6.5-284 good for it all?

338 dude said:

I've had the rifle for six years and used to shoot quite a lot and fairly fast strings I have entered a couple matches but nothing serious the first one I replaced at about 1300 rounds could've been replaced at 11 this last one I ran Molly since day one I have a little over 1600 rounds on it it shoots fine out to about 600 then it opens up a little

Click to expand...

As far as people worrying about a proof barrel if all I did was shoot matches and practice that much with rapid strings of fire it may not be the best idea and I would probably go with a stainless barrel but for what I normally shoot and what little hunting I do with it I am very happy with a proof barrel

AZHunter04 said:

Just seeing every ones thoughts are on what they think is a great all around caliber for North American big game.

I really like the 280s/7mm but the 6.5 284 has me interested

Click to expand...

Got to know, what will you be using it for and to how far do you shoot game on a regular basis?

If you don't mind me asking

Mine is a #2 benchmark on a 700 action. 23". H1000 and 156 is getting me mid 2800s. Very accurate rig. The lapua brass should last a minimum of 10 reloads, perhaps more as I am not pushing it. It is very close to my 6.5-06 that I burned the barrel out on. And that killed a lot of stuff over the last 12 years. I'd have no issues to 700 on game and perhaps more depending on the year and how much I am shooting.

You might try the 156 with Reloder 26, it will get you to 3,000 fps.
I have three 6.5x284's and love them from antelope, elk, bear, deer, and pigs.

AZHunter04 said:

Just seeing every ones thoughts are on what they think is a great all around caliber for North American big game.

I really like the 280s/7mm but the 6.5 284 has me interested

Click to expand...

Nope! Under ideal conditions, with proper bullets .....it can and will kill anything on the planet. However, "If a frog had wings....he wouldn't bump his butt every time he jumped"! If "everything" in NA is potentially on the menu ....there are better options! JMO

PS: I own one! memtb

It's a greats all around cartridge. If that's what you want get it, it will work great and they are fun to shoot. I've killed a bunch of game with 6.5-06 from coyotes to bull elk and about everything in between.

Only draw back is the barrel life but it's the same with all the overbore 6.5. 6.5 PRC is the same, others claim better barrel life but I know folks rebarreling them in under 1000 rds. It's all how you run it.

AZHunter04 said:

Just seeing every ones thoughts are on what they think is a great all around caliber for North American big game.

I really like the 280s/7mm but the 6.5 284 has me interested

Click to expand...

I started with a 6.5 X 284 Winchester Wildcat in the early 90's and have moved to the factory Norma version as of now. While I used mine for matches from 300 - 1000 yards it is a great round with 1/2 MOA or better, throwing 140 Bergers out the pipe. I have a 6.5 X 55 AI set up for hunting that falls on the heels of the 6.5 X 284 and should that not be enough the 264 Mag. will get the job done.

Mule deer, coues deer, antelope if I'm lucky. I'd feel pretty confident out to 700 yards or so

My 6.5-284 has killed an antelope, multiple deer, a caribou, and multiple elk. I keep building rifles and then look at that one and wonder why I do it.

143 eldx in Lapua brass, retumbo...not running it crazy fast, ~2950 if I remember correctly.

Have or had 7. It's an awesome cartridge and caliber. If running a long action non-magnum is your desire I personally think it's a do-it-all cartridge. I also think the same of the 280AI.

AZHunter04 said:

Just seeing every ones thoughts are on what they think is a great all around caliber for North American big game.

I really like the 280s/7mm but the 6.5 284 has me interested

Click to expand...

It's a great cartridge for up to elk sized game. Limitations are extreme ranges for big game. Under 600 yards it's golden if you do your job.

6.5x284 is one of the most accurate rifles out there on the market today. If barrel life isn't an issue I would get one. However, my preference would be the 284 Winchester. You get the same match type accuracy but using 7mm bullets instead. The barrel life is a lot better, and I saw Lapua is finally coming out with 284 brass next year too. My vote: 284 Winchester

AZHunter04 said:

Just seeing every ones thoughts are on what they think is a great all around caliber for North American big game.

I really like the 280s/7mm but the 6.5 284 has me interested

Click to expand...

I'm a 6.5 fanatic. I've had a Creedmoor since 2010, I love my 24" AR in 6.5 Grendel, and I've got 6.5 Swedes and Carcanos...but even I built my all North American big game in a bigger caliber. I decided on a 280A.I. and it should cover everything up to black bear, elk and caribou. If I do get to hunt grizzly/brown bear or moose at some point I have a .338 Lapua I would probably tout along instead.