Looney here,
the average hunter/shooter doesn't see the "signficant" ballistic advantages the rifle loony sees over, say, a .270.
Average is boring!
it really has nothing on the .270
We can also say the 270 really has nothing on the 6.5x284 Winchester, the shorter version, in the shorter action.
What takes a 270 win with 61 grains I can do with 58 grains and 22" of barrel in the 6.5x284.
Not that were picking a looney nit here.
They're both dead even out to 500 yards even though the 270 starts out 100 fps faster.
Past 500 the 6.5 rules.
The 6.5x284 will also match anything the 280 AI can put together as well and I don't see the 7 WSM as having any real hunting advantage on it, at 500 there is only 3" of difference between the two rounds.
My 700 Ti 6.5x284 weighs in at 5 lbs dry and 6 lbs with scope and rings.
If you want a short action, shorter barreled light mountain rifle that will match 270 and 280 AI ballistics the 6.5x284 will do it.
If you're just an average hunter the 6.5x284 is not for you. It probably outstrips your skill level.
As far as being a barrel burner, if you're an F class shooter sending 1,200 rounds down range in a season that might be a concern. Hunting it's not.
