Kimber Montana, 7mm-08 or 280AI.

7-08 vs280AI

  • 7-08

    Votes: 25 75.8%

  • 280AI

    Votes: 8 24.2%
  • Total voters
    33
Status
Not open for further replies.
troy fairweather

troy fairweather

Member
Joined
Mar 21, 2018
Messages
13,781
Location
Up State New York
I've wanted one for years now, I'm doing some work with some friends so some money is coming in slowly. If I can refrain from buying other stuff I may have the money soonish.

I am really torn between the 2, the 7-08 is plenty for what I hunt and the ranges, it's lighter and read feels better in the hand over the 84L action. I'd look to put a leupold vx-3i 2.5-8x36. Both are 1-9 twist The 7-08 is a 22" barrel 5 .2lb

The 280ai well it's a 280ai lol, it should have more recoil over the lighter 7-08 but for hunting in not to worried. It's a 24" barrel and is about 5 .10lb so still light. Scope on this in thinking the leupold vx-3i 3.5-10x40 for the little added range.

I have to still look up what's both mag lengths are, tho I don't think I'd really use over 160s in either. Probably 140-150 in the 7-08.

Either should be the all weather rifle I've been wanting, tho could turn into a any weather to to gun. Since I really like both cartridges it's hard to decide, there very rare on the shelf here so don't think I'd ever see the 84m and 84L Montana side by side. The hunter are common and I've handled both, there a few oz heavier maybe more up front. Both felt good and balanced so I expected the Montana to be better feel.

so help me pick, and explain why you picked which.
 
This one's easy, I'd get the 7-08 because I already have the .280AI in a heavier platform.

Imo the .280ais great if you need really want the extra 300fps, or the ability to shoot bullets 40gr heavier at the same speed. If you don't then the 7-08 makes more sense to me in a light handy package.

I've handled the Kimber in .308 and .280ai, and there's a noticeable balance difference, but both rifles felt really good. I actually prefer the long action and longer barrel because it balances a little farther forward.
 
LoonWulf said:
This one's easy, I'd get the 7-08 because I already have the .280AI in a heavier platform.

Imo the .280ais great if you need really want the extra 300fps, or the ability to shoot bullets 40gr heavier at the same speed. If you don't then the 7-08 makes more sense to me in a light handy package.

I've handled the Kimber in .308 and .280ai, and there's a noticeable balance difference, but both rifles felt really good. I actually prefer the long action and longer barrel because it balances a little farther forward.
Click to expand...
I'm so used to heavy mausers any kimber feels light. I'm thinking 7-08 to save the 280ai for a custom build lol. 257R is not off the table, but I like 7mm better for deer.
 
troy fairweather said:
I am really torn between the 2, the 7-08 is plenty for what I hunt and the ranges, it's lighter and read feels better in the hand over the 84L action.
Click to expand...
I'd get the 7-08 for the exact reasons you stated in the above quote - the 7-08 is "plenty" for what you hunt and the ranges, and it's "lighter and feels better" in your hands over the long action.
In another thread, the thread about what your deer rifle is chambered for, I wrote about how I've been considering getting a lightweight, short-action, all-weather rifle for deer hunting because at my age, the mountains are getting tall and steep. I also wrote how that rifle would be chambered for the 308 Winchester. What I didn't say was that in my mind, I've debated for a long time between a 7mm-08 and a 308 Win. I'm leaning towards the 308 Win right now, but that might change next week. What won't change is that my "old age" deer rifle will be a short-action. I already have a long-action rifle (or two).;)
 
Not Kimbers, but I have both a 7mm-08 and a 280 AI. If I could only have one, I'd keep the 7mm-08. On balance, I prefer a short action ... and if I need magnum power in a short action, I could always use the 7mm SAUM ... :)

But man, I really like the 280 Ackley cartridge. I have another stainless 700 Mountain Rifle in 280 currently being re-chambered in 280 AI as I write this. Can't wait to get it back from the smith.
 
.308 Norma said:
I'd get the 7-08 for the exact reasons you stated in the above quote - the 7-08 is "plenty" for what you hunt and the ranges, and it's "lighter and feels better" in your hands over the long action.
In another thread, the thread about what your deer rifle is chambered for, I wrote about how I've been considering getting a lightweight, short-action, all-weather rifle for deer hunting because at my age, the mountains are getting tall and steep. I also wrote how that rifle would be chambered for the 308 Winchester. What I didn't say was that in my mind, I've debated for a long time between a 7mm-08 and a 308 Win. I'm leaning towards the 308 Win right now, but that might change next week. What won't change is that my "old age" deer rifle will be a short-action. I already have a long-action rifle (or two).;)
Click to expand...
The 308 would be a touch lighter, probably not enough to notice. The 7-08 are have noticly less kick, more so in a really light gun. Either is great for deer tho.
 
