Browning X-Bolt

[TeamBoyd]

Anyone got one?  Do you like it?  I have an A-Bolt and looking to buy an X-Bolt for a birthday gift.  I love my A-Bolt but never used the new X-Bolt.

[SkookumHntr]

-Its just like a A-Bolt but even better! They revamped the clip, scope mounts and stock! There Sweet!!

[Bob33]

I have an X-Bolt 270 WSM.   It is a light, dependable rifle.  I've only had it about six months so I've not yet fallen in love with it.  I think my Tikka T3 is actually a bit more accurate, but that's only a preliminary assessment.

[Caretaker]

Have both a 300wsm and 270wsm X-bolt, love them both.

[C-Money]

The x-bolt is sure a sweet rifle! Very nice quality. I like my A-bolt. but would not hesitate in buying an X-bolt.

[TeamBoyd]

Thanks for the feedback guys.  I have the new x-bolt on order.

[bobcat]

Thanks for the feedback guys.  I have the new x-bolt on order.

What caliber?

[carpsniperg2]

 

[Antlerking]

I would love to buy a x-bolt in a 325 wsm.  What caliber did you go with?

[TeamBoyd]

I'm a 7mm Rem Mag guy.  Its always done well for me.

[Bob33]

I'm a 7mm Rem Mag guy.  Its always done well for me.

TeamBoyd, I would suggest that you also consider the 7 WSM if you like the 7mm Rem Mag.  They have similar ballistics but the WSM will come in a lighter rifle in most instances.

[TeamBoyd]

Bob33 - What is the story with all the new "short mags" that have come out? Is it just the weight issue?

[D-Rock425]

Out of all the rifles I grab off the shelf the Browning's always feel the best in my hands.

[Bob33]

Bob33 - What is the story with all the new "short mags" that have come out? Is it just the weight issue?

The short magnums are designed to achieve similar or improved ballistics to the regular round but in a shorter, fatter case.

The primary advantage in most instances is that they work in short action rifles.  Short action rifles are a bit lighter.  In a few instances the short magnum round outperforms the regular round; the 270 is the best example of that.

There are some drawbacks.  The magazines typically hold fewer rounds because of the fat cases.

Some will say the short magnums are inherently more accurate because they use a shorter action.  Some will say they have less recoil because short fat cases are a bit more efficient (they use less powder to get the same velocity.)

Also, if you do not reload there are fewer factory ammunition offerings in the short magnums.

I place a high value on rifle weight, so I always suggest considering them.

[TeamBoyd]

Bob33 - Thanks for the great overview.  I do reload so the lack of factory ammo is no issue.  I have never owned a short action rifle.  I will have to do more looking at the WSM option. Thanks again.

[sakoshooter]

To add a little bit more to what Bob33 said, many of the short mags and compact mags use a fat case without a 'belt' such as the 404 Jeffery case then shortened and necked to whatever caliber. Not having a belt allows the body of the case to be the same size as a mag case with similar size belt. The only belted cases I know of that actually require the belt are the 300 H&H mag and the 375 H&H mag. These two actually headspace on their belts. The rest have a belt purely for looks because they headspace on their shoulders. This belt takes up space in your magazine and in many, this only allows for 3 in the magazine w/one in the chamber. With the short mags without belts, there'd be no difference in magazine capacity. Most compact mags are shorter cases than their older brothers and as Bob33 said, this equates into a shorter(less steel)action with similar ballistics. It's also a good excuse to buy another rifle huh Bob?

[TeamBoyd]

Hey All,

I just wanted to update the post with the final product.  I got the x-bolt in 7mm Rem and put a Burris 6.5X20 with the mill-dot reticule.  I think it turned out good.  Now I just have to wait for the party to give it away.  I kinda want to keep it

[C-Money]

Your giving the rifle away?  Guess I missed that part of the thread. The rifle looks great! Someone will be happy.

[Curly]

That is a sweet setup. 

(I wish I could have gotten an X-bolt for my birthday, but I got a Bushnell Elite 3200 scope instead).