Browning X bolt Max long range 6.5 PRC

[Ironworker]

Local Sportsmans warehouse had a sale on the Browning X Bolt Max long range .I shot another shooters max at the range,his was 6.5 Creedmoor. I hit a bullseye easily. So I bought one ,with book accuracy loads and using powders that other shooters are saying is the stuff. Hornady 140gr ELD and Sierra 150gr MK I found I could place 5 shots within a 5" circle at 100 yds and that was the best with VLD and about 3" with Hornady ELD . I seated bullets to book recommendations for both bullets . The sierra bullet is a VLD so it was just a few thousands off the lands . My Savage A17 shoots better at a 100yds than this rifle !Gunsmith thinks it's the poor factory bedding. Another shooter has the more expensive X bolt long range in a Carbon stock and he's getting same results . He places the action in another stock that was known for 1/2 MOA and he said its decreased the groups sizes marginally ,he notices it was a few 3 shot groups spread in a larger circle ,so it was a wandering zero ??? Browning doesn't guarantee MOA with this gun . Do you think a new bbl would fix this ?

 

[Dusty Stevens]

A browning has never been considered an accuracy capable rifle. Likely a new barrel may yield baseball size accuracy if the gunsmith gets lucky but its a crapshoot. Id sell that to the first guy i seen with a buckmark on the back glass and buy a tikka or remington.

 

[Ironworker]

Well what is it about them that is so bad ? Is action out of truing ,harmonics ?

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Nothing that can be fixed so i guess design

 

[hunter67]

My wifes plain old x bolt shoots everything we put in it. My hand-loads shoot half or under if we do our job. Take it to a competent gunsmith and he will tell you whats wrong. Oh ya work up your own loads. Just cuz it shot in someone else rifle doesn't mean its going to shoot in yours.

 

[DangerRanger]

Have you actually spoken to browning over this?

I have a long range stalker that shoots be very well for a factory rifle

 

[Pyscodog]

I had a Browning X-Bolt LR Hunter in 308 that was boring accurate. Cut holes at 100yds consistently with handloads.

 

[Rstrick0352]

This sounds like a mechanical issue ie scope mounting issues, action torque, etc. If it is truly the rifle, I’m sure Browning will make it right.

 

[Unclokie88]

I agree, With prior statements. These are super accurate rifles. Don't let the trolls get you down. There is a fix. Browning has a great reputation for customer service too. I have a light barrel 25-06
xbolt that regularly shoots 3/4 inch groups with factory Hornady ammo. They will find the answer or replace it I would bet.

 

[Ironworker]

Well how in your X Bolt Max long range shooting ?

 

[ncageneral]

Browning A Bolt 280 Rem, 1st shot high , remaining 3 into 1 hole. Browning A Bolt long action, 257 Roberts, Bartlein 5R 1:10 , 5 shot group during load work up. Also a 308 and 25-06 that shoot very well but I don't have any pictures on this computer. I have no experience with X Bolts , picked one up once , didn't care for it . Good luck with yours.

 

[jah4c1]

I have a 300PRC max long range, It shoots 3/4-1" with factory 212eldx. I ran some hand loads through it with Hammer 196's and it averaged just under 3/4 with the best group being .65" at 200yards. I have a question that I hope someone in the group can answer. I am trying to find touch for this bullet and the bolt does not fall even with the extractor and plunger removed from the bolt head. There is a strange black square on the side of the bolt about 1/3rd of the way between the bolt head and bolt handle, I wonder if that is it. Possibly the bolt release button on the bolt handle has something to do with it? Does anyone know what these are or have another way of finding touch? Loading the bullet long and trying to close the bolt isn't going to work very well when the bolt still takes force to close it empty. Hoping someone can help, thanks. I realize I can just load mag length and work in, which is what I am doing, but I would still like to know about how far I am jumping. Appreciate any advice or help.

 

[STOMP442]

I have done work ups on a few of those browning rifles here lately and they have been some pretty good shooters. Out shot the last few Savages I have worked on.