The 6.5 mm Creedmoor cartridge quickly became a favorite of long-range hunters and shooters following its introduction in 2007. While designed for precision bolt-action rifles, the cartridge’s overall length allows for it to be chambered in semi-automatic rifles designed for cartridges like the .308 Winchester. The latest entrant to that class is the BT3 Predator HP 65C series by Rock River Arms.
The BT3 Predator HP 65C is based on Rock River’s billet LAR-BT3 upper and lower receivers. To this is mated a match-grade, fluted stainless-steel, cryogenically treated barrel with a 1:8" twist rate. The barrel floats free within a 17" lightweight, M-Lok-compatible RRA aluminum handguard. It uses a rifle-length gas system and low-profile gas block. The trigger is a RRA two-stage match unit.
Rock River BT3 Predator HP 65C in configuration 65C1534BT with 20" barrel and CAR Operator stock. Image courtesy of Rock River Arms.
According to the company, the BT3 Predator HP 65C “showcases Rock River Arms’ relentless pursuit of perfection in long-range shooting. Engineered with the goal of unrivaled out-of-the-box accuracy and extended effective range, and outstanding reliability, the rifle is chambered in the popular 6.5 mm Creedmoor. Whether destined for competitive shooting or taking down varmints, the Predator HP 6.5 Creedmoor is designed for mission success.”
Rock River BT3 Predator HP 65C in configuration 65C1540BT with 20" barrel and Magpul PRS stock. Image courtesy of Rock River Arms.
The BT3 Predator HP 65C is offered in three configurations. The first uses a 24" barrel, with its muzzle threaded 5/8x24 TPI and an RRA Operator muzzle brake installed. Equipped with an RRA Operator six-position CAR stock, it has an MSRP of $2,095 and weighs 9.6 lbs. The second configuration is the same, except that the barrel is 20". It weighs 9.2 lbs. and retails for $2,145. The final version uses a 20" barrel with an unthreaded muzzle and a Magpul Gen2 Precision Rifle Stock (PRS). It has an MSRP of $2,410. For more information, visit rockriverarms.com.
