texashuntingforum.com logo
Main Menu
Advertisement
Affiliates
Advertisement
Newest Members
nmmuledeerhunter, Dzia-Dzia, TraeMartin, Beatixre, MooseSteed
71989 Registered Users
Top Posters(All Time)
dogcatcher 110,788
bill oxner 91,416
SnakeWrangler 65,416
stxranchman 60,296
Gravytrain 46,950
RKHarm24 44,585
rifleman 44,461
Stub 43,769
Forum Statistics
Forums46
Topics537,029
Posts9,719,585
Members86,989
Most Online25,604
Feb 12th, 2024
Print Thread
Page 1 of 2 1 2
Kimber Montana Cartridge Advice Needed!! #5620672 02/26/15 12:35 AM
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 672
L
ltsheets Offline OP
Tracker
OP Offline
Tracker
L
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 672
First off, I know there's really not a bad choice here, but I'm torn...

I have a chance to buy a Kimber Montana at a very good price and I'd rather not wait on the time it would take to order one that's not currently in stock ready to ship. The available cartridges are 30-06, 25-06, and 280AI. The reloader in me wants the 280AI for all around versatility. My conservative side wants the 30-06 due to component availability and who easy factory ammo is to find in the event that I needed it. The realistic side of me wants the 25-06 due to decent factory ammo availability and plenty of components. Also, this would be the most comfortable of all the cartridges to shoot for practice. This rifle will be for backcountry hunts where weight savings is very important along with sheep type hunts in tough terrain. It would be rare that I would hunt anything bigger than mule deer or barbary sheep with the rifle though I could see it going on an Elk hunt if I ever did a wilderness area hunt. I would limit my shots to nothing over 500yds due to the how lightweight the rifle will be ( <7lbs w/ scope). I'm going to make my decision either tomorrow or Thurs so I don't miss out on one of the available rifles. Just wanted to see what you guys have to say and please keep the discussion between these 3 cartridges. Thanks!

Re: Kimber Montana Cartridge Advice Needed!! [Re: ltsheets] #5620701 02/26/15 12:54 AM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,083
J.G. Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,083
280 A.I
30-06
25-06

In that order.


[Linked Image]
800 Yard Steel Range
Precision Rifle Instruction
Memberships and Classes Available
Re: Kimber Montana Cartridge Advice Needed!! [Re: ltsheets] #5620710 02/26/15 12:57 AM
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 9,273
B
blackcoal Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
B
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 9,273
Will this be your primary firearm or will it compete with others. If it is your only firearm I would go with the 30-06, not really anything in North America that it handle should the opportunity become available. For your average hunt I don't believe you will find that much weight difference. I mean, how many cartridges are you going to carry. The 30-06 is a more classic round than the other two. JMHO


The Greatest Enemy of knowledge is not ignorance,
it is the illusion of knowledge.--Stephen Hawking
Re: Kimber Montana Cartridge Advice Needed!! [Re: ltsheets] #5620762 02/26/15 01:15 AM
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,442
kmon11 Offline
junior
Offline
junior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,442
Of those 3 280AI

But I tend to pick the less common rounds and have since my first rifle purchase.


lf the saying "Liar, Liar your pants on fire" were true
Mainstream news might be fun to watch
Re: Kimber Montana Cartridge Advice Needed!! [Re: ltsheets] #5620775 02/26/15 01:19 AM
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 4,432
T
TFF Caribou Offline
Extreme Tracker
Offline
Extreme Tracker
T
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 4,432
Id probably say 30-06. You never know, a day may come when you get all the way to Colorado or Montana and forget your reloads. You can get a box of core-locts anywhere. 25-06 is easy to find too, but 30-06 is everywhere. Plus, I know the elk hunt my dad went on requires a minimum of a .30cal rifle.


The very atmosphere of firearms anywhere and everywhere restrains evil interference. -George Washington
Re: Kimber Montana Cartridge Advice Needed!! [Re: TFF Caribou] #5620800 02/26/15 01:27 AM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,083
J.G. Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,083
Originally Posted By: Tff caribou
Plus, I know the elk hunt my dad went on requires a minimum of a .30cal rifle.


loco


[Linked Image]
800 Yard Steel Range
Precision Rifle Instruction
Memberships and Classes Available
Re: Kimber Montana Cartridge Advice Needed!! [Re: ltsheets] #5620817 02/26/15 01:31 AM
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 4,432
T
TFF Caribou Offline
Extreme Tracker
Offline
Extreme Tracker
T
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 4,432
I thought it seemed odd too. Wasn't sure how common that was though.


