Kimber mountain ascent in 7mm mag or 280ai

[nvroper1]

Looking at buy a new rifle soon I can decide on 7mm mag or 280 a in a Kimber ascent. Also looking at the Browning Hell Canyon. What are your thoughts?

 

[robtattoo]

I think the biggest question is; Do you reload?
If you do, it's almost a wash. Neither is really that much better than the other to make enough of a difference to worry about.
If you don't, 7mm mag. .280AI is almost unobtainable as a factory load.

 

[dah605]

I lean towards loads that are commonly available as factory loads, so I'd lean towards the 7mm Rem Mag. I reload and have good loads for my rifles where I can get better than factory speeds with better consistency. I just don't want to be that guy who forgets his ammo and can't find any...

The advantages of a lot of the specialty calibers just isn't enough to make me switch on a hunting rifle.

-David

 

[GKPrice]

a good old 7mm Rem Mag is tough to beat - according to component, dies and ammo sales the 7 mag still rules or is a close 2nd in sales every year - It feeds well, has good performance numbers, a selection of ammo AND components second to none and, for a magnum it's an easy kicker, even in the MA - THAT said, "if" you are a heavy for caliber type person just get a 30.06

 

[VernAK]

Two different rifles IIRC!

The 7mm RM is on the 8400 Magnum Action.....6# 7oz

The 280 AI is on the 84L action........5# 6oz

 

[luke moffat]

Two different rifles IIRC!

The 7mm RM is on the 8400 Magnum Action.....6# 7oz

The 280 AI is on the 84L action........5# 6oz

Exactly my thoughts too. If wanting a true lightweight gun (which I imagine you are) then the 84l action is the way to go. Over a full pound lighter and you get one extra round in the magazine. In fact the standard Kimber Montana in 280AI will still be lighter than the 7 Mag in the mountain ascent by a good amount and leave you with $500+ extra in your pocket too.

 

[16Bore]

Carnie Wilson vs Gwen Stefanie kinda deal.

What's your bullet of choice?

 

[luke moffat]

Agreed!! As much as I like Kimbers really only the 84m or 84L are anything to write home about. If wanting a magnum might as well save your money and get a Tikka super light for a lot less money and less weight. I owned one Kimber 8400 in 300 wsm and even the wsm version felt fat in the belly and not nearly as svelt as their 84 action counter parts.

 

[MTHunter20]

I'd go with the 280AI for the weight difference mentioned above. I may be wrong but I'm pretty sure you can shoot regular 280 ammo through it in pinch.

 

[16Bore]

You are right, but I'd be looking hard at .277 145 ELDX were I wanting a Montana.

 

[luke moffat]

You are right, but I'd be looking hard at .277 145 ELDX were I wanting a Montana.

And I would be looking hard at the 308-06 if looking at a Montana in a long action.

Couple that with a good 180 accubond or Scirocco and ready for anything you'd hunt on this side of the pond

 

[nvroper1]

Yes I do reload.

 

[nvroper1]

Thanks for the info. I have not looked at the Montana yet.

 

[robtattoo]

Yes I do reload.

Ackley all the way then.

Sent from a mountain somewhere, using telepathy.

 

[nvroper1]

WELL REALLY HAVEN'T THOUGHT OUT USING THE 30/06. Most of my hunting is in Nevada. Is the 06 good out to 500 with the heavier bullets 180 to 220?

 

[robtattoo]

Oh yes....

Sent from a mountain somewhere, using telepathy.

 

[luke moffat]

A 30-06 shooting a 180 bullet at 2800-2900 fps with a BC of .500 or better is still going nearly 2000 fps and hitting with more than 1500 ft/lbs. Should work just fine.

 

[16Bore]

Likely better than fine. Poor old '06 never gets much love, but it really doesn't need it.

280AI would be 162's all day. Other than that, it's an ugly 270.

 

[nvroper1]

A 30-06 shooting a 180 bullet at 2800-2900 fps with a BC of .500 or better is still going nearly 2000 fps and hitting with more than 1500 ft/lbs. Should work just fine.

Ok cool. I guess sometimes I over look the older stuff looking at the new. I will definitely reassess my thoughts. do you like the Kimber or is there others that are closes in comparison. Like maybe the Browning Hell's Canyon speed?

 

[VernAK]

Agreed!! As much as I like Kimbers really only the 84m or 84L are anything to write home about. If wanting a magnum might as well save your money and get a Tikka super light for a lot less money and less weight. I owned one Kimber 8400 in 300 wsm and even the wsm version felt fat in the belly and not nearly as svelt as their 84 action counter parts.

I have to agree with ya Luke but if anyone has a Montana 8400 magnum in 30-06, I'd sure like to have it.