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.

 

[Hydra6]

How far do you harvest animals? Everyone talks BC but most hunters do not hunt at ranges where BC is big factor (600+ yards).

 

[nphunter]

How far do you harvest animals? Everyone talks BC but most hunters do not hunt at ranges where BC is big factor (600+ yards).

I archery hunt, lol.

I shot a coyote a couple days ago at 500 with my other 280AI, it’s dialed to 1K. If I’m going to use it for deer and elk I want to be able to shot accurately further than I plan to hunt. I would hate to be sitting 500 yards from a giant buck with a 400 yard rifle.

I guess my thought is that a 243AI with a 115gr bullet would outperform the 280AI with a 120gr bullet and the 280AI is going to kick more and burn more powder.

Right now my big Ackley is the go to hunting rifle for my wife and kids. It would be nice to build another rifle to use in its place, none of them can shoot the Ackley off hand at almost 13lbs.