browning x-bolt vs rem model 700?

[davethekid]

I'm wondering what people think about the browning x bolt? or the A as well actually. I'm currently in the market for a new long gun and have no experience with browning's rifles. Is it worth the extra $ over the rem m700 sps? Im a relatively poor college guy but im planning on keeping this rifle a long time so if the quality is that much better ill drop the extra cash. appreciate the help

[ArkansasHunter]

Well let's see here...I received the July 2008 edition of Field and Stream magazine Tuesday.
It has there 11 top picks of rifles in it.
So I'll tell you what they said about the Browning X Bolt.
Quote: by David Petzal.
Browning X-Bolt in 270 Win. short magnum.

Far from being a redesigned A- Bolt, the X Bolt is a radical departure.
It's very similar in approach to the Sako, another ultramodern gun.
This shows in it's accuracy.
It has one of the best triggers I've ever used, and a recoil pad that is pure joy.
It's radical looking, but you can't argue with the way it shoot's.

The best 3 shoot group tested was .639" and average 3 shot group was .719"

The winner of this gun test at Field and Stream went to Weatherby's Vanguard Sub-MOA. in 30-06 caliber.
The best 3 shot group was .177" and average 3 shot group was .398"

The Browning X Bolt came in at 6th. Place.

But each rifle from 1st. to 7th place shot well under 1 INCH.

A Remington model 700 LSS in .338 RUM came in 10th. place with the best 3 shot group being 1.313" and the average 3 shot group was 1.415"

The June/July 2008 OutDoor Life magazine did what they called an in-dept gun test and the Browning X Bolt received excellent rateing as well.

Either rifle wether it be a Remington or a Browning will serve you very well.
Remington has bumped up there model 700's with an adjustable trigger and one of there moto's is... Out of the box accuratcy.

Iteresting fact here is that 2007 and 2008 have gave us several brands of new and/or improved production rifles to buy that are extremely accurate out of the box.

It now seems to depend on your taste and how much you want to pay FOR Glitz and Glimmer.

I saved this for last...The Savage model 14 came in 3rd. place.
The best 3 shot group was .462" and average 3 shot group was .572"

1st Weatheby Vanguard Sub-Moa. 30-06
2nd Thompson/Center Icon 308
3rd Savage model 14 308
4th Kenny Jarrett modified model 700 30-06 was used to compare other rifles by.
5th Sako A7 308
6th Browning X Bolt .270
7th Now check this one out...The New marlin XL7 30-06
8th Mossberg 464 leveraction
9th Smith& Wesson I-Bolt 30-06
10th Remington 700 LSS .338 RUM
11th Winchester model 70 Sporter Deluxe 30-06

To me it's what brand rifle you like the best today because all will group better today than they did a couple years ago

I'm eager to see what changes come about in 2009 ! It only gets better...A.H

[Silent Shooter]

Remington 700.

[turner]

Originally Posted by davethekid

I'm wondering what people think about the browning x bolt? or the A as well actually. I'm currently in the market for a new long gun and have no experience with browning's rifles. Is it worth the extra $ over the rem m700 sps? Im a relatively poor college guy but im planning on keeping this rifle a long time so if the quality is that much better ill drop the extra cash. appreciate the help

Welcome Dave, It might be a bit easier for some wanting to suggest, if we knew what caliber(s) or what type shooting/hunting you were wanting to do. Just a thought. Ed

[davethekid]

Thanks Ed,
Im thinking 7mm rem mag. Right now I hunt whitetails with an old winchester m54 .30-06 that used to be my great-grandfathers, its mine and I'd like to retire it and buy my own(all the rifles I own are heirlooms, nothin wrong with that I just want one I bought with my own money). We handload and I love the math of the 7mm. As far as the rifle goes it will be goin over pretty rough terrain in the blueridge so I want something that can take some abuse, and produce a good group/ clean shot(my shootin willin)

[samuel]

Never used the X-bolt but have a lot of time with a 700 of one type or another.They are great and it would be hard to get me to change. sam.

