Thoughts on 6.5-284

[freshta]

Considering the purchase of a semi custom 6.5-284. I've done some research and it seems like a pretty solid round. I usually hate reading reviews because I feel like sponsorship gets in the way of reality. Anyone here have any practical experience with it and what are the pros and cons?

 

[BeaverHunter]

Love mine. Dropped a mule deer last year at 375 yards with it. Died immediately. Barely had to hold above the vitals without using my turret. Brass isn’t the cheapest but not 28 nosler crazy and it’s readily available. Plethora of 6.5 bullets to chose from. Lots of reloading info out there. And multiple factory rifles chambered in it so it will always be around. And for those that say it’s a “barrel burner” that’s not really true. Should be able to get 1000 rounds out of it before you need to rebarrel it. Most people never shoot 1000 rounds out of one rifle in their lifetime. Or their kids.

 

[elkguide]

Good solid caliber. Basically reload only so if you're OK with that..... go for it!

 

[hodgeman]

Same basic performance as the newer 6.5PRC. It was en vogue a few years ago among saavy rifle shooters and is technically speaking- a fine cartridge. 143s at 2900 and 120s a little north of 300.

You really need to hand load to get the best out of it as factory ammo can be difficult to source in some areas.

 

[WeiserBucks]

It's awesome if you use a long action and hand load . 6.5x284 was the premier choice for LR benchrest for a long time, accuracy is a given .

 

[freshta]

Thanks for the replies! What's the maximum effective range on deer?

 

[HomerMan30]

Good cartridge but not as efficient or readily available as the creedmoor

 

[Richard Smith]

As most have said above, need to reload and run in a long action.

 

[WeiserBucks]

Good cartridge but not as efficient or readily available as the creedmoor

The creed couldn't carry the 6.5x284's purse . If we were hung up on efficiency we'd all be using a. 22 LR.

 

[backcountry_hunter]

Easily my favorite of the 6.5's

 

[Brightwhite]

I have one that shoots 143gr ELDX’s at 2950 and had 4 one shot kills under its belt last year. Agree that you have to reload for it, factory ammo is less than desirable and slow, but Lapua brass, Retumbo, and those 143gr ElDXs make a good combo.

 

[BIGEYES]

BeaverHunter provided a good summary of the 6.5-284. I think the 1000YD BR guys got away from it because they had to change seating depth too frequently chasing the rifling. Those guys shot 15 to twenty rounds in a match (including sighters) and the record string was usually fired as quickly as possible in an attempt to beat the conditions. all of that is extremely hard on barrels. A hunter would not have those problems--as long as he/she isn't hunting prarie dogs!!

 

[Rob5589]

The 6.5-284 on a long action is an awesome round. Used to shoot with LR guys that used it and it could do some damage. They roast throats quick but that isn't an issue for a hunter and their shooting style. Lapua brass isn't cheap but it is super quality and consistent. 140's on deer will kill them as far as you'd want to.

 

[BIGEYES]

Rob, I agree with the long action and Lapua brass.

 

[freshta]

Lots of info guys. Thanks a bunch

 

[XLR]

Might want to consider a straight .284 Winchester! That is what the 6.5-284 is based off of. So same case except .284" bullets. Just purchase Lapua 6.5-284 brass and neck up to 7. Utilizing the 168 / 175 Nosler Accubond Long Range bullets, or Berger 168 / 180 VLDs you can obtain velocity between 2800-2950 without much pressure. H-4831SC is a great powder for the 6.5 and straight 284. Either option will be great for north america big game at distance.

 

[rayporter]

started load work up today on a new SHORT action remy. single shot for long range p doggin.

 

[msalm]

The 6.5 is great, I also have a 25-284 I like A LOT! in a short action Win 70 with the WSM mag box and follower gives you 3.050” internal length. Works great for all the 284 based cartridges.

 

[NBChance]

Bought a Cooper Model 52 Timberline in 6.5 - 284 Norma this past year. I've not taken an animal with it yet, but have done quite a bit of load development work. I really, really, like it. I'm using Lapua brass, CCI 200 primers, Barnes 127 LRX and Reloder 23. My Magneto Speed is showing a little more than 3000 FPS, and I'm getting 100 yd groups less than .5". I don't use the brake and recoil is negligible. It's a really sweet set-up.

 

[NBChance]

Regarding powders... I tried H4831, H1000, and Retumbo, before settling on Reloder 23. All powders shot well, but Reloder 23 was the only powder where I was able to get my accuracy node at the velocity I was looking for, without any signs of pressure.