Kimber 300 WSM

[Goofycat]

I have a chance to purchase a near-new Kimber Classic in 300 WSM for $850, but know nothing about the caliber. I would use the rifle for deer and wild boars. Are there any negatives about this particular cartridge, including the ability to load down for smaller animals; is the caliber within reasonable accuracy perameters for longer-range shooting; how about the recoil?; any other negatives....especially with reloading? In other words, are there better choices in WSM, other than the 300? The only larger-game-sized rifle I have owned is a .270. If there is no particular advantage in owning a heavier-duty rifle such as the 300 WSM, I will just stay with the .270. If, however, the .270 will knock over Texas wild hogs with 150 grain Nosler partitions, I will just save my money and keep what I have, even though that Kimber sure looks nice.

 

[eagleI]

If you handload you have all the options in the books. The only negative which I think is not a 'negative' at all in more recoil but that will only come from using heaveir bullets and stouter powder charges. Now you will notice that all the relaoding componets are a little more expensive but I think its a great trade off. I would get it. Kimber makes a great rifle anyways.

 

[watercam]

I agree, I have a Montana in 325 WSM that shoots three rapid fire groups at 1' and three cold barrel shots into 3/8'. Very light but still manageable. That said, if deer and pigs are it for you, your .270 has proven itself over many decades. If hill climbing for elk are in the future, get the Kimber!

 

[Goofycat]

The Kimber is a work of art, but I have to be realistic. The caliber is really a lot more than I need. I know I won't be doing any elk or bear hunting. I had a bout of shingles and a herniated disc last year and now find it difficult to walk any distance. If I were far younger, I would grab the WSM, but the .270 will do the job just fine. I purchased the .270 around 1985. At that time, none of the WSM calibers were available, and the only short-action ones in the larger calibers that I remember were the 7-08 and .308, even though there must be a few more. The rifle and scope weigh a total of around 7 1/2 pounds. I placed a 1.5 x 5 Leupold scope on it to keep the weight down, so it is a perfect rifle for carrying.