[Ron AKA]

The June/July issue of Outdoor Life they rated 7 centerfires in the following order, $, best 5 shot, 100 yard group size:

Cooper M52, $1862, 0.626"
Browning X-Bolt, $849, 0.828"
Reminton M700 VTR, $805, 0.835"
Sako A7, $850, 0.873"
Ruger M77 Hawkeye, $995, 2.255"
Reminton R-15, $1145, 0.660"
Mossberg 464, $473, 2.306"

They gave the Browning X-Bolt the Great Buy award. I think the other rifle to consider is the Savage.

Ron

[turner]

Originally Posted by davethekid

Thanks Ed,
Im thinking 7mm rem mag. Right now I hunt whitetails with an old winchester m54 .30-06 that used to be my great-grandfathers, its mine and I'd like to retire it and buy my own(all the rifles I own are heirlooms, nothin wrong with that I just want one I bought with my own money). We handload and I love the math of the 7mm. As far as the rifle goes it will be goin over pretty rough terrain in the blueridge so I want something that can take some abuse, and produce a good group/ clean shot(my shootin willin)

Dave, The great 7mmRM is a great caliber, no doubt. It has a couple of peers that are just about in the same class. I prefer rifles that do not NEED 24" barrels to acheive their potentiel, especially in close cover. I've taken a liking to the SMs because of this, and might suggest one or two of them to you, as an alternative to a full-sized 24" barreled rifle. Some of my favorites are the Remington model Sevens, and I own several, all good to excellent shooters. My most recent addition has been a Shot Show special from '07, a Remington model 7 in .270WSM. (also made in .300WSM). Either caliber would work for you and the rifle, with a medium weight fluted barrel and a tough as nails laminate stock, will take mucho abuse, I promise you! Have a look and best of luck with your new rifle! (whatever it is!)

GunsAmerica - Remington Model Seven Whitetail - 300 WSM - Remington Rifles - Modern > Non-Model 700 - Guns For Sale & Gun Auctions

GunsAmerica - Reminton Seven Whitetail 270wsm - Remington Rifles - Modern > Non-Model 700 - Guns For Sale & Gun Auctions

[Ron AKA]

Originally Posted by davethekid

Thanks Ed,
Im thinking 7mm rem mag. Right now I hunt whitetails with an old winchester m54 .30-06 that used to be my great-grandfathers, its mine and I'd like to retire it and buy my own(all the rifles I own are heirlooms, nothin wrong with that I just want one I bought with my own money). We handload and I love the math of the 7mm. As far as the rifle goes it will be goin over pretty rough terrain in the blueridge so I want something that can take some abuse, and produce a good group/ clean shot(my shootin willin)

The Browning tested in Outdoor Life was the 7mmRM, and has a 26" barrel. Those cartridges pack lots of powder and benefit from the extra barrel. For whitetail only, however I would suggest you could get away with something a little more pleasant to shoot. In the cartridges available in the Browning, I would suggest the .270 Win, or 25-06, or even the .243 Win.. If it is intended in future for moose and elk, then I would not suggest less than the .270 Win or 280 Rem.

I have a Browning and Remington 700. However the Browning is a Belgian made mauser, no resemblance to the X-Bolt. The 700 is a good gun, and has been around in one form or another since the 60's.

You probably can't go wrong with either one.

Ron

[samuel]

The 7mm Rem.mag has about 1 lb more recoil than the .30-06. sam.

[Ron AKA]

Originally Posted by samuel

The 7mm Rem.mag has about 1 lb more recoil than the .30-06. sam.

Using the calculator at the link below and Nosler ballistic data, I get a bit different than that for an 8 lb gun.

7mmRM, 175 grain, 26.2 ft-lbs
30-06, 180 grain, 22 ft-lbs
270, 150 grain, 15.9 ft-lbs
25-06, 120 grain, 14.9 ft-lbs

The 7mmRM is a significantly more powerful cartridge than the 30-06.

JBM - Calculations - Recoil Input

Nosler: bullets, ammunition, rifles, brass, and reloading data.

[utahvarminter]

I'd say screw both and get a savage.

[ArkansasHunter]

Dave if you really want a nice rifle then check out the new Ruger Hawkeye.
I bought one in 308 caliber with Blk.synthectic stocks and matte stainless steel.