The very atmosphere of firearms anywhere and everywhere restrains evil interference. -George Washington
Re: Kimber Montana Cartridge Advice Needed!! [Re: J.G.] #5620818 02/26/15 01:32 AM
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 4,005
J
JRJ6 Offline
Extreme Tracker
Offline
Extreme Tracker
J
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 4,005
Originally Posted By: FiremanJG
280 A.I
30-06
25-06

In that order.



Agree ^^^

Re: Kimber Montana Cartridge Advice Needed!! [Re: TFF Caribou] #5620839 02/26/15 01:40 AM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,083
J.G. Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,083
Originally Posted By: Tff caribou
I thought it seemed odd too. Wasn't sure how common that was though.


I don't know. So would that guide say I would be better served to bring my .30-30, or a .308 Win, than my 7 Rem Mag? loco


[Linked Image]
800 Yard Steel Range
Precision Rifle Instruction
Memberships and Classes Available
Re: Kimber Montana Cartridge Advice Needed!! [Re: ltsheets] #5620849 02/26/15 01:42 AM
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,502
R
RiverRider Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
R
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,502
The .280 AI just has an awful lot going for it in terms of performance, and it outstrips the other choices in cool factor by a mile. I don't think you could go wrong with any of the three, though.


[Linked Image]

"Arguing with you always makes me thirsty."

-Augustus McRae
Re: Kimber Montana Cartridge Advice Needed!! [Re: J.G.] #5620879 02/26/15 01:49 AM
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 4,432
T
TFF Caribou Offline
Extreme Tracker
Offline
Extreme Tracker
T
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 4,432
Originally Posted By: FiremanJG
Originally Posted By: Tff caribou
I thought it seemed odd too. Wasn't sure how common that was though.


I don't know. So would that guide say I would be better served to bring my .30-30, or a .308 Win, than my 7 Rem Mag? loco


I guess so. Dads boss built him a custom .308 on a stiller action for the hunt because he didn't have a .30 cal rifle. Just a 25-06


The very atmosphere of firearms anywhere and everywhere restrains evil interference. -George Washington
Re: Kimber Montana Cartridge Advice Needed!! [Re: blackcoal] #5620897 02/26/15 01:55 AM
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 672
L
ltsheets Offline OP
Tracker
OP Offline
Tracker
L
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 672
It's not my only hunting rifle. I have an all weather 300wsm that's a lot heavier but still packable for all but the most rigorous hunts. I also have a lightweight Hill Country .270win but that's the wife's rifle if we are hunting together. I have more, but those are the only all weather rifles I have so far.

Originally Posted By: blackcoal
Will this be your primary firearm or will it compete with others. If it is your only firearm I would go with the 30-06, not really anything in North America that it handle should the opportunity become available. For your average hunt I don't believe you will find that much weight difference. I mean, how many cartridges are you going to carry. The 30-06 is a more classic round than the other two. JMHO

Re: Kimber Montana Cartridge Advice Needed!! [Re: ltsheets] #5620898 02/26/15 01:55 AM
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,204
L
LuckyHunter Offline
Veteran Tracker
Offline
Veteran Tracker
L
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,204
1. 30-06
2. 30-06
3 30-06

Just my opinion


Lucky 7 Exotic Ranch located in Eden, Tx. Well managed self sustaining herds roaming our 3,000 acre ranch. First Class Lodging, Ranch style meals and qualified guides. 30+ species.
Re: Kimber Montana Cartridge Advice Needed!! [Re: ltsheets] #5620909 02/26/15 01:56 AM
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 672
L
ltsheets Offline OP
Tracker
OP Offline
Tracker
L
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 672
Thanks guys...didn't realize the 280AI would be the clear recommendation.

Re: Kimber Montana Cartridge Advice Needed!! [Re: JRJ6] #5620956 02/26/15 02:12 AM
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091
N
Nogalus Prairie Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
N
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091
Originally Posted By: JRJ6
Originally Posted By: FiremanJG
280 A.I
30-06
25-06

In that order.



