I aquired a Kimber 8400 in 7 WSM. I have a 8400 in 270 WSM and wanted a light rifle that might be a litte more suitable for Elk.
The Rifle:




My other pet 7mm Mag will shoot 160gr partitions at just under 3000fps. Another 7mm Rem Mag will shoot them a little over 3000fps. So for the 7 WSM I was expecting about 3000 or so with 160 gr bullets.
The Kimbers have left me with relatively high expectations but I would have been very happy with a rifle that will shot a good hunting bullet into 1" for 3 shots at 100yd.

So I was hoping for 1" and 3000fps with 160gr bullets.

I tried federal 160 grain Accubond loads and this is what I got......







Average velocity was 3162fps for about 8 chrono'd shots. The catalog velocity was 3120 for this load but I thought it had to be an exaggeration, sure wasn't.
69grs of RL-25 and a 160 Barnes Triple-shock gave good groups and a average velocity of 3136 (3 shots only).

Temperature was in the 90's so I'm sure in cold weather things will slow down a bit but I'm not complaining so far. With the Federal ammo shooting so well I might not do to awful much reloading for this gun.

So far My favorite Short Mag has been the 270 WSM, but the 7 WSM might be a sleeper. What game in the lower 48 couldn't be well handled by a 160gr Accubond or Tripleshock at 3150fps.

Nice rifle, but if you had a 270 wsm why get a 7mm wsm? Should of got the 30 cal wsm.

Major Caliber -already had 2, and may try another when the 8400 Montana comes out.......DJ

Nice rifle dj. I have to take a closer look at the 8400's in anticipation of one with a Montana stock.

What does it weigh with what scope?

Savage99, I haven't weighed it yet but the normal weight for one is 6lbs 10oz. The Scope I have on it weighs 12.7oz so with a few ounces for bases, rings and bullets it should be hunt ready under 8lbs. I fits me very well and so feels even lighter. I think the Montana's are going to be about a 1/2 pound lighter. I plan to pick up a Montana also and have a lightweight sunny/rainy day combo......DJ

Had the chance friday to shoot my Browning stalker in 7 WSM. Recoil was more then I expected with 140 factory ammo. Accuracy was excellent. 1 hole about 50 cal size at 50 yds. When I get more time i'll go to 200 with a better rest.