Can you suggest a good substitute for the 284Win?

In my experience, 1/2" groups at 100 yards is within the capabilities of ANY cartridge when built with modern quality components and fed tuned handloads. I've not shot a gunsmith chambered barrel that wouldn't do 1/2" or less at 100. Most do 0.25" or better, and that includes hunting rifles.

Feeding a "short" 284 in a LA from the box magazine is going to be fine. Throat the barrel long to gain as much case capacity as possible if you want to maximize your speed.

My grandpa built a 300 Savage on a Mauser 98. That's a true short cartridge in a medium-long action and it feeds like butter. I load the rounds all the way at the back of the magazine box and have been able to chase the lands without any feeding problems.

 

I believe you. My AICS magazine holds up to 2.875" safely, anything beyond that is mighty close to touching in the mag. Therefore, if one needs 100% powder capacity, then the 3.135" OAL length of an LA action is nice to have.

Could you or anybody else expound a little what was wrong with having the 284 in a LA instead of squeezing it into a tight SA? How much extra needless weight do you need to carry with the LA that bothers you about it? Or would you concede that having a LONG ACTION is more of a psychological thing then the reality of it? I'm not knocking the psychological thing too, as precision guys overall want less play and more "efficiency" when seeking accuracy. Is that what it's all about? Everybody will squeeze a cartridge to thousandths" to fit in an SA rather then just going for a roomy LA that will let you seat long 162-178gr bullets from here to your moma's house. I almost feel like I'm screwing up if I choose to build my $1800 custom 284 with an LA.

 

To be completely honest, they both do just fine in any situation. It was more getting back into a short action rifle as my preference especially since it's strictly a woods deer rifle with a few exceptions of needing it for some powerline hunt areas where shots could be to 800 yards. The long action was strictly for the heavy bullets. I see no need to load a 160 class bullet to 3.25-3.35" just because it's a long action. There's a place for the 284 win and heavies but usually you will see them on the 1000 yard line. Guys typically don't choose the 284 w/180 class bullets for elk or bigger. Usually the magnums are the choice cartridges. Even the 280AI is a favorite for hunters vs the 284. I just love the 284 and have been using one since the Winchester model 100s were popular. I still own a model 100 as it was my first deer rifle handed down from my father. I can't say anything bad about the LA and really it's much more common than a SA 284. Some say I'm crazy for building a SA 284 as I lose too much powder space. Personally it fits a niche for me and really has just about replaced my LA.

 

A friend just told me about a Savage model 12 short action single shot with no magazine cut.

I'm starting to think that it might make a nice 284 to single load.

The 284 I'm working on now is a Savage Axis long action which is the same as a short action except the bolt has more travel to it. It is going to use an oddball 3.56" MDT magazine, plenty of space for loading long in that.

 

My personal choice would come down to two cartridges, the 270WSM or the 7mmWSM. Both certridges provide the specs that you're looking for.

 

Both good choices. My only question would be how long is long range ? I shoot a 270 win for deer and it's probably one of the best deer guns. Beyond the 600 yard ranges, the 277 bullets aren't great unless you look into the Berger's. Many don't like them for hunting even tho they are fantastic. IMO the 7mm short mag is the way to go. Offering 140-180 grain options and great ballistics well beyond most people's accuracy level. Hard to rule out the 270 WSM so I'm not. It's right on the 7mm WSM's heels.

 

Member has some excellent points of view. Bullets are an easy choice. For the 7mm Hammer offers a 165 and 170 grain bullet. Both bullets will give you the highest fps available and penitration will be outstanding.

Before you decide on a cartridge look at the bullets available by Hammer; the weight can be 20% less than your conventitiall bullet and still perform exceedingly well.