Agree ^^^


Originally Posted by Russ79
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.


Re: Kimber Montana Cartridge Advice Needed!! [Re: ltsheets] #5621118 02/26/15 03:17 AM
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,407
W
WileyCoyote Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
W
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,407
280AI IMO is THE ONLY CHOICE...and is every bit the do all the 30'06 is ....especailly since you already got a 300WSM if I recall....and blows away the Quarterbore 120's x 120's to ????
Ron


It is TIME for Term Limits, cause Politicians are like childrens diapers and for the same reasons...Robin Williams

"These are the times that try men's soul's"...Thomas Paine

"Those who fail to learn from History are doomed to repeat it" ....Santayana
Re: Kimber Montana Cartridge Advice Needed!! [Re: Nogalus Prairie] #5621141 02/26/15 03:24 AM
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,334
H
Hirogen Online Content
Pro Tracker
Online Content
Pro Tracker
H
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,334
Originally Posted By: Nogalus Prairie
Originally Posted By: JRJ6
Originally Posted By: FiremanJG
280 A.I
30-06
25-06

In that order.



Agree ^^^


I gotta run out and buy a lottery ticket because if FJG and NP can agree than anything can happen. bolt


Never violate a woman, nor harm a child. Do not lie, cheat or steal. These things are for lesser men. Protect the weak against the evil strong. And never allow thoughts of gain to lead you into the pursuit of evil.

-The Iron Code of Druss the Legend
Re: Kimber Montana Cartridge Advice Needed!! [Re: Hirogen] #5621162 02/26/15 03:44 AM
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091
N
Nogalus Prairie Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
N
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091
Originally Posted By: Hirogen
Originally Posted By: Nogalus Prairie
Originally Posted By: JRJ6
Originally Posted By: FiremanJG
280 A.I
30-06
25-06

In that order.



Agree ^^^


I gotta run out and buy a lottery ticket because if FJG and NP can agree than anything can happen. bolt


grin


Originally Posted by Russ79
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.


Re: Kimber Montana Cartridge Advice Needed!! [Re: ltsheets] #5621176 02/26/15 03:54 AM
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 44,461
R
rifleman Offline
Sparkly Pants
Offline
Sparkly Pants
R
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 44,461
I'd want that 280 A.I. As well. The good thing is I've heard a lot of reports on those guns being finicky, so may have to reload for whatever you get regardless.

Re: Kimber Montana Cartridge Advice Needed!! [Re: ltsheets] #5621412 02/26/15 01:28 PM
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 35,090
B
Brother in-law Online Content
THF Celebrity
Online Content
THF Celebrity
B
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 35,090
I would get the best muzzle brake money can buy

Re: Kimber Montana Cartridge Advice Needed!! [Re: J.G.] #5621445 02/26/15 01:57 PM
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,200
D
dawaba Offline
Extreme Tracker
Offline
Extreme Tracker
D
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,200
Originally Posted By: FiremanJG
Originally Posted By: Tff caribou
Plus, I know the elk hunt my dad went on requires a minimum of a .30cal rifle.


loco


Never heard of that either. Given the choice, would you choose a .308 Win or .300 Savage or .30-30 over, say, a 7mm RM for elk medicine? Les Bowman, the early designer of what would become the 7mm RM, was a longtime Wyoming elk outfitter who guided many notable hunters, including Jack O'Connor. Obviously, he knew a good elk round when he saw it, and he liked (and promoted) the big sevens. I'm betting some teenage assistant guide or wrangler made that comment to dad without thinking it through.

Regarding the OP's question, I would also choose the .280 AI. The first Jarrett Rifle I ever saw was on a Stone sheep hunt in B.C. where another hunter showed up with one chambered in .280 AI. It was light and beautifully balanced, the antithesis of the more common Jarrett Beanfield rifle. The guy got his sheep too.

The nice thing about all the AI rounds is that P.O. Ackley designed them to accept and shoot the parent round. Thus, in a pinch, a guy could shoot factory .280 Rem in his AI gun, no small advantage there.

Lastly, never ever, ever ruin the clean lines of a Montana rifle with a dreadful brake! Never!


