Just where did the 6.5x284 come from and why is it significant? The 6.5x284 has been a long time wildcat cartridge. Its widely known that the 6.5mm bullets have exceptional ballistic coefficients and sectional densities, especially for their grain weights. The 142gr Sierra match king is most notable here, with a ballistic coefficient that is higher then the 200gr .30 cal Match King, and approaching the BC of the 220gr .30 Match King. So, with the popularity of the 6.5x284 Norma growing over the past 20 years, Norma decided to standardize the caliber and it is now CIP registered. The cartridge is derived from the .284 Winchester necked down to the 6.5mm bullet. This also leads to a large shouldered round that has become so popular with accuracy folks for universal and consistent burn rates. Its also short enough to be chambered in a short action. The recoil is as about even with a .30-06, a bit more then the .308, but nothing like the .300 WM or 7mm Rem. with ballistics that are just as good as the federal .300 Gold Medal Match 190gr load. So, its somewhat obvious as where the popularity comes from. It also helps that Black Hills is loading a match load for it, and norma is producing brass and loads.

The down side is that it is a rebated rim cartridge, which "can" provide some feed and function problems, but most good quality bolt actions don't have a problem. The other problem is the limited availability of brass (that doesn't need to be resized) and loaded ammo. But that appears to be changing with Norma and Blackhills loading factory ammo now. Rifles, of course, are also limited and generally only available from custom rifle builders. What does this caliber offer over the 6.5x55 Swede? Well, not really a whole bunch. It can get velocities a little faster, and it fits in a short action, but thats about it. It is a more modern cartridge, so can be loaded to higher pressures because there are no "old" rifles to worry about chambered for it. The Swede is another historically accurate round, and a great performer.

Recommendation: The 6.5x284 will work great for military and law enforcement applications, though there is limited variety of factory loads and rifles. If this resolves itself, it can be an exceptional load. Penetration is also a significant concern, as the sectional density of the 6.5 bullets can be very high, and penetrate deep, so what over penetration if your agency selects this cartridge.

Note: The Black Hills 142gr was chosen as my preferred load for military applications. This load sends the 142gr match king at 2950fps and out performs the .300WM 190gr Match loads at long ranges. Truly amazing.

Black Hills 6.5x284 Norma Match 142gr Sierra Match King at 2950fps

Bullet Drop (Inches)

Energy (Muzzle - 2744Ft.-Lbs)

Wind Drift (Inches) 10mph Crosswind

Note: I have chosen the same round as above due to the limited selection of factory loads. Over penetration may be an issue, but should be okay. Please insure proper tests are executed to investigate the penetration of this round, and of course, always be sure you have a good backstop behind the target if the shot must be made. (Good marksmanship can make up for a lot of ammo deficiencies.)

Bullet Drop (Inches)

Energy (Muzzle : 2744 ft-lbs)

Wind Drift (Inches) 10mph Crosswind

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