If you aren't going to shoot the long bullets out of your rifle, your short action should be fine. However, the 6.5x284 is at its best when shooting the long bullets such as the 139grn Scenar, 140 or 142 MK and the A-Max. I would suggest getting a long action, I think you will be happy with that set up. I have 6.5x284 290nk built on 8.5 BAT action and it loves the long bullets. My favorite bullet so far has been the Lupa 139grn scenar. My 6.5 also loves the 142 MK, I will begin some more load work with 142grn MK and H4350. If you need more info, let me know. Good Luck.