
- Lower Receiver Kit
- Includes all parts to finish a lower build
Spikes Tactical is known for their quality products and provides parts that are considered even better than Mil-Spec quality. This parts kit is a great voice to help finish off your lower receiver build and provides everything you need to make it so. WIth all the springs and pins required, a rounded hammer for use with all calibers, trigger, safety selector, detent, bolt catch, magazine catch, and Spike’s Pro Grip – you can easily piece together the build you desire. DPMS compatible, it fits a huge range of lower receivers
Pros
- DPMS compatible
- Excellent quality finish for a Creedmoor AR build
- Easy to build kit
Cons
- Does not come with a trigger guard
Conclusion
These lower receivers and receiver kits are the perfect answer when you want durable material, excellent quality options to help finish your 6.5 Creedmoor build. Whether you are looking to complete a high-powered, long-range rifle for competition, or need a reliable hunting solution these parts can help make that happen.
We’d love to hear of your experiences with these manufacturers and if you have ever used any of these specific options for your builds. Leave your questions and comments below! And, as always, please share!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which lower receiver should I use for a 6.5 Creedmoor?
When shooting with the 6.5 Creedmoor, it’s advisable to use an AR-10 lower receiver rather than the more common AR-15 lower receiver. The reason behind this is fairly simple, the AR-15 lower is built to comfortably accommodate intermediate rifle rounds like the 5.56x45mm NATO or the .223 Remington. On the other hand, the AR-10 lower is constructed to handle the more powerful rounds such as the 6.5 Creedmoor. Having spent countless hours at the shooting range, I can assure you that using the right lower receiver makes a significant difference in terms of comfort and accuracy.
What is the most accurate 6.5 Creedmoor rifle?
Accuracy is often subjective and can be affected by a number of factors such as the shooter’s skill, the environment, and the specific set-up of the rifle. That being said, I have found that the Ruger Precision Rifle often provides the best results right out of the box when it comes to the 6.5 Creedmoor. Crafted with outstanding attention to detail, this rifle is equipped with a range of features designed to enhance accuracy such as 5R rifling, minimum bore and groove dimensions, minimum headspace, and a centralized chamber. Ruger’s Marksman Adjustable trigger further adds to its exceptional performance. However, as always, I recommend testing a few models yourself before deciding since personal comfort and preference can significantly influence your shooting experience.
What is the range of a 6.5 Creedmoor AR?
The 6.5 Creedmoor AR is celebrated for its remarkable range and accuracy. When used with good quality factory ammunition, it can deliver sub-half-minute of angle accuracy. What’s more, it maintains this precision to over 1,200 yd (1,097 m), staying supersonic through this range. To put this into perspective, a .308 Winchester with 168-grain match bullets maintains its supersonic range only to approximately 975 yd (892 m). In my career as a competitive shooter, the 6.5 Creedmoor has proven to be a reliable option for long-distance shooting, particularly when accuracy is paramount.
Can a 6.5 Creedmoor function on a 308 lower receiver?
To the surprise of many, the 6.5 Creedmoor does not require any special adjustment to fit in a .308 AR platform. Apart from the barrel, no other modification is needed. The 6.5 Creedmoor uses a .308 upper and lower receiver, the same parts kit, and even the same magazines. In my experience, this feature makes it a highly versatile round and a popular choice among shooters who want to try something new without investing in a completely new setup.