284win vs 6.5 prc

[cabelasken]

My 1984 A-bolt 284 went 5000+ rounds before the 5 shot groups went above 1 MOA. The shillen barrel that replaced it was good for 4000. The original barrel was 22" and the shillen is 23". 140 Gr bullets out of the original were good for 3000 FPS and I'm getting 3130 with 2 grains more powder in the shillen barrel. All reloads were of the max variety. I now have 2 more 284 Win's and love them. They are my minimum for elk.

 

[BEEMAN]

I'm in a similar spot, I've got no lightweight mountain rifle (and vague plans for elk hunting). Gunsmith lead times being what they are it can't be too early to start planning, right?

I've got a 6 BRA Tikka I love and it seems like the perfect platform for a medium length cartridge like the 284 Win. I've now got brass, dies, bullets, powders, everything except a barrel. Obviously I'd recommend 284 too, but one thing to consider if you're planning to use it this coming season is that you can get a takeoff 6.5 PRC barrel from North Idaho Hunter.

I did something similar. I have a 6 dasher that I also have a 284 switch barrel for. Problem is I haven't shot it yet. Other problem is it's built on a short action. But for me it will be ok as I don't usually take game much beyond 500 yds. I'm planning on loading some hammers in the 120 gr range for a nice flat shooting deer load. The 284 is impressive with a long barrel for F class with 180's. I think built on a LA with a 24" barrel and maybe Shehane it could also be impressive.

 

[xsn10s]

Here is a update on my 18" 6.5 PRC now that is broke in. Confirmed data to 1500 so far with the 156 and 135. Shoot the 135 primarily due to the high bc and additional velocity making it quite suitable for long range predators. Zero issue using it on deer and elk and reasonable distances as well. Keep in mind you can get more fps then me if you want to push it. I have 6x reloads on hornady brass and pockets feel same as new. I can go almost a full grain higher and still extract a case but that additional 100 fps doesn't mean much to me at this point.

135A Tip- 2982.
143x - 2925.
156 EOL- 2820.

Hey Brent I "think" I could get around 2800 fps out of my 260 AI using the 156 EOL. At 4000 ft what range limitations would you consider reasonable for elk? TIA, John

 

[Eric_F]

I did something similar. I have a 6 dasher that I also have a 284 switch barrel for. Problem is I haven't shot it yet. Other problem is it's built on a short action. But for me it will be ok as I don't usually take game much beyond 500 yds. I'm planning on loading some hammers in the 120 gr range for a nice flat shooting deer load. The 284 is impressive with a long barrel for F class with 180's. I think built on a LA with a 24" barrel and maybe Shehane it could also be impressive.

Short action 284 Shehane isn't unheard of, Dan Bertocchini won the Hornady PRC match with one (starts around 23 min):


And I got my X-Caliber 284 barrel on my Tikka, haven't shot it yet but soon. It's definitely a pain disassembling my match gun so a second action is in my future.

 

[BrentM]

Hey Brent I "think" I could get around 2800 fps out of my 260 AI using the 156 EOL. At 4000 ft what range limitations would you consider reasonable for elk? TIA, John

I think 850 is about it. FPS at 800- 900 is dropping down to 1800 and below. I think I would be good with 700 - 800 in the right conditions. Data for that elevation and elk season temps are pretty good.

 

[KU_Geo]

Update on my project. I ended up dumping the 284 brass, and going prc. Couple reasons. I ended getting a kimber montana 280ai to scratch the 7mm 168 vld itch. It's a shooter! And I found a proof 6.5 prc for $700, along with 156 eols and brass. Just waiting to order an action, the other one I had got set up as a creedmoor for the wife. Thinking of dropping it all in. AG privateer.

 

[BrentM]

Pretty solid set up's. You're set

 

[TXAoudadKlr]

I had the same dilemma. Faster 6.5 or mild 7mm

The 284 won out for me for a few reasons but mainly the added authority of a larger diameter bullet (minor I know) while I view them as very much replaceable! Barrel life, I want a daily driver. Also, with the barrel length I'm settling on! It should mirror my 6.5 CM with 143's with a 20gr heavier bullet

 

[BrentM]

I had the same dilemma. Faster 6.5 or mild 7mm

The 284 won out for me for a few reasons but mainly the added authority of a larger diameter bullet (minor I know) while I view them as very much replaceable! Barrel life, I want a daily driver. Also, with the barrel length I'm settling on! It should mirror my 6.5 CM with 143's with a 20gr heavier bullet

Interesting take. I don't see a 284 running with a prc. What barrel length are you running?

 

[TXAoudadKlr]

So my 6.5cm uses a 21" and runs 143's at 2700

I plan to run the 284 with a 22" barrel and the 162's

 

[BrentM]

So my 6.5cm uses a 21" and runs 143's at 2700

I plan to run the 284 with a 22" barrel and the 162's

Gotcha.
My 18" prc runs a 156 at 2820. 143 at 2925. 135 at 2985.

My 22" prc, 156 2920, 143 3040, 135 3100.

Just to give you an idea of what that cartridge can do in a short barrel. The 162 7mm is a great choice. I'd like to see a 160 6.5 but the only company making those used to be matrix. Good bc but didn't make a great hunting bullet in my opinion. It penciled on yotes.

 

[longtubeman]

Gotcha.
My 18" prc runs a 156 at 2820. 143 at 2925. 135 at 2985.

My 22" prc, 156 2920, 143 3040, 135 3100.

Just to give you an idea of what that cartridge can do in a short barrel. The 162 7mm is a great choice. I'd like to see a 160 6.5 but the only company making those used to be matrix. Good bc but didn't make a great hunting bullet in my opinion. It penciled on yotes.

What power are you using on the 135?

 

[azsugarbear]

I'm running a 6.5 PRC with a 20" Proof carbon barrel and the Matrix 160 gr. bullet (yup, stockpiled them) at 2,930 fps. Took a deer last fall and bullet performed as expected. It was a neck shot (only one the buck offered) and he dropped on the spot. Neck shattered and lead separated from the cup - which is what they are designed to do.

 

[quandary]

Why are you thinking .284Win vs 6.5PRC rather than vs 7PRC?