Is .284 Win. The Real Deal?

[ShootDots]

I have had several 7mm's. Several 7mm-08s, several "straight" .284s, a few 7mm Shehanes and several 7mm Rem Mags. For hunting, it is rather difficult to beat a 7mm Rem Mag. However, once you incorporate 600 yard target shooting in there, the benefits evaporate for the 7mm Rem Mag. Under the stress of long shot strings, from a competitive match, the 7mm Rem. Mag. will eat up throats like candy! On the other hand, limiting the competition to 300 / 600 yards does not take a BIG cartridge. Depending on exactly what your quarry is for hunting, a 7mm-08 is about as fine of a 400 yard cartridge as you can get, for most big game. If Elk or Moose are on the table, the other 7mm's would be a better choice. For the 300-600 yard competitions you are espousing, it (7mm-08) would do very well indeed.

The 7mm-08 is easy to load for and very accurate. The .284's and the improved derivatives, will do anything you need, both in hunting and target shooting. Although they have, from time to time, been finicky to get competitive loads developed for! There are a few other thoughts you might want to consider. One is that the .284 and it's derivatives have a .473 bolt-face, the 7mm. Rem. Mag. has a .532 bolt-face. If you have already purchased a .532 bolt, consideration #2 would be to consider a 7 SAUM. It will, for all intents and purposes, do what the 7mm Rem Mag can do ballistically. If you shoot it for competition, and use SLOW powders, it's barrel life is considerably longer than a BIG 7mm. Rem. Mag.

I hope this helps...

 

[hogan]

What comes to mind... the 6.5mm 142gr offers some super high BC capability, and will weigh about 30gr less than a high BC 7mm bullet.

The .284 is an advanced case design in many ways. The 6.5/284 is about the finest non-magnum longrange cartridge going. 6.5x55 is close as is the .260rem; but... they aren't as able as the 6.5/284; no 7mm std ctg is. Barnes and Nosler boattail premium bullets work on big game from a 6.5.

The .30/284 is a strong performer duplicating .30-06 results and loading data. Short action potential, even better in a LA receiver.

I own a .260rem and several .338 magnums. No real need for more velocity or bullet weight. For longrange I will go with a 250-300gr high BC bullet. I also have a .338-06. Were I doing it over again, I would choose .338/284 in expectation that the more compact case will deliver better burn performance and give me more bullet seating flexibility. In the .338-06 a 250gr bullet is about the max I will load. Heavier VLD bullets are too long.

Larger caliber ctgs are typically easier to use with cast bullets. The more options you have the more fun with your new rifle.