300 win Mag vs 280 AI

[G19Jeeper]

I have a dilemma, not a real one but one in my head and you know how that goes. I have two very similar rifles built on the same lightweight concept but in different calibers. If a guy HAD to choose one OR the other, which should it be?

1. Kimber Montana .280 AI with LHT 3-15x42 shooting 140 gr Nosler at 3068 fps (both BT and Accubond). This yields 1544 ft lbs at 450 yds. Weighs right at 7 lbs scoped with full magazine and is very well balanced.

2. Bergara B14 Premier Mountain .300 Win Mag shooting 180 gr Accubonds that yield about 1800 Ft lbs at 450 yards given a 2950 fps start velocity. Weight is about 7.5 lbs scoped and loaded.

My question is, for any game in America one may potentially hunt (excluding moose and big bears), would one be undergunned keeping one over the other? For the record, I am better at shooting and feel more comfortable on the 280AI with a brake than the 300 without a brake. I have two 9.3x62s for big mean stuff but want the infamous "all around gun". This is of course fantasizing about future hunts, I do not regularly hunt big game and have not hunted out west yet. My dream is a moose hunt but that's a few years out.

Pics added cause that's too many words to grab someone's attention. T to B: Sako 75 9.3x62 in McMillan stock, now wears a Zeiss Diavari 1.5-6; Ruger 77 Hawkeye Lipseys 9.3x62mm with Razor LH 1.5-8; Kimber Montana .280AI LHT 3-15x42; Bergara Premier Mountain 300 WM Vortex LH 3-15x42 and a Marlin SBL 4570

 

[Roughrice]

Given that information…300 WM all day long.

 

[FEENIX]

Load the .300 WM with 215 Berger, and you're golden.

 

[mercerbear]

Another vote for the 300 win mag. Hard to find a better shooting factory rifle than those Bergaras.

 

[Mike Matteson]

The 300 WM you can get almost anywhere in the world. The 280AI is close and will do about anything you want. Shot placement is the real important thing. Knowing your rifle and how it handle is more importment than anything else. Get your pet load and shot out to at least 500yds and where to put the scope to hit those distances. A muzzle break would help in managing the recoil. One more thing I would put a trigger in it thats adjustable and go to lighter pulls. Heavy pulls make the rifle harder to handle to complete the shot.

 

[adk hunter]

For sure the 300 WM.
Please PM price for the .280

 

[G19Jeeper]

I need to fine tune the .300, so far I'm shooting about an inch but I'm sure the lingering thought of an unbraked 6.2 lb .300 is affecting my ability to concentrate lol

 

[Aviator]

300 WM

 

[Azhunter10]

300wm for the reasons stated above

 

[slikmrc]

If you like and shoot the 280 AI better, step up to 160 grain bullet at around 3000 fps. Out to 450 yards the 280 AI is more than enough gun for your intended purpose.

 

[Tiny Tim]

Why not install a brake on the 300WM, run 215b Berger Hybrids, and have the best of both worlds?

 

[birddog 68]

If you like and shoot the 280 AI better, step up to 160 grain bullet at around 3000 fps. Out to 450 yards the 280 AI is more than enough gun for your intended purpose.

It's this simple.
Give the 160 accubond a try.