6.5-284 Winchester or Norma the same thing?

[boogershooter]

Are these two different cartridges, Norma and Winchester? I Just recieved a new box of Lapua brass and its in this fancy blue hard plastic container. It says norma on it. I dont remember Norma on the label of my older stuff, maybe just my memory is shot! Is this the same as the old stuff in the cardboard box? Thank you! Dont want to break the seal if its not right.

 

[Laurie]

Same case, different chamber throat and cartridge OAL. The parent 284 Winchester cartridge was designed for short rifle actions and was registered with 2.800" COAL which limited its usefulness given how deep heavy 7mm bullets had to be seated inside the case.

In its 284 Win match form or for custom hunting rifles, the barrel is throated to allow COALs well over 3.00", sometimes called .284 Win LT (Long Throat). 6.5-284 Norma builds on the same principle as well as necking the case down by 20 thou'. Since the European CIP says throat and rifling twist rate specification changes means its a completely new cartridge, Norma registered its version of the previously wildcat cartridge using its name.

I don't think 6.5-284 Winchester exists officially, but some loading manuals use the 6.5-284 name without any adornment and may also have worked up loads for it in what is now a wildcat version suitable for short actions, the COAL listed as a maximum of 2.8". Maximum powder charges are noticeably lower than those in other manuals that have adopted the proper 6.5-284 Norma form with its 3.310" maximum overall length.

There is no change at all between cases in either version.

Laurie,
York, England

 

[boogershooter]

Great info Laurie,Much thanks!