I own a bat action ,bunx barrel 6.5x284 for competition and it is very accurate,i also own a 6.5x284 hunting rifle and this rifle which is a savage weather warrior this rifle is also very accurate. I don`t think most people will ever wear out a hunting rifle barrel used mostly for hunting. yes the 6.5x284 is a great cartridge to hunt with ,but here is the down side of a 6.5x284> ammo may be hard to find,so you better learn to handload. if you do not want to handload your own ammo stick with a normal cartridge 308 win.,30-06 ,243 win,270 win., 7 mag rem,300 win mag,there maybe a couple other ones too, but buy what I call grocery store ammo the ones I mention are easier to find when needed.there is nothing worst than when you go on a hunt ,you forget your ammo and when you get to the area you wanted to hunt and you can`t find any ammo because you have a not to common of caliber. Pete53