"For every complex problem there is an answer that is clear, simple.....and wrong." H. L. Mencken
Re: Kimber Montana Cartridge Advice Needed!! [Re: ltsheets] #5621454 02/26/15 02:03 PM
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,273
BOBO the Clown Offline
kind of a big deal
Offline
kind of a big deal
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,273
Originally Posted By: ltsheets
First off, I know there's really not a bad choice here, but I'm torn...

I have a chance to buy a Kimber Montana at a very good price and I'd rather not wait on the time it would take to order one that's not currently in stock ready to ship. The available cartridges are 30-06, 25-06, and 280AI. The reloader in me wants the 280AI for all around versatility. My conservative side wants the 30-06 due to component availability and who easy factory ammo is to find in the event that I needed it. The realistic side of me wants the 25-06 due to decent factory ammo availability and plenty of components. Also, this would be the most comfortable of all the cartridges to shoot for practice. This rifle will be for backcountry hunts where weight savings is very important along with sheep type hunts in tough terrain. It would be rare that I would hunt anything bigger than mule deer or barbary sheep with the rifle though I could see it going on an Elk hunt if I ever did a wilderness area hunt. I would limit my shots to nothing over 500yds due to the how lightweight the rifle will be ( <7lbs w/ scope). I'm going to make my decision either tomorrow or Thurs so I don't miss out on one of the available rifles. Just wanted to see what you guys have to say and please keep the discussion between these 3 cartridges. Thanks!


280ai
25-06( don't think I would push it over 300 yards though)
30-06
In that order IMO


Donate to TX Youth hunting program.... better to donate then to waste it in taxes

https://secure.qgiv.com/for/gtgoh/mobile
Re: Kimber Montana Cartridge Advice Needed!! [Re: dawaba] #5621535 02/26/15 03:02 PM
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 4,432
T
TFF Caribou Offline
Extreme Tracker
Offline
Extreme Tracker
T
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 4,432
Originally Posted By: dawaba
Originally Posted By: FiremanJG
Originally Posted By: Tff caribou
Plus, I know the elk hunt my dad went on requires a minimum of a .30cal rifle.


loco


Never heard of that either. Given the choice, would you choose a .308 Win or .300 Savage or .30-30 over, say, a 7mm RM for elk medicine? Les Bowman, the early designer of what would become the 7mm RM, was a longtime Wyoming elk outfitter who guided many notable hunters, including Jack O'Connor. Obviously, he knew a good elk round when he saw it, and he liked (and promoted) the big sevens. I'm betting some teenage assistant guide or wrangler made that comment to dad without thinking it through.

Regarding the OP's question, I would also choose the .280 AI. The first Jarrett Rifle I ever saw was on a Stone sheep hunt in B.C. where another hunter showed up with one chambered in .280 AI. It was light and beautifully balanced, the antithesis of the more common Jarrett Beanfield rifle. The guy got his sheep too.

The nice thing about all the AI rounds is that P.O. Ackley designed them to accept and shoot the parent round. Thus, in a pinch, a guy could shoot factory .280 Rem in his AI gun, no small advantage there.

Lastly, never ever, ever ruin the clean lines of a Montana rifle with a dreadful brake! Never!


Lots of good info there. And I didn't know that about the AI chamberings. That's cool. Learn something new every day.


The very atmosphere of firearms anywhere and everywhere restrains evil interference. -George Washington
Re: Kimber Montana Cartridge Advice Needed!! [Re: ltsheets] #5622004 02/26/15 07:00 PM
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 4,003
J
JThoele Offline
Extreme Tracker
Offline
Extreme Tracker
J
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 4,003
The .30/06 wouldn't even be given a second thought by me...

Re: Kimber Montana Cartridge Advice Needed!! [Re: ltsheets] #5622079 02/26/15 07:35 PM
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,442
kmon11 Offline
junior
Offline
junior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,442
A couple other advantages of the Ackley Improved rounds is less case trimming, the cases do not stretch as much as tapered cases with more slopping shoulders and less bolt thrust the less slopped case does not wedge back against the bolt as much when being fired.


lf the saying "Liar, Liar your pants on fire" were true
Mainstream news might be fun to watch
Page 1 of 2 1 2
Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread

© 2004-2024 OUTDOOR SITES NETWORK all rights reserved USA and Worldwide
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.3