Kimber Montana .325 wsm

[squarepants33889]

Hi guys. The local big box sporting goods store is getting away from Kimber rifles and is selling a Kimber Montana for $1099.00 instead of the usual $1579.00. I'm not sure if its just the price drop, or the rifle itself, but I have kinda fallen for this lightweight rifle and kinda envision it as my go to elk/bear rifle.
My question to all you more experienced hunters and shooters is; would the .325 wsm be a little too much to handle in a 6.3 pound rifle?
Any other opinions on Kimber rifles or the .325 wsm would be greatly appreciated.
Also, I do reload, so ammo availability isn't a concern of mine.

 

[WYcoyote]

I'll bet that in the field you would not notice the recoil.
On the bench it my be different, but you could use some tricks to minimize it, lead sled, sissypad, etc.

 

[MCMXI]

squarepants33889, the price is reasonable but nothing "special". I paid $1,050 for a Kimber 8400 Montana chambered in .300 WSM last year and it is an excellent rifle. I was so impressed by it that I bought a Kimber 8400 Talkeetna chambered in .375 H&H a few months later. As for the .325 WSM being too much in a 6lb rifle ... that depends entirely on you. Personally I'd say no based on my .300 WSM and .375 H&H.

You can't go wrong with a Montana or any Kimber for that matter. Kimber is making some of the best hunting rifles available and they're definitely worth the premium over anything from Savage, Remington or Winchester.

 

[dubya450]

1099 is more the normal price, i'd be surprised if they ever sold one at almost $1600! I have 4 Kimber rifles, 3 are Montana's, and i love them. My 84m 338 federal is a young mule at the bench but both the bucks i shot this year i didn't feel a thing. I use a shoulder pad (after the first 20 rounds i was sore without one!) at the range and it helps quite a bit.

 

[jmr40]

$1100-$1200 should be the normal price for one. Just my opinion, but the short action 84, 308 family of cartridges is where it is at on the Kimbers. The 8400 series has never felt "right" to me. The new 84L action size is supposed to be a better balanced and feeling rifle if you want to go with bigger chamberings.

Overall I like any of the Kimbers, but I'd not be interested in the 325. I cannot see that it offers a single advantage over the 300 WSM.

 

[Kachok]

Overall I like any of the Kimbers, but I'd not be interested in the 325. I cannot see that it offers a single advantage over the 300 WSM.

+1 If I need something over 30 cal I would go straight to .338, better selection of bullets then the 8mm, a full 20% more frontal area then the 30s and bullet weights of 250 and 300 gr. A Sako/Tikka stainless synthetic in 338 Win Mag would be my choice for a light bear stopper, but yeah the recoil is going to be on the harsh side of crazy in a 6lbs gun, and that goes for any magnum over 30 cal. Ballistics of the 325 WSM are dang near identical to an 8mm Rem Mag so no doubt it is a suitable elk rifle, just not my first choice.
I reload one of the smaller caliber WSM cartridges, it is a fantastic case design, just wish they offered a 6.5mm and a 338 cal version.

 

[Edarnold]

The .325 WSM is undoubtedly a fine cartridge, and there enough good bullet designs available if you want to hand load.

Problem is, just like the 8mm Rem Mag, the cartridge was designed to appeal to the European hunters market. When you grow tired of this rifle and want to sell, I suspect you will find few customers in the US. Here, it's just an answer to a question no-one asked.

IMHO

 

[tahoe2]

325 wsm

As you reload, you can take the edge off the recoil in that light rifle. If it is what you want, don't worry about resale. The 325 will absolutely take down anything in North America and if the price is right, go for it !!

 

[squarepants33889]

Thanks for the input, gentlemen. I knew I could count on you for an intelligent point of view. I had never given any thought on the .325 until I seen that rifle on sale. I feel you may be right about stepping up to the .338
I currently own both a Tikka T3 and a Sako 85. I love the lightweight Tikka, but its a .204 Ruger, so I don't have any reference for recoil. My Sako 85 is the real gem in my gun safe. My LGS has a Sako 85 synthetic in .338 Win Mag. I have ogled it many times before, but the $1700 price tag always backs me off.
I might just have to throw a few more pennies in the piggy bank.
*edit* nickels in the piggy bank. My country officially scrapped the penny this week!

 

[phonesysphonesys]

I have a .325 in a Winchester model 70 Mountian rifle. It is light weight and stainless with a synthetic stock. Rifles take a beating here hunting elk. The .325 has great balistics. Almost equal to the .338 down range. The performance of Winchester 220gr bullets was not up to par. Penetration was poor on elk but heck on deer. I have been using Barnes and Nosler Partition in 200gr. I get a little more velocity and better penetration. The Noslers seem to group better in my rifle. Your milage may vary.
Semper Fi