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Seems like Shaen or Kevin Weaver could handle that project I’d think.

You gotta ask for a 338 Federal to get a .358

I have owned more than a few Kimbers and never had a bad one. I just flat like the ergonomics, especially the Montana's.

The last one I owned was a Montana 84L in 270 Win. It shot great off the bench with proper light rifle technique. Out hunting, the rifle just would not settle. Shot a couple deer with it and it went down the road.

I got back into the Kimber game with a used Montana 8400 in 270 Win. Slapped a Leupold 3.5-10 on it and headed to range after making sure the barrel was clean, the action screws torqued and trigger right where I want it.

I checked 4 loads I had on hand. 100gr NAB, 130gr NBT, 130gr GMX and 130gr TSX. The only load the rifle did not like was the 130gr GMX. The other.

100gr NAB: average group 0.97 @3230 fps
130gr NBT: average group 0.76 @3053fps
130gr TSX: average group 1.02 @3076fps

My latest is a Montana 84M in 338 Federal. Did the same thing as above, cleaned the barrel, torqued the action screws and checked the trigger.
Going to the range this weekend to run a few rounds through it. I do not have standard loads like I do with the 270 Winchester. So I am starting from scratch with this cartridge. I fully expect this Kimber to shoot like all the others I have had. If it does not, a new barrel will be put on post haste. Heavier contour of course.

I am sure this rifle will have the same issue settling down for the shot out hunting, but I will deal with it. This rifle is going to be used mostly for rattling set ups in thick cover and covering lots of ground in the Black Hills. Shots will be close, typically 40-60 yards or so.

I would give it one more try since your a hand loader....try Cutting Edge Bullets get 100gr, Edge Flat Base might be surprised I've shot a lot of game using that bullet and in several guns that didn't shoot very good it was a great improvement....
The wife will like it also in the light weight Kimber it is very pleasant to shoot....most animals will be ....DRT....
I shoot the CEB 100gr. Flat Base Raptor in my Kimber it went from a 2" rifle to just over 1"....sure there not cheep but really how many times do you shoot a big game rifle....

Sometimes I think it’d be easier to have bad taste, too.

You don't say.

My Montana came thru with sub-moa proof targets, shot with 3 different loads, and I get similar accuracy. It hits where I aim in the field, that's all I need.

The reason they sell is because not all Kimbers are “projects”.
Even if it doesn’t shoot great, you have a controlled round feed action with three position safety and a good quality synthetic stock to build off of.
Check action prices and stock prices and you can see why people are willing to buy a kimber.

Kimber builds kitschy stuff. I wouldn’t count on anything from them being better.

That’s like buying a brand new Jeep for $40,000+ and rebuilding it from the ground up as a starter kit. Jeeps are kitschy these days too.

No different than buying an M700 that needs a $150 trigger right out of the gate. 😝

I guess I have the same luck as you with ALL the limbers I’ve had too.

You bitching or braggin?

I can afford whatever I want... tikkas for the win.

I have had my worst luck with Rugers. I can think of four that did not shoot to expectations, and a tang safety broke on another.

From my experience they are junk. 100% failure rate. Never had one that I contemplated keeping. Talk about bad luck with a brand.

So I can see how that could happen with any brand. Just has not been my experience with Kimbers.

Rugers like to be very clean to produce good groups, clean mine every 20 rounds and get 1/2 inch groups.

Bingo.

I guess if you call schit stocks and plastic mags winning….you go!

Name a time a tikka stock or mag failed you in the field. I think magpul and Glock settled that argument years ago.

You can also get a wood/blued tikka, and a metal mag. Why would you though?

GIve Shaen a call, he will do you right.