Though the Ruger in OutDoor Lifes story was a 300 RCM ??? and didn't fare well only in grouping mine shoots over lapping bullet holes at 100 yards and there's 2 other members here that have different calibers with the same results.

If your interested take a look at a Hawkeye while your shopping they've been greatly improved.

I paid $601.00 for mine and that includes about 10% sales tax...A.H

[turner]

Nuthin' wrong with a Ruger....!

[Midas]

Originally Posted by ArkansasHunter

To me it's what brand rifle you like the best today because all will group better today than they did a couple years ago

I'm eager to see what changes come about in 2009 ! It only gets better...A.H

I agree, all of the big manufacturers are putting out a quality product, it's just a matter of personal preference, all will get the job done, without any fuss.

[turner]

Originally Posted by Midas

I agree, all of the big manufacturers are putting out a quality product, it's just a matter of personal preference, all will get the job done, without any fuss.

+1....agreed

[samuel]

Originally Posted by Ron AKA

Using the calculator at the link below and Nosler ballistic data, I get a bit different than that for an 8 lb gun.

7mmRM, 175 grain, 26.2 ft-lbs
30-06, 180 grain, 22 ft-lbs
270, 150 grain, 15.9 ft-lbs
25-06, 120 grain, 14.9 ft-lbs

The 7mmRM is a significantly more powerful cartridge than the 30-06.

JBM - Calculations - Recoil Input

Nosler: bullets, ammunition, rifles, brass, and reloading data.

How did I know that you would find proof,positive that I am full of sh**?According to Chuck Hawks who is also full of it according to you who know way more than anyone else about firearms,A 7mmremmag shooting 150gr bullets(only list one weight) from an 8.5lb rifle has 19.2 lbs recoil and a .30-06 in an 8 lb rifle using 150gr bullets has 17.6lbs and 20.3lbs rec.with 180gr bullets.Most articles I have seen on the two gave the recoil at 20lbs for the '06 and 21.5 for the 7mm mag.So now I have to thank you for straightening me out and telling me all others except you are full of sh**.This just makes me feel so good after all of these years of being so terribly wrong,finally getting the facts from you.Thank you so much. A dummy named sam.

[ACfixer]

I was shooting my Remington 700 CDL today (.30-06) and putting 200 yd. shots in a 3" diamond on one of those splatter targets. The rifle is bone stock with about 40 rounds through it (in other words I don't even know her yet), I have a 3x9 Nikon Buckmaster scope on it. My eyesight is fairly lousy too.

Do you need to be more accurate than that? I'll bet the Browning will do just as well, so will the Savage, the Weatherby, Sako, Howa... you get the idea. Get what feels right in your hands and on your shoulder.

[samuel]

Originally Posted by ACfixer

I was shooting my Remington 700 CDL today (.30-06) and putting 200 yd. shots in a 3" diamond on one of those splatter targets. The rifle is bone stock with about 40 rounds through it (in other words I don't even know her yet), I have a 3x9 Nikon Buckmaster scope on it. My eyesight is fairly lousy too.

Do you need to be more accurate than that? I'll bet the Browning will do just as well, so will the Savage, the Weatherby, Sako, Howa... you get the idea. Get what feels right in your hands and on your shoulder.

You will never know which is more accurate until you own at least one of each. sam.

[Ron AKA]

Originally Posted by samuel

How did I know that you would find proof,positive that I am full of sh**?According to Chuck Hawks who is also full of it according to you who know way more than anyone else about firearms,A 7mmremmag shooting 150gr bullets(only list one weight) from an 8.5lb rifle has 19.2 lbs recoil and a .30-06 in an 8 lb rifle using 150gr bullets has 17.6lbs and 20.3lbs rec.with 180gr bullets.Most articles I have seen on the two gave the recoil at 20lbs for the '06 and 21.5 for the 7mm mag.So now I have to thank you for straightening me out and telling me all others except you are full of sh**.This just makes me feel so good after all of these years of being so terribly wrong,finally getting the facts from you.Thank you so much. A dummy named sam.

Sam, why don't you just enter the numbers in the calculator and see for yourself? Your comments got my attention because it makes no sense that the recoil on a 30-06 and a 7mmRM are essentially the same, when the 7mm is a much larger cartridge.