Thread: Sako85 SA 243 barrel change... 284win?

This sounds similar to the discussion recently about building a 280 Vs 284 on a long action 85. A friend who has a 284 built on a long 85 says the bottom bolt lug can hang up slightly on the steepish shoulder on the 284 case when opening the bolt. You will likely also lose a round of capacity in the magazine.

I would think about it the other way around - what will you gain by choosing the 284? What length barrel will you be running on it? The 284 is a great base for a superb all around hunting rifle for New Zealand - but it works so much better in a long action. Cramming it in a short action restricts its potential a lot. The easy option would be to chamber it in 7mm/08 which is boring and pedestrian and will likely work perfectly... Hmmmm.

Having said that, if you really want to do it then go for it. Talk to more than one gunsmith to see if they've done it or are prepared to. If you want something different to the norm then what about a 7mm Creedmoor?
***grabs popcorn and sits back for fireworks***