After much consideration and from much good advice both here and elsewhere, I bought the Montana in 300 WSM.

The stock shape difference between the Classic and the Montana is not as significant as between different makers rifles, say Kimber and Winchester, but they feel like different rifles.

Luckily, I like the feel of the Montana, not as much as the Classic, but it's a very close second.

The intent of buying this rifle was to get an all weather lightweight "do-it-all in North America" (except for the big bears) hunting rig for the rest of my hunting career. I think the Kimber Montana in 300 WSM meets all my requirements easily!

I considered the 270 WSM, but it doesn't do "much" more than my old 270 Win Ruger M77 so it fell out of the running. The 325 WSM IMHO doesn't quite match the 338 Win Mag and if I needed the 388, I'd just use the one I have.

I've never been a great fan of 30 caliber, I guess because I've been a 270 user and admirer for 28 years and for many, many gun folks, the two calibers are mutually exclusive for fans. ( Stemming from the mine is better than yours school I'm sure) But, I'm willing to accept the theory that for all around use in North America the best all around hunting caliber is a 300 Mag.
Sure it's more powerful than needed for deer and antelope, and maybe a little light for the big bears, but it will do all those things without being considered too much or too little to make it a bad choice.
So, after all that thought process, and considering my brand and action preferences, (I don't care for Remingtons or Brownings, and the Winchesters and Rugers were too heavy) the Kimber came out on top.

Now to get the rifle home (it's actually on layaway at this moment) and work up some loads for it.
My thoughts run to 165gr Interbonds and Accubonds for deer and 180gr Partions or Barnes X for the heavier stuff. Or maybe just the 168gr Barnes TSX for everything.

Mark

"DWD" (darn well done) Mark-you made a good choice and it will no doubt do you well.

I'd get some R22 some 215's and some Win cases and get after it.

Oh yeah I would also get some 168 TX and you're ready to rock. For giggles I would also try some of the 200's.

Good luck to ya

Mark D

I am right on the verge of getting one also, but I hear the long action version is coming out in the spring and I really want one in 300 Winchester Magnum. So...I'll wait. I want one for the same reasons you do. I have a 7mmRM and a 338WM (300 WBY also) Don't need another but...........!Seems like it would be the perfect all around rifle.

What mounts or bases are you going to use?

I look forward to an update on the options. I have the Talley Steel system on a Kimber 270 WSM and I am looking for Weaver style bases.

I think Leupold makes bases for the 8400 now and Talley has the light One Piece also.

Any others _________________?

Mark D

A buddy has a KImber 8400 Classic in 300 WSM and he and I need to do load development for them. Would you recommend the RL22 over say.....H4831SC? I believe they are very close in burn rate.

This is the most researched and thought over gun purchase I've ever made. Lots of others were "Oh that's sweet and I have to have one" deals, this was made like I said, to take me through the end of my hunting career, I've actually sold off some guns with a few more to go. Thinning the herd so they say.

My daughter doesn't hunt, and shows no inclination to do so, and after my son passed away a little over a year ago, I have no heirs to leave this stuff to. I have time now to take some hunting trips and I plan on doing just that. So I might as well get rid of what's not being used and free up some huntiing trip cash.

Savage 99

I put the Kimber stainless bases in the purchase, and plan on using Burris Signature rings in matte finish as the Burris "silver" rings looked like nickel, not a good match.

For a scope, either Nikon 3-9 x 40 or a Leupold VXII 3-9 x 40 in matte finish.