Kimber Hunter Accuracy

[HNTR918]

We all know older Kimber rifles had accuracy issues (<2016).
I purchased a Kimber Hunter in 280 AI with a 12/27/19 build date.
I'm consistently getting 3 & 4 round sub MOA groups with Federal 168gr Berger VLD at 2890 fps.
I'm not sure if its me or if its the thin barrel but my 0.4'' to 0.8'' grounds open up to 1.1'' or 1.2'' with the 5th round.
I've never shot 5 rounds at the same animal, so I'm not to concerned.
I didn't see many Kimber accuracy reviews, so here is my experience.
In the group below, the low shot is on a cold bore and the other two are the immediate follow up shots.

 

[B_Reynolds_AK]

I would bet your barrel is heating up just enough that it is starting to make contact with the stock. You might try sanding the channel of the stock slightly so that there is a bit more clearance. Worked for me on my Adirondack. Groups tightened right up.


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[russm86]

I have noticed this too if the barrel gets too warm, which, given the super light/thin profile, doesn't take long. Under 5 shots though and it will clover leaf.

 

[russm86]

On another note, have you removed the epoxy plug from the butt stock? You can lighten the rifle up another 5 or 6 ozs removing the big chunk of epoxy in the buttstock and filling it up with spray foam. I also knocked 2" off the barrel and replaced the bolt handle with a titanium. If I recall correclty, it's now lighter than some of Kimbers more expensive offerings.

 

[HNTR918]

On another note, have you removed the epoxy plug from the butt stock? You can lighten the rifle up another 5 or 6 ozs removing the big chunk of epoxy in the buttstock and filling it up with spray foam. I also knocked 2" off the barrel and replaced the bolt handle with a titanium. If I recall correclty, it's now lighter than some of Kimbers more expensive offerings.

Yes, I did. The 6.5 lbs scoped picture is with the gel removed.

 

[HNTR918]

I did some additional work this year.

1. Free floated the barrel. The barrel shank had multiple points of contact.

2. Marine foam added to the stock and grip for noise reduction. It was very loud in the silent woods.

3. Bedded the action. The pillars were only making two point of contact with the action, and the recoil lug channel was super sloppy.

4. Installed an Arca Mini from SRS for shooting off a tripod.

 

[McCrapper]

Ive been considering this rifle. Thanks for info.

 

[HNTR918]

Bedding done.
Added cheek riser.

 

[HNTR918]

The end result!

 

[Antares]

Looks great! You could try shooting 5 cold bore shots at the same target and see what your group looks like. That would answer the heat question. I have a Montana and that skinny barrel heats up in a hurry!

 

[McCrapper]

So did is that a spray in foam or did you just jam a bunch in there? Was that a factory load?

 

[NilsBackstrom]

I did some additional work this year.

1. Free floated the barrel. The barrel shank had multiple points of contact.

2. Marine foam added to the stock and grip for noise reduction. It was very loud in the silent woods.

3. Bedded the action. The pillars were only making two point of contact with the action, and the recoil lug channel was super sloppy.

4. Installed an Arca Mini from SRS for shooting off a tripod.

Is that clay that you used to fill up all the hollow areas where you didn't want the bedding?

 

[Long Cut]

Side Note;

I don’t own a Kimber rifle, but I have personally witnessed rifles throwing odd “fliers” when the barrel heats up.
Think hot conditions 90F+ with no wind and high humidity, with consistent shooting and not much time for the barrel to cool off.

I also believe the barrel heats up and begins contacting plastic stocks and/or poorly fitted stocks.

Not a professional that’s just my opinion based off of my experiences.

 

[HNTR918]

Is that clay that you used to fill up all the hollow areas where you didn't want the bedding?

Marshmallows play dough for kids. Cleans up better than clay.

Looks great! You could try shooting 5 cold bore shots at the same target and see what your group looks like. That would answer the heat question. I have a Montana and that skinny barrel heats up in a hurry!

I shoot 2-3 shots and then use a Magneto Speed barrel cooler. Usually I do 10 round groups for accuracy tests and zeroing rifle scope.

So did is that a spray in foam or did you just jam a bunch in there? Was that a factory load?

2 part marine foam that you mix and then pour as liquid in the stock. Then it expands, and cut away excess that expanded beyond the buttstock line.

 

[HNTR918]

Side Note;

I don’t own a Kimber rifle, but I have personally witnessed rifles throwing odd “fliers” when the barrel heats up.
Think hot conditions 90F+ with no wind and high humidity, with consistent shooting and not much time for the barrel to cool off.

I also believe the barrel heats up and begins contacting plastic stocks and/or poorly fitted stocks.

Not a professional that’s just my opinion based off of my experiences.

100%
Thin barrels like kimbers only shoot well for ~3 shots.
I use a magneto speed barrel cooler to cool between shots when at the range.
Also, I used a dremel and made a nice 0.100''-0.200'' of clearance between barrel and stock channel.

 

[HNTR918]

Barrel chopped and threaded 1/2x28 at 19”. Been stacking bodies for the last 4 years!
Now I’m waiting for Stockys to finally add Kimber inlets.

 

[NilsBackstrom]

Thanks for all the input guys. Very helpful.

Regarding stockys, i am waiting for that as well. Does anybody know what the price are for the their stocks when they are complete?