The 6.5 x .284 is ballistically identical with the 6.5-'06. Now, I know that the 6.5-06 isn't a factory cartridge, but it's been around a long time and there's a lot of experience with it. Most people would tell you that it's a top-flite deer cartridge. Both cartridges are only a tad slower in practical terms than a .264. I've used a .264 for going on forty years and have never been disappointed in its leathality.

What kind of action do you intend to put it on? This is the "rub": If you use a "short" action, you will be very limited in LOA and with longer bullets like the 140's you will suffer from powder space encroachment. If you use a long action, in my opinion you're better off with a 6.5-06 (maybe A.I.), which gives you cheaper and plentiful brass, does not require alteration of the feed rails, and gives you one more round in most magazines.

If you really want a short action gun, the plan on limiting your bullets to 120's or maybe the 125 Nosler. These bullets have been excellent for me on whitetails and antelope, though I prefer a 140 in my .264.

StoneCreek: not to hijack the thread, but which 140's do you like for deer in your 264?