Browning X-Bolt?

[Dekker]

Hey guys, I'm thinking about buying a Browning X-Bolt and wondered if anyone has any thoughts on this rifle.  Is there a better option around the same price (or a little more like a Sako85)?  Also, I'm having trouble deciding on a caliber (7mag, 7wsm, 300mag or 300wsm).  Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

[SkookumHntr]

-Browning X in 300wsm and you have arguably the best meathammer made!

[birdwacker]

I would check out the TC Icon weathershield.I just picked up a new one for 500.00 after the 150.00 rebate and they shoot moa or they don't leave the factory. Shot mine for the first time last week and it shot 150s and 165s all under an inch. Tikkas also have a good rep for being accurate as do the new wincheter mdl 70s built by fn in south carolina. Weatherby vanguard submoa is another option. The browning is a good gun but they are not all moa shooters so you take a gamble when you buy one and if your isn't your stuck with it.

[C-Money]

Dekker, I think it would be hard to go wrong with any of the cal's you listed! They are all great! It may help to read a Nosler, Hornaday, or any reloading book to help compare the 4 cartridges you have narrowed it down to. As far as the Browning x bolt, it is hard to beat and you will like it! Let us know what you picked!

[Bob33]

I just bought one in 270 WSM.  It has similar ballistics to the 7 WSM with a bit less recoil and a slightly greater factory ammo availability.

[Dekker]

Great stuff guys!  I will definitely check out the T/C and look through my reloading data.  I'm leaning towards the 7mag right now.  I will be using it mainly as a long range deer rifle and an elk gun every so often.  I had some concerns about the wsm's causing barrel damage after 1000 or so rounds because of the case design.  I don't quite understand the thought here so maybe someone could help me out.  I have read that they could do damage to the "throat" of the barrel.

thanks for all the great input,
Dekker
 

[D-Rock425]

I've been looking for a new rifle kinda.  If I where to go out and buy one today it would be the Browning in 7mm mag.

[Hornseeker]

I have an Abolt that is Golden.....its just an 06'...but I can still whack deer or elk at long range. Of the calibers you listed, I'd go 7 or 300 short, but...I have not read about the reduced barrel longevity. I'd find out more about that...is it true??? If so, yeah, either of the others would work great! (as would the 06 or 308)

 

[Bob33]

Unless you shoot A LOT, don't worry about barrel life.  Most hunters will never shoot enough to cause a loss of accuracy, and for those that do, few would notice. 

[Scott]

I just got the sythetic stainless X-Bolt 7 Mag about a month ago.  I put a vx3 3.5 x 10 on it and it is sweeeet!  Awesome rifle!!

[NRA4LIFE]

If I were in the market for a new rifle, I would not consider anything but the X-Bolt.  I have 2 A-Bolts (.243 & .300 WM) that are absolute tack drivers.

[machine]

I'm saving to buy a x bolt stainless stalker in 300 wsm by next season.

[Dekker]

Thanks guys.  That is exactly what I wanted to hear.  I will let you know how it shoots when I pick one up.

Dekker

[fishingnut71]

Go with a-bolt in .300wm. Easier ammo to find if you dont reload and being .30 cal alot more options for grains than the short mag. the short mag doesnt offer too much more than the wm as of performance but other options in the availability, grains and price. >300wm is my choice!

[wsucowboy]

I'm saving up to buy an X bolt in 338. I have the a bolt and I love it.