22 November 2008, 15:20
dsitemanKimber Model 8400
Giving thought to purchasing subject rifle in '06 and looking for feedback on overall quality, accuracy, service, etc. Their Super America model is a bit pricey, but would seem to approach quality custom build for some 1/2 the price?? All info appreciated.
23 November 2008, 02:48
Magnum Hunter1I just acquired one in 30-06. I have shot several factory loads in it and it has shot them all around 1". It seems to like Winchester 180 grain Power Points the best and will shoot them into 3/4 inch at 100yds. I loaded up 20 with three different bullets and took them to the range. Unfortuately, it would not chamber about half of them. I am assuming because of the match grade chamber and my old Hollywood dies the two don't "g". I put a Swarovski 3-9x on mine an I like it so far. I might just stick with factory loads in it.
23 November 2008, 12:15
dsitemanThanks for the reply on your Kimber 8400. Yes, sounds like you may have the shoulder a bit far forward on your reloads. I noticed they speak of match chamber and that can mean a lot of things, but is probably reamed to minimum spec.
As you probably know, one of those Stoney Point kits and your calipers can detrmine the chamber size fairly close and help with your reloads if you wish to do so.
23 November 2008, 21:37
Savage_99I am a major Kimber fan and my son and I shoot four of them. They are our primary hunting rifles.
That said the 'match grade' chamber talk from Kimber is, to me, just advertising. I expect that their chambers are normal and I would proceed handloading wise like that.
As to the 30-06 size cartridges they have put them in a magnum (375) length action with a spacer in the 06's magazine.
To us the Kimbers represent the excellent features that we have always enjoyed from the CRF M70's with the benefit of true light weight and they are made right here in the USA as well!
I would look at the Kimber 84M or 300 WSM in the 8400 first to get the light weight that I like in a 30 caliber first.
24 November 2008, 05:48
Oscar MakonkaI think the 'match' designation that kimber uses is a little optomistic. They advertise their barrels as match quality and go on to say they are held to a .001" tolerance. Might sound good to someone who dosen't know any better but that isn't anywhere near match quality stantards. I hope you have better luck with your Kimbers than I.
24 November 2008, 14:21
dsitemanHello bushrat,
Tend to agree with you on the match grade statements as often is quoted by mfg.'s, but it does sound good! I have no experience with Kimbers other than their 1911 style handguns and they are fine and apparently your experience with the "long arms" has not been a good one. Reason for my post was to see what pros and cons were out there and apprciate your response.
24 November 2008, 15:40
blackbearhunterI have had at lest 6 Kimber rifles 8400& 84M thru the years,All were accurate well shooting rifles and i have a 243win. 84M i will never sale or trade.Its the most accurate rifle i have ever shot..and also has the best wood i have ever seen on a Kimber,I would love to have a 8400 in 25-06 or a capriva 375H&H....I highly recommend them...
25 November 2008, 11:37
OldTimerI have one in 300wsm and would not trade it for anything under 1" ant a 100yrds if i will do my part. I enjoy walking into the woods with it it not ony shoot good but it look good too.
Old Timer