I know a number of folks who absolutely love the 6.5x284, regardless of format: Norma or Winchester. But they all agree
it's hard on barrels, and after 2000 rds or so, they need to
take a couple inches off from both ends, rechamber and re-crown.
It's been that way with any/all 6.5 barnstormers. The only
6.5 cartridges I know of that is somewhat gentle on the barrel are the 6.5x55 Swede and some of the earlier European military rifles chambered in 6.5xwhatever (50, 54, 55, 57mm). But those cartridges aren't exactly 1,000 yd target specimens. As a friend of mine says, the only difference between the 6.5x55 and the 6.5x284 is a 100 fps or so of MV.
Frankly, not sure I'd compare the 270 Win with any 6.5 cartridge.
You rarely see a 6.5 bullet these days heavier than 140/142 grs.
The only .264 cartridge that eclipes the 270 Win with a 130-gr bullet is the 264 Win Mag, that I know of. But the cost of such
high velocity is a short barrel life. Besides, the 264/6.5mm doesn't require the velocity the 270 Win generates to be an effective hunting cartridge. They do very well with 140-gr bullets in the 2600-2700 fps MV range, normally providing deep penetration and quick kills (assuming proper bullet placement).
Last edited by travelr47; 02/22/09.
