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Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,046
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Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,046 |
Over the holidays, a friend loaned me his X-bolt hunter 270 to develop some loads for him.
I've been to the range twice with half a dozen loads each time.
The worst group so far was an inch and a quarter 3 shot group at 100 yds. I already have a one hole group.
I've only ever handled two other Brownings- Abolts in 280 and 30-06. Neither could do better than 2" groups. 3-4" groups were normal. I was kinda turned off of Browning.
This x-bolt is different. Better trigger too.
Are x-bolts really that much better than A-bolts? Kinda interested in the Eclipse line (thumbhole stock).
What are people seeing out there?
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 10,068
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 10,068 |
My brother has an X-Bolt that he's hunted the heck out of, shot a bunch at the range (including in competition) that continues to be very accurate. I only have one A-Bolt but it does just fine. I haven't bothered with pics in years, but here's a group from 2012 that I didn't have to work hard to get. It's shot better since. ![[Linked Image]](http://i616.photobucket.com/albums/tt246/Ziaduck/Forum%20Pics/Barnes%20VOR-TX_zpsihzr4pcw.jpg)
Mercy ceases to be a virtue when it enables further injustice. -Brent Weeks
~Molɔ̀ːn Labé Skýla~
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,165
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,165 |
I've only ever handled two other Brownings- Abolts in 280 and 30-06. Neither could do better than 2" groups. 3-4" groups were normal.
I would say the two you had that wouldn't shoot are very much the anomaly. I've never seen an a-bolt or x-bolt that wouldn't do 1.5" or better with factory ammo, and I've seen and shot dozens and have spoke with many dozens of other Browning owners reporting the same. All manufacturers can make a lemon every now and then, but if you went 0 for 2 with Browning A-bolts, you should never step foot in a casino.
Last edited by country_20boy; 01/10/17. Reason: more info
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 10,817
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 10,817 |
Over the holidays, a friend loaned me his X-bolt hunter 270 to develop some loads for him.
I've been to the range twice with half a dozen loads each time.
The worst group so far was an inch and a quarter 3 shot group at 100 yds. I already have a one hole group.
I've only ever handled two other Brownings- Abolts in 280 and 30-06. Neither could do better than 2" groups. 3-4" groups were normal. I was kinda turned off of Browning.
This x-bolt is different. Better trigger too.
Are x-bolts really that much better than A-bolts? Kinda interested in the Eclipse line (thumbhole stock).
What are people seeing out there? ..........Although Christmas is over, you bring tidings of good cheer. The Browning X-Bolt Hells Canyon Speed chambered in the 26 Nosler is one of two 6.5mm rifles being considered for my next purchase.
28 Nosler,,,,300WSM,,,,338-378 Wby,,,,375 Ruger
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,979
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,979 |
I have two X-Bolts, both are reliable accurate rifles which work for me.
"Blessed is the man whose wife is his best friend - especially if she likes to HUNT!"
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these."
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Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 348
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Campfire Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 348 |
I love my X-bolt hunter, it handles well and shoots itty bitty groups. There is a very vocal group on here that dislike A-bolts, browning, and steak dinners. It seems that their distaste for A-bolts is projected on the X-Bolts. While the trigger has more parts than other rifles I have heard of no failures. Most any review from owners is very positive.
If I were buying a hunting rifle today I would buy a second X-bolt, maybe a SS version.
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 14,807
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Joined: Sep 2003
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Unless that rifle is for target shooting matches where score is a win I would be more concerned where the first shot hits from a cold barrel than groups.
Where is the X-Bolt made?
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,756
Campfire Outfitter
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Joined: Feb 2007
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X-Bolts are made in Japan.......I dont currently own any X-Bolts but I have owned around a dozen NIB X-Bolt rifles over the years, every one shot great and functioned flawlessly, I would say that Browning X-Bolt rifles have consistantly been the most accurate right out of the box rifles I have ever owned and that includes the very highly thought of on this site Sako rifles.........A few of My X-Bolts were scarey accurate.........Good luck.....Hb
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,756
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Feb 2007
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I do think the trigger is a little busy and I dont care for the odd little bolt handle.......but as for accuracy, i'd put an X-Bolt up against every other factory brand that I have ever owned........Hb
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Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 131
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Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 131 |
I've had great accuracy from two older A-bolts one .270, and the other a .260. I've shot two x-bolts a 270 and 243. Both were easily sub moa with factory loads.
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