83cj-7
WKR
Recently I picked up a stainless Kimber Hunter in 30-06. I was looking for a fairly light rifle that had a detachable magazine and wanted 30-06. I have had several Tikka rifles and they are great, just wanted to try something different. Saw this rifle in a LGS and decided to give it a try. I have heard some really bad review about Kimber rifles, so I was a bit worried about how this was going to turn out.
Went to my shooting spot with a few hand loads that I had put together. Wanted to get a mild load worked up first. Loaded some Hornady 150 flat base bullets over several charges of IMR3031. Setup the steel at 200 yards and bore sighted the rifle on sand bags. Shot all loads using a backpack as the front rest, but holding onto the forend with a small bag to help stabilize the rear. This is how I shoot all lightweight rifles. It’s steady, but not benchrest steady. I was very surprised to see all of the loads shoot right at MOA. Maybe one load went slightly larger than MOA, but most were in the .75 MOA range. Settled on a mild charge that got me 2600fps and a very nice group. Moved target to 300 yards and with a 1 mil hold, put two dead center about a MOA group. Considering the way I was resting the rifle and virtually no load work up, I am very impressed. I would have no problem taking a deer out to 300 with this setup. The rifle was very consistent and did not once throw any wild fliers.
Next I wanted to try something heavier. I loaded some 180 grain Hornady RN bullets under several loads of RL26. 60 grains got me 2700fps and another .75 MOA group at 200 yards. The recoil on this load was very manageable. I really expected it to recoil much worse than it did.
Overall, I’m very pleased with the rifle for what it is and what I need it for. I was happy enough that I took it straight home, stripped it down and sprayed it with black Cerakote.
Went to my shooting spot with a few hand loads that I had put together. Wanted to get a mild load worked up first. Loaded some Hornady 150 flat base bullets over several charges of IMR3031. Setup the steel at 200 yards and bore sighted the rifle on sand bags. Shot all loads using a backpack as the front rest, but holding onto the forend with a small bag to help stabilize the rear. This is how I shoot all lightweight rifles. It’s steady, but not benchrest steady. I was very surprised to see all of the loads shoot right at MOA. Maybe one load went slightly larger than MOA, but most were in the .75 MOA range. Settled on a mild charge that got me 2600fps and a very nice group. Moved target to 300 yards and with a 1 mil hold, put two dead center about a MOA group. Considering the way I was resting the rifle and virtually no load work up, I am very impressed. I would have no problem taking a deer out to 300 with this setup. The rifle was very consistent and did not once throw any wild fliers.
Next I wanted to try something heavier. I loaded some 180 grain Hornady RN bullets under several loads of RL26. 60 grains got me 2700fps and another .75 MOA group at 200 yards. The recoil on this load was very manageable. I really expected it to recoil much worse than it did.
Overall, I’m very pleased with the rifle for what it is and what I need it for. I was happy enough that I took it straight home, stripped it down and sprayed it with black Cerakote.
