I like the 264 for it's available ammo. Most stores have some, and gun shows have tons of boxes of old ammo. I reloaded it for 20 yrs myself when I had one. It was a one shot one kill rifle. I doubt we'll see a factory 6.5-284 any time soon unless Marlin loads it. The 264 was the second 'western' big game calibre created, the first was the very capable 1000yd 300H&H magnum in (yes) 1920. The 264 Winchester Magnum died suddenly when word got out in the late 70's early 80's that the calibre actually had a dual diameter bullet. Long range aficionados/ outdoor writers(some experts they are) dropped it like a hot potato and it's sales/production have slid downhill ever since. If I was choosing I'd go with the 264 and it's heman sized case, but the current rage is with the tiny little 6.5-284 so maybe you otto be current.