I have a hankerin' for a 325WSM. I had about decided on a Kimber 8400 but then I saw a M70 Supergrade on the rack next to the Kimbers.

I am under the impression that the M70 (short action) magazine length is 3.100'. Is that correct? I have heard that the Kimber 8400 is also the same length.

An internal magazine length of 3.100" would allow a longer O.A.L. say in the neigborhood of 3.000" to 3.050" making for a more versitile cartridge with a wider range of bullet lengths.

I realize that the throat would have to be lengthened, but that is not an issue.

Anybody have one of these that they can measure?

I made some phone calls to Kimber and Winchester today.



What a difference!



The call to Kimber resulted in a REAL person answering the phone that resulted in being transfered to a knowledgable REAL person that was able to answer my question immediately.



The Kimber 8400 SA has an internal magazine length of 3.085" and the throat is long enough to accomodate an O.A.L. somewhat longer than S.A.A.M.I. specs. I was advised to measure the throat for proper O.A.L. of loaded cartridges if I chose to load to longer than S.A.A.M.I. specs.



The call to Winchester however resulted in the "automated phone (phoney?) shuffle". I had to hang up, call a different number where I was subjected to the "automated phone shuffle" again.



When I finaly got to talk to a "warm body", he did not seem to be very knowledgable as when I asked about the magazine length of the M70 Supergrade chambered in the WSMs he asked me "What caliber?" When I told him 325WSM he said "That hasn't been established yet." In order not to confuse the lad any more than he already appeared to be, I just told him to check on the 300WSM. After being put on hold for several minutes, he returned and finaly gave me the information. The internal magazine length for the M70 Supergrade SA is 3.040".



What a difference! At Kimber, I got the impression that I was actualy talking to someone that was in the "gun" business while the Winchester experience was more of the "corporate" nature.

Glad you found out the length. I asked that question awhile back but couldnt remember exactly . Just that is was longer than winchesters mag.

Im serching for a Kimber classic 300wsm with a nice piece of wood. Maybe I should call kimber and see who is good distributor.

I can tell you that my Model 70 270wsm has a mag box that meaures 3.025". I had to load my Hornady 150 sp well past the cannellure to get them short enough to fit in the chamber. The reloaded round measures 2.712" and is only .002 off the lands. Takes up a lot of room in the case, but full loads of RL22 aren't compressed.