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?

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.

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.

..........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.

I have two X-Bolts, both are reliable accurate rifles which work for me.

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.

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?

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

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

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.