Kimber rebarrel worth it?

[nphunter]

Considering rebarreling my Kimber hunter 280AI. It’s currently sitting at 6lbs12oz loaded with a 5-15 scope and a 16” barrel. I’m waiting on a can for it but am considering doing a 16” 6cm barrel or similar.

My concern is it’s a long action rifle with magazines and am worried about feeding issues. From what I’ve read the Kimber have a small base on the barrel so a lot of take off barrels can be turned down to work.

Nothing wrong with the 280AI other than it’s a lot more than I need for the rifle. I already have a custom 280AI that shoots great but is 12lbs for reaching out and touching stuff. The idea of this rifle is to keep in under the seat for a day to day predator/truck gun. I like the small size and light weight but a sub 7lb 280AI isn’t super fun to shoot a lot of rounds through.

Curious if anyone has done similar, or maybe I should just sell or look for a trade for a similar rifle in .243 and chop the barrel.

 

[handwerk]

I've rebarreled 4 kimber 84M's to 6CM and been very happy with the results.

 

[KHntr]

I've rebarreled 4 kimber 84M's to 6CM and been very happy with the results.

The OP has an 84 L…

Sell the 280AI and buy an 84m donor to turn into a 6 Creed.

 

[handwerk]

I am pretty sure the 6 CM would work on the 84L.

 

[Wrench]

In the event you choose a 30 cal, I have a 10tw lilja Montana duplicate I can part with.

 

[Hydra6]

I would keep the Kimber in 280AI "as-is" and continue to use full power 280AI or consider moving to lighter projectiles like 140 Ballistic Tips.

 

[Tanner]

I’d do a 6/06 and shoot 115s at 3100. Pretty hard to whip that for the recoil.

 

[RickF]

If the reamer used has a SAAMI throat, you will run out of mag room in an 84M with the modern pointy bullets like the 110MK or 112Burner in the Creed. If that’s the case, the L makes sense if you want to use those bullets.

Otherwise, if you can specify the throat, I would do as Khntr said and try to source an 84M.

 

[nphunter]

I would keep the Kimber in 280AI "as-is" and continue to use full power 280AI or consider moving to lighter projectiles like 140 Ballistic Tips.

I actually just loaded up a bunch of 120gr ballistic tips. Just seems a little weird to me to shoot such a small low BC bullet instead of a larger for caliber and use a smaller caliber.
I’m shooting 168’s in my other 280AI and they are great but it’s a big gun with a 25” barrel.