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6.5-284 Norma vs. 6.5-284 Winchester

There is no official 6.5-284Win. That’s a wildcat obtained by necking down a 284Win and dimensions could theoretically vary from rifle to rifle since they’re all custom, and chambers were reamed with non-standardized reamers. Throat length will probably be the most variable dimension.

The 6.5-284Norma was standardized. It was based on necking down a 284Win. If you have a SAAMI spec 6.5-284Norma then you know what you have.

In practice there isn’t much difference, but the 6.5-284Norma has a long throat and if you have a wildcat 6.5-284 some factory ammo may not chamber. Accuracy with factory ammo will likely be much better through a 6.5-284Norma as it was designed with similar accuracy improving traits to the 6.5CM. Shooting that ammo through a chamber that doesn’t match will not always yield equal results. A good 6.5-284Norma will shoot EXCELLENT groups with quality factory ammo, just as 6.5CM will. For hunting the 6.5-284Norma is a 6.5CM on steroids. It’s everything the 6.5CM is except it’s faster.
 
I want to use 6.5 x 284 in a 25 x 284. My 25 was made in late 1991 or early 92. I assume [and maybe wrongly so] that at least the body of the reamer was made to SAAMI specs. Back then I acquired 2 die sets, a Redding neck die set a RCBS FL set. I also got a RCBS file type trim die. I was able to acquire some new Lapua 6.5 x 284 Norma cases. I will try to FL size one and if it doesn't chamber no biggie. I have plenty of necked down .284 Win cases. IIRC I bought some fireformed cases from a place called Buzztail Brass out of Idaho. Wouldn't chamber no matter what I did.
 

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