I’m in the market for a new rifle and I’ve pretty much narrowed it down to the Browning Hells Canyon line in a 6.5 Creedmoor. My only problem is that I just can’t for the life of me decide between the Speed or the Long Range model. I really love how light and compact the Speed is but at the same time I also really enjoy taking a poke at steel at 800-1000yds from time to time. This rifle will mainly be a hunting rig with the possibility of shooting long maybe a handful of times a year and I realize that the barrel on the speed will heat up much quicker in a target shooting setting. My biggest hang up with the long range is that I’m afraid that 26” barrel and almost a full extra pound of weight will be cumbersome and tough to maneuver in a tree stand/shooting house scenario. In a perfect world I’d just buy both and be done with it but since money won’t allow that I have to choose. Anyone have any input that might help me tip the scales?

If you are using it mainly as a hunting rig, I'd want it light. That is what I look for in the guns I am going to be carrying and toting through the bushes. Quick handling Light and maneuverable.

How far do you shoot out of the tree stand? I wouldn't think very far. I would buy the rifle that I would use most,not the one I might need.

you are thinking right the 26 inch barrel in a shooting house is a pain to even get it up and stick it out the window without bumping something. It is just not suited well for that.

Can't really have it both ways. Just get the lighter weight rifle to hunt with.... and if you want to shoot long range get a Ruger Precision or something like that next gun purchase.

That was exactly my thought

A heavier gun is easier to shoot,but there's no reason you can't shoot the shorter barreled gun just as far.

This is a long but good read on just what you are asking. I know you have settled on Browning but personally I would be looking hard at the Tikka CTR.
https://rifleshooter.com/2016/02/6-...ngth-on-velocity-cutting-up-a-creedmoor/

Not to derail. But have you put your hands on a Christensen Arms Mesa? It's not much more...

If four more inches of barrel makes a rifle hard to get out of a shooting house window, you guys must be sitting in some tiny shooting houses.

I actually prefer the the longer heavier guns for the shooting house, as Im usually not walking very far to get to them and have plenty of room to move when I get in them.

YMMV but had a buddy buy the hells canyon in 26 nosler and it wouldn’t shoot a six inch goup. After a year they are finally making it right and sending him another gun.

Hells Canyon Speed cause of the reasons you said , lighter and shorter

Personally I’d be looking at a Bergara HMR or B14 Hunter or even the Tikka CTR mentioned above. Any of those are a lot more rifle for the money than the Browning’s and are almost assuredly will be more accurate as well. I’ve owned or still own both Bergaras. There’s not a Browning in my safe that will come close to them in accuracy and that’s coming from a long time Browning fan. Browning has decided to chase cosmetics with their new rifles instead of focusing on making accurate rifles imho

Buy what feels best.

Kimber 84M is better than any Browning you may find. Check it our before you buy, but mine are stupid accurate and lighter than you would believe until you touch one.


My .257 Roberts weighs 6 lbs, 3 oz with Talley lightweight rings and a Swarovski 2.5-10 x 42 scope. Shoots well under an inch

I personally have a lowly little X-bolt Hunter model in 270 that will shoot sub MOA. Not saying all will, but they aren't all loose shooting either.