Kimber Montana 325 WSM vs. 338 Federal

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bearkilr

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Looking for some feedback from owners on these two, also calibers themselves even if not in the Kimber.
Weight difference between the two seems to be over 1 lb in favour of the 338(6lbs 3 oz. vs 5 lbs 1 oz).I have a Kimber in 308 and it doesn't seem the 338 Federal is really much of a step up in performance, though I'd like to hear from those with actual experience shooting it. I'd like to stay away from any long actions like 338WinMag as it seems to negate the light weight advantage short action Kimbers have.

I'm aware of internet talk on some apparent accuracy issues on select Kimber's, but I reload and this would be a hunting rifle so I'm not concerned in the least.

All opinions are greatly appreciated.
 
If you already have one in .308, I'd go .325wsm. In hunting terms, there's nothing the Fed can do that a .308 180gr can't.
 
The advantage is the 325 is almost on par with the 338 win for ballistic and punch but in a smaller action so weight can be reduced. The only limitation is the availibility of different 8 mm bullet. You can check before buying. But the 338 fed? feel like blargon!
 
David L said:
The advantage is the 325 is almost on par with the 338 win for ballistic and punch but in a smaller action so weight can be reduced. The only limitation is the availibility of different 8 mm bullet. You can check before buying. But the 338 fed? feel like blargon!
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Once I find a good all around bullet, I tend to stick with it for most everything. The 308 likes the 150 TTSX. I'd probably try the 200 gr.TSX in the 325.

There's still that 1 lb 2 oz weight difference thing though, that 338 is almost 20% lighter. :bangHead:
 
bearkilr said:
Once I find a good all around bullet, I tend to stick with it for most everything. The 308 likes the 150 TTSX. I'd probably try the 200 gr.TSX in the 325.

There's still that 1 lb 2 oz weight difference thing though, that 338 is almost 20% lighter. :bangHead:
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Here's a list of readily available 8mm bullets from one of CGN's dealers:

Barnes, Hornady, Lapua, Norma, Nosler, PRVI, Remington, Sierra, Speer and Swift. Bullets ranging from 125gr-220gr.
 
bearkilr said:
I'd like to stay away from any long actions like 338WinMag as it seems to negate the light weight advantage short action Kimbers have.
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My T3 Light in .338 Win Mag weighs less than the claimed weight of the Kimber 8400WSM. It is right at 6lbs 9oz (or 8oz - I can't remember right now) with a FX-2.5x and Millet mounts. Leupold claims the scope weighs 6.5oz and then let's just say 2.5oz for the mounts (I'm sure they weigh more than that) and you right at, or just under 6lbs. Kimber claims 6lbs 3oz for the 8400wsm.
 
1899 said:
My T3 Light in .338 Win Mag weighs less than the claimed weight of the Kimber 8400WSM. It is right at 6lbs 9oz (or 8oz - I can't remember right now) with a FX-2.5x and Millet mounts. Leupold claims the scope weighs 6.5oz and then let's just say 2.5oz for the mounts (I'm sure they weigh more than that) and you right at, or just under 6lbs. Kimber claims 6lbs 3oz for the 8400wsm.
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Not sure I follow. The Kimber in 325 is less than the T3 in 338, 6 lbs 3 oz for Kimber, 6 lbs 9 oz for Tikka. If we're comparing 338's, then yes the Tikka is lighter by about 5 oz vs the Kimber 338's claimed 6 lbs 13 oz. I'd still pick the Kimber, nothing against Tikka, but their synthetic stock isn't my favorite.
EDIT: Sorry, I see now you mean scoped weight. However, Tikka's website states 6 lbs. 6 oz. for T3 lite in 338, bare rifle of course.
 
Yes, that is what Tikka claims - I actually weighed mine. Note that they claim the same weight for all chamberings. I think the barrel profile is the same, so, just like with the Kimbers, the larger caliber versions weigh less. I am saying that the T3 in .338 Win Mag probably weighs a bit less than the 8400 in .325wsm. It's true that the T3 is not as fancy, but it shoots very well, has a good trigger, you can hardly find a single complaint from owners (unlike the Kimber) and it costs much less. To each their own though - everyone needs to be happy with their own choice. I am just saying that for a light weight heavier chambering the T3 is an option to consider.
 
I actually weighed my 8400 Montana in 7WSM and came out with an ounce under 6lbs, bare...

I also own a Tikka T3 in .25-06. I love both rifles, even though they are very different. The Tikka is a smoot, accurate, PF rifle. It doesn't feel nearly as robust, although it is very refined. Oh, and did I mention accurate? ;) The Kimber is also refined, but in a more solid, robust sort of way. The stock is very stiff (CF and Kevlar), and the 3-pos safety is nice. Also very accurate.
 
Jordan Smith said:
I actually weighed my 8400 Montana in 7WSM and came out with an ounce under 6lbs, bare...

I also own a Tikka T3 in .25-06. I love both rifles, even though they are very different. The Tikka is a smoot, accurate, PF rifle. It doesn't feel nearly as robust, although it is very refined. Oh, and did I mention accurate? ;) The Kimber is also refined, but in a more solid, robust sort of way. The stock is very stiff (CF and Kevlar), and the 3-pos safety is nice. Also very accurate.
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Good info,thanks. Is the action of the 8400 WSM Kimber quite a bit larger/beefier overall than the regular 84M? I've never had a chance to compare the two.
 
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