What is the 6.5-284 Norma?
The 6.5-284 Norma is what happens when benchrest nerds and serious hunters collide. Born as a wildcat in long-range match circles, this cartridge earned a reputation for laser-flat trajectory, low recoil, and reliable sub-MOA accuracy out past 1,000 yards.
It’s a .284 Winchester case necked down to accept 6.5mm (.264″) bullets, and later legitimized by Norma of Sweden in 1999. Today, it’s a proven performer for precision hunters, F-Class shooters, and reloaders looking to squeeze every ounce of potential from a 6.5mm platform.
In short? The 6.5-284 is the OG of long-range 6.5s, before Creedmoor made it cool.
History & Evolution
The 6.5-284 began life as a wildcat variant of the .284 Winchester in the late 1960s. Precision shooters discovered the combination of a short, fat case and high-BC 6.5mm bullets created a near-perfect match for 1,000-yard shooting.
Swedish manufacturer Norma standardized the round in 1999, giving it SAAMI specs and international legitimacy. Since then, it’s quietly been the favorite of F-Class competitors, long-range hunters, and ballistic nerds who want something more powerful than 6.5 Creedmoor without jumping to magnum recoil.
Cartridge Specs and Ballistics
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Bullet Diameter | .264″ (6.5mm) |
| Case Length | 2.170″ |
| Overall Length | 3.228″ |
| Case Capacity | ~55.2 grains H2O |
| Max SAAMI Pressure | 63,000 psi |
| Twist Rate | 1:8” or 1:9” |
| Typical Bullet Weights | 120–147 grains |
Ballistic Data – 142gr Sierra MatchKing (Factory Load)
| Range (yds) | Drop (200 yd zero) | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | +1.9″ | 2,940 | 2,730 |
| 200 | 0″ | 2,750 | 2,390 |
| 300 | -6.3″ | 2,570 | 2,088 |
| 500 | -36.8″ | 2,200 | 1,526 |
| 1,000 | -266.4″ | 1,500 | 710 |
It shoots flatter than Creedmoor, hits harder, and retains energy downrange.
Real-World Hunting Performance
This cartridge wasn’t built for brush hunting—it’s made for open country and high-stakes precision.
Ideal Game:
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Whitetail & Mule Deer
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Antelope
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Elk (with 140–147gr bonded bullets)
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Mountain goats & sheep
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Varmints (overkill, but glorious)
With a bonded 140–143gr bullet, the 6.5-284 offers enough penetration for elk-sized game out to 400+ yards. Match it with the right glass, and it’s one of the most precise hunting rigs money can buy.
Tactical, Competition, and Benchrest Use
Long before 6.5 Creedmoor started dominating PRS and YouTube reviews, the 6.5-284 was crushing 1,000-yard matches in F-Class Open.
Why?
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High BC bullets (G1 BCs in the .610+ range)
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Low wind drift
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Manageable recoil = fast follow-ups
It’s not ideal for gas guns, but if you’re running a bolt gun, it’s deadly accurate in a properly tuned platform.
Recoil, Barrel Life, and Practical Accuracy
Recoil
Recoil is in the 14–16 ft-lb range, similar to a .270 or light .30-06. Manageable in most rifles, especially with a brake or suppressor.
Barrel Life
This is where it pays to reload smart. Expect:
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1,200–1,800 rounds for peak accuracy
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1,000–1,200 if running hot loads in long strings
Accuracy
0.5 MOA is common with handloads and good glass. Many F-Class shooters still choose 6.5-284 because it just works.
Best Factory Rifles Chambered in 6.5-284 Norma
| Rifle Model | MSRP | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Savage 110 Elite Precision | $1,699 | PRS & long-range precision |
| Christensen Arms Mesa FFT | $1,695 | Lightweight western hunter |
| Howa 1500 Hogue | $799 | Affordable hunting option |
| Cooper Model 92 Backcountry | $3,200 | Premium lightweight rig |
| Savage 110 Timberline | $1,189 | All-weather hunting build |
🛒 For pricing and rifle options, check out our partners at Voodoo Firearms — they know long-range bolt guns inside and out.
Top Factory Ammo Choices
| Ammo | Bullet Type | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Nosler Trophy Grade 140gr | AccuBond | Hunting elk and deer |
| Hornady 147gr ELD Match | Match | Long-range paper or steel |
| Federal Gold Medal 142gr | SMK | Target and F-Class |
| Norma 130gr Golden Target | HPBT | Target shooting |
| Barnes VOR-TX 127gr TTSX | Copper solid | Lead-free hunting zones |
For ammo availability and match-grade options, visit Voodoo Firearms — they carry the good stuff.
Reloading the 6.5-284 Norma
Reloading brings out the cartridge’s full potential.
Best Powders:
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H4831SC
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H4350
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IMR 7828 SSC
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RL-22
Bullet Recommendations:
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140gr Berger VLD
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147gr ELD-M
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142gr Sierra MatchKing
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130gr Swift Scirocco II
Tip: Seat bullets long (close to lands) and work up from min loads. Barrel harmonics and COAL matter more in this round than most.
Cartridge Comparisons
| Cartridge | Muzzle Vel. | 500yd Drop | 500yd Energy | Barrel Life | Recoil |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.5-284 Norma | 2,940 fps | -37″ | ~1,526 ft-lbs | ~1,500 | Med |
| 6.5 Creedmoor | 2,700 fps | -49″ | ~1,200 ft-lbs | ~3,000 | Low |
| .260 Remington | 2,800 fps | -44″ | ~1,320 ft-lbs | ~2,000 | Low-Med |
| 7mm-08 Rem | 2,800 fps | -43″ | ~1,480 ft-lbs | ~2,000 | Med |
Bottom Line: The 6.5-284 Norma sits between Creedmoor and the magnums. It’s faster and flatter than Creed, without going full recoil-tilt like .300 Win Mag.
✅ Pros vs. ❌ Cons
✅ Pros
- Flat-shooting and wind-resistant 6.5mm round
- Perfect for deer, antelope, and long-range elk
- Competition-proven at 1,000 yards
- Manageable recoil with serious accuracy
- Excellent reloading options and bullet selection
❌ Cons
- Barrel life is shorter than 6.5 Creedmoor
- Not commonly stocked in big-box stores
- Less factory ammo variety than mainstream calibers
- Not suited for AR platforms or gas guns
Final Verdict
The 6.5-284 Norma isn’t a flashy new gimmick. It’s a legacy performer — one of the best 6.5mm cartridges ever made for hunters, competitors, and reloaders who demand sub-MOA precision and real-world stopping power beyond 500 yards.
Whether you’re dropping deer in the Dakota plains or printing five-shot bugholes at 1,000 yards, the 6.5-284 deserves your attention.