I'm going to be buying one in a couple months and I'm undecided between the 243, 7mm-08, or 308. 308 would be my first choice but I'm concerned about recoil in a 5 lb. gun, especially if the wife ever wants to shoot it. 7mm-08 would be great but ammo is a bit more expensive and harder to find. 243 might be just the ticket but I would like to see how the recoil is in a 308 or 7mm-08 before I go 243.

If anyone fairly close has one, I will buy the ammo if we can meet up and shoot a few in the next 2-3 months.

Can't help other than, of the 3, the 7mm would be my choice. The 7mm bullet is fantastic ballistically. And I would think it would be a little easier on the shoulder in a 5 lb gun.

There's the rub. The 110 TTSX at 3400 fps in the 308 has me thinking that it may be close to 243 or 7mm-08 recoil but with great performance on deer and the ability to go heavier at any time. On the other hand the 243 is plenty for deer and I may never use it for anything bigger. Now on the third hand the 223 would be a sweet shooter with cheap practice ammo and there are enough good bullets that it works wonders on deer as well.

assuming you reload, for below to apply... and assuming you want minimal recoil... Not sure if the following are Kimber options, but if they are...

250 Savage
260 Rem
6.5x55 Swede
7-08
284 Win (maybe upper limit in 5 lb - not sure)
7x57

Of the above, in a 5 lb rifle, I would go with the top four in order listed, I think. Any one would make a fantastic Mtn Rifle - real light, minimal recoil, killing ability beyond their normal expectations...

I'm getting into reloading as soon as my shop is complete. I just don't have the room now.

The 7-08 is the only Montana offered from your list. Why would you pick it over the 243 with the great 243 bullets we have today? I've read of several shots with the 80 grn Barnes that entered a shoulder and exited a ham.

I was just thinking I have other mountain guns in larger calibers( 270 Finnlight)if I wanted to hunt game larger than whitetails, and I wanted a light kicker in this ultra light. I already own another Sako 243, so I was leaning toward 243 or for a really sweet shooter , 223.

Then the 308 with 110 barnes got my attention as well. If this light weight hammer shot well, it would have very mild recoil but I would retain full 308 ability just in case I decided on a larger animal.

I have a Kimberly Montana in 7-08 with a Zeiss Diavari on it. If your ever Etowah County way hit me up. Your welcome to shoot it. Careful though you might like it.

I am not a 243 fan. Never messed with them, just not a fan - for deer... And I would not want to use a 110 grn 308 bullet either.

I AM a huge 7mm bullet fan. Have experience with it in 284 Win and 7x57 has huge fan base. And I have never heard anything bad about the 7-08.

6.5mm is about the same as the 7mm, and I have a lot of experience with it and fantastic success...

I would get 7mm-08 just for its versatility over the .243 in the rifle you are getting. .243 makes a good dual purpose deer/varmit but you can't shoot heavy bullets. But in a mountain rifle 7-08 all day long. You could even Elk hunt with it if you fall in love with the gun. If you are leaning more towards a varmit rifle not sure the Montana is what I'd opt for.

No, I'm not a varmint shooter. I would certainly opt for a heavy weight accurate rifle for that. I just want an ultralight for deer and hogs but I don't want something that recoil too much for the wife or when the kids get a bit bigger. I know the 7mm-08 isn't a hammer but was concerned about it in a rifle that would only be 6 lbs with scope.

Don't forget about the .257 Roberts... My middle daughter is recoil sensitive and she shoots the .257 in a Ruger Ultralight. (about 8 ounces heavier than a Montana)

That's true, and I appreciate the recoil info , but I just don't see the 257 as an advantage over the 243, and the edge goes to the 243 for availability of ammo and bullet choice.

Can't believe I forgot the 257 Bob! That one is on my bucket list too!

I hunt in AL with the 7x57. Love it! Knocks them in the dirt with very little recoil on my end.

Not trying to hijack the thread but I have a 257 stw winchester custom. I got it in a trade. I am not a long range shooter. Looking to trade or sale if your interested.

BTW - Hornaday has reduced recoil loads for the 7-08

If you want an ultralight gun, then go with .243. You already have a mountain rifle in 7mm, go with something different. I have a Kimber 84 Classic in .308 and if you are worried about recoil and your wife wanting to shoot it then you need to go .243 for sure. Not that the recoil is bad, but if its a concern then thats just my advice. I would take .243 over .223 every time, 10 out of 10 times for a hunting rifle.

If you ARE interested in .308 I would consider getting the 84 Classic like mine just to gain those few extra ounces. Still an ultralight by any standard. Mine has a low magnification Leupold and it is very pleasant to carry in the woods.