Legionnaire said:
Not Kimbers, but I have both a 7mm-08 and a 280 AI. If I could only have one, I'd keep the 7mm-08. On balance, I prefer a short action ... and if I need magnum power in a short action, I could always use the 7mm SAUM ... :)

But man, I really like the 280 Ackley cartridge. I have another stainless 700 Mountain Rifle in 280 currently being re-chambered in 280 AI as I write this. Can't wait to get it back from the smith.
Click to expand...
If the mountain rifle had a locking bolt I'd look into a used one to rebarrel or set back, I much prefer a crf tho it my not matter these days but give me a warm fuzzy feeling lol. I've been hunting for a ss model seven in 7saum but either can't find one or not have the money.
 
I sold my last .308 a couple of years ago and replaced it with a 7mm-08. Both Model Sevens in HS Precision stocks. No regrets at all.

The .308:
index.php


The 7mm-08 that replaced it:
index.php
 
Last edited:
LoonWulf said:
Magazines too short to really take advantage of the heavier bullets......that's why it should be a .250-3000AI.....and stamped like that.
Click to expand...
Ya 250-3000k would be nice tho be better in there Adirondack rifle it's smaller and lighter. Funny I live were the Adirondack was made for, but never seen one in the woods and maybe one on a gun shop.
 
LoonWulf said:
They pricey lol tho I know guys drop that on hunting guns all the time so thats probably a weak argument.
Click to expand...
The Montana are going for over $1250 now, I seen a 243 last year new for just under $900, if I had the money id have gotten it.

I can't think of any rifle out there that's better then the Montana and has what I want. If the kimber hunter had a bling mag and maybe a metal trigger guard I think I'd just get that and save the $400-500 for a scope. I don't really mind the hunter, the mag seems to work I don't think the stock is as bad as most say it is. And it's the same gun other the the threaded barrel and stock.
 
troy fairweather said:
The Montana are going for over $1250 now, I seen a 243 last year new for just under $900, if I had the money id have gotten it.

I can't think of any rifle out there that's better then the Montana and has what I want. If the kimber hunter had a bling mag and maybe a metal trigger guard I think I'd just get that and save the $400-500 for a scope. I don't really mind the hunter, the mag seems to work I don't think the stock is as bad as most say it is. And it's the same gun other the the threaded barrel and stock.
Click to expand...
Yeah I've seen Montana's for 950-1100 a few times in the last few years. The going price is 1250 or so here also tho.
I was thinking the Adirondack when I was mentioning cost. Those are going for around 1600. I didn't think the Hunter felt bad, besides being a bit heavier I liked it. Dm and all.
 
Good luck on your decision. I read this thread and have been trying to decide how to reply for 3 hours now. I still can't decide.

I bought a Montana in 308 twelve years ago. I do like the rifle, but find it almost too light for all around hunting. I tend to only use it for those times I'm in the most rugged steep terrain. I did move to a heavier scope that added about 1/4 lb and that helped settle it down. It was UNDER 6 lbs with a Leupold 2.5-8X36 scope on it. I just find it easier to shoot now that it is 6 1/4. The slightly heavier 280AI might help with that.

From a performance perspective 280 AI comes very close to matching real world 7mm Rem Mag. But at the same time I doubt if 7-08 would be lacking for anything I'd do.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

MCMXI
  • Locked
Thoughts on 7mm-08 Ackley Improved... is it worth the effort and added cost?
2 3 4
Replies
90
Views
9K
stillquietvoice
stillquietvoice
armedwalleye
  • Locked
7mm-08 ammo recommendation, please
Replies
12
Views
532
6.5swede
6
J
  • Locked
Kimber 84 in 7mm-08 or ?
2
Replies
30
Views
6K
ArMa
A
W
  • Locked
Buy a Savage Axis II in .280AI or sell a Ruger Hawkeye to pay for a Kimber Hunter in .280AI?
2
Replies
37
Views
1K
wombat13
W
S
  • Locked
7mm-08 "bassault" rifle?
Replies
4
Views
1K
Samarkand
S
Back
Top