Kimber Montana Build

Njadams13

FNG
Joined
Apr 13, 2022
Messages
42
Hi guys, looking for some input from some guys who have put similar rifles together.

I just picked up a Montana 8400 in 300 WSM (Yonkers rifle, not threaded).

I do plan on shooting it as is, and if it shoots well, I MAY just have it cut to 20” and threaded for my DD enticer STi.

I am however more interested in rebarreling the rifle. Lilja can cut the factory contour (or one slightly heavier and likely flute it). I have so far looked into 6.5 saum (currently in the lead if anyone knows a good smith for a Montana with the Saum reamer), 6.5 or 7 SS (I had one guy mention the Sherman may not feed reliably in the blind mag), 7 WSM, a faster twisted 270 WSM (if the modern longer bullets like the 170 will fit in the mag, 6.8 western (if it will feet and the coal with the 170 will fit), 6.5 prc.

The internal mag box is right around 3.044.

Looking to see if anyone has any input on the above cartridges in both performance and ability to reliably feed from the blind mag.

This will be an 18.5-20” barrel threaded for a can and will almost exclusively be shot with a suppressor. This is going to be a multi state all game gun. Looking to keep 2000 fps at 600 yards and although I am well aware and understand that energy really does not matter, 1300+ ft pounds of energy at 600. The goal of this is a lightweight mountain rifle in a magnum caliber that I can hunt just about if not everything in North America with, regardless of caliber restriction. I’m sure there are some places that require above .264 for certain species, but I’m not talking about the outliers.

Also. Has anyone used the Warne picatinny bases? The split ones, not the full rail. I assume they are plenty reliable? The leupold full length pic rail currently on the rifle is not only really thick, but makes loading the mag rather difficult. Doesn’t seem to be a ton of options for these. I was hoping Hawkins had some direct mounts for these. I looked into the Talley rings, however I know there are some stories of these failing
 
Probably 2850fps? I’m guessing, based on the 2950fps claims from 22”. Probably a bit more efficient than a 7 PRC and like speeds.

Brass might be problematic but you can resize 300 WSM brass.
 
I would probably go 6.5 PRC in a 20” for ease of use, simple reloading, and availability of factory ammo in a pinch. 147s at 2800fps carry 2000fps and 1300 to almost a grand at 6500’ DA. Would be a lot more comfy to shoot than a 7 WSM with 180s in a Montana weight rifle too.

Leupold backcountry one piece rings are your huckleberry on that gun. Mediums for a 42mm scope.
 
I was wondering this. 7 wsm isn’t listed in hornady’s manual anywhere, and I’m just not sure how fast I can push them from a 20”
Upper 2700s would be top end I’d think. 162s went 2920 in my 20” 7 WSM before I started seeing some pressure.
 
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