284 winchester vs 7mm-08

[Dark Horse]

Several days ago I started a thread regarding an action for a 7mm-08 build. Since that time I have been around several shooters at the range that have convinced me to give the 284 Winchester a look.

Not looking to start a caliber debate but I only have experience with "standard" rifle chamberings ie., .223, .308, .338 Lapua. My intent is to use this rifle for F-Class open and tactical matches.

The chosen stock is a JAE700 and more than likely the action will be Defiance. The stock limits my magazine choice to AICS and I'm aware of the fact that the .284 Win. is better suited to a long action, which poses my dilemma.

Will AICS .300 Win magazines reliably feed it or is single-feeding the only real option?

Given the barrel life will be less and my own uncertainties about magazine feeding, does the .284 Win have a substantial advantage over the 7-08?

 

[turbo54]

Re: 284 winchester vs 7mm-08

300WM AI mags feed 284 like butter.

You're looking at ~1/2 to 2/3 the barrel life of a 7-08,. and an extra 200fps

 

[Dark Horse]

Re: 284 winchester vs 7mm-08

Assuming the Berger 180 gr is a popular choice, what about their 195 gr when it's available?

 

[SSC]

Re: 284 winchester vs 7mm-08

If you are wanting to win fclass open you need every advantage you can get.

 

[KYpatriot]

Re: 284 winchester vs 7mm-08

284 is quite a performance boost over 7-08 but probably not enough for the 195s. You will want a long throat short mag or the 7 RM for that.

 

[1MoreAR]

Re: 284 winchester vs 7mm-08

I used to owned a .284 that was build by APA with their action (which is made by Defiance). The 300WM AI mag feed the .284 just fine ( 3.20" OAL with 162 A-max). It's an all around cartridge because it's good for long range competition and good for hunting with very light recoil.

 

[swampbuck]

Re: 284 winchester vs 7mm-08

If feeding is a concern the 280 is ballistically identical to the 284 but is in the standard 30-06 case. They are both good choices for there intended purposes.

7mm-08
Pros. Standard cartridge
Good barrel life
Feeds reliably
great for hunting
Mild recoil

.284
Pros. Faster
Less drop and wind deviation
Cases extre reloading steps with cases
less mag capacity

To really be at the top of those games you need two dedicated rifles. If I was you I would do a 260 or 6.5 creedmoore but thats a whole nother post.

 

[saleen63]

Re: 284 winchester vs 7mm-08

Just go with a 280AI.

 

[turbo54]

Re: 284 winchester vs 7mm-08

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KYpatriot</div><div class="ubbcode-body">284 is quite a performance boost over 7-08 but probably not enough for the 195s. You will want a long throat short mag or the 7 RM for that. </div></div>

+1...

The 284 is a step or two up from 708, but honestly, the 7-08 is a damn fine performer, and each "step up" is a small increment for the most part. IMHO, the 284 is in the sweet spot, just before diminishing returns hits hard.

I think of the new Berger 195s from a 284 in the same way I think of 208s from a 308... Sure, it'll work, but really just doesn't have the horsepower to do it right. That said, run some numbers:

162amax, 2975fps, .61 G1BC
180hybrid, 2825fps, .67 G1BC
168VLD, 2950fps, .64 G1BC
195Berger, 2700fps, .79 G1BC (guessing on MV, should be close)

See if you think there would really be an advantage. Sure, supersonic WAY out there, and a 1/10 or two less drift at more typical ranges (1000 and in), but quite a bit more drop than the 162/168. For KD shooting, an advantage in the wind. For UKD matches, I think the 162/168 is a better match.