Rebarrel - X Bolt

Sorry for all the recent x-bolts posts lately, but just trying to get the best out of it.
Considering to Rebarrel with a Bartelin 5R, #3, 3b or #4 so I will have a heavier barrel than original but keep the original stock. I know there ain't a lot of Browning love on here, but if anyone has any knowledge of this job, I would appreciate some info on what I can fit and also any photos of any Browning (X or A bolt) barrel swaps for a reference.
Thanks!

I think that a good idea. If you like it go for it. I have a friend that loves his x bolts. I have no experience but if you use a good Smith and they do the job right I see no down side only up side. Just make sure you get a twist rate that allows you to shoot some long bullets being mono or cup core. Also pay attention to length for cartridge. Those are the two mistakes I made when I first got into semi custom builds. Assuming the smith will pick the right twist and length is not a good idea. Sorry if you are well past that stage in your shooting life couldn't tell by this post.
I like your idea go for it.

Thanks for the reply...
It's for a 308. It was a anniversary gift so I want to keep it reasonably original but I want it to shoot also. Thought a rebarrel would be the best thing to do.
Looking to do a 1:10 twist. Was also set on a 24" barrel but a friend explained to me that 22" May be more accurate. I doubt I will ever shoot more than a 168gr so the 10 twist should be just "groovy" (pun intended lol)
I hadn't thought about COAL until you mentioned it. I'm guessing having the chamber cut to coincide with max magazine length might keep me closer to the lands? Just a thought?? Or is this not what I should be trying to achieve?

Tagging in. Considering rebarreling my x-bolt 7mm mag with an 8 twist.

Only reason I mention length is some rounds give up more fps than other as the barrel gets shorter. The .308 barrel length has less effect on fps than say a .243. So either 24" or 22" is what I'd go with. I have a 22" on my creed for this very reason. Accuracy won't be changed at either length because neither will be long enough to get an real whip out of it.
As far as twist goes don't forget to look at monos in your weight to see I believe a 10 would be fine for 180gr hammer or cutting edge.

When I had pierce do mine. I just informed them I'd be using heavy bullet only. They cut accordingly.
Maybe provide a dummy round for them. I've never done that but would be a good way to go.
Also try the hammer bullets seating depth didn't seem to matter much on them. Bit pricey for target shooting but well worth it on game.

There hasn't been much after market support for Browning X Bolts. But with their new line up maybe that's changing. I'd call up different barrel makers or smiths to see what their opinion is. I'd also call Browning and ask if they are installing barrels. You never know, they could be doing some custom work inhouse.

McGowen will replace one for you--$220 for replacing the barrel and either $295 for a chromemoly or $ 325 for a SS pre-fit barrel--or you can order any "custom" barrel you like from them for an upgraded price

I rebarreled my x-bolt.

I put a Bartlein #3b on it, and had to sand out the barrel channel a bit to get it to fit (it's pretty equivalent to Browning's "heavy sporter" contour that is on my Long Range Hunter), but it wasn't anything that couldn't be done with sandpaper under the barrel - I didn't need power tools or channel reamers.

Doubt I can get home to get a photo any time soon, but if I can I will.

snox801 said:

When I had pierce do mine.

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Hey! Pierce did mine too!

bbckfh said:

I rebarreled my x-bolt.

I put a Bartlein #3b on it, and had to sand out the barrel channel a bit to get it to fit (it's pretty equivalent to Browning's "heavy sporter" contour that is on my Long Range Hunter), but it wasn't anything that couldn't be done with sandpaper under the barrel - I didn't need power tools or channel reamers.

Doubt I can get home to get a photo any time soon, but if I can I will.

Click to expand...

a few pics would be awesome!!! How'd it shoot after?? Improvement??

Havard said:

Thanks for the reply...
It's for a 308. It was a anniversary gift so I want to keep it reasonably original but I want it to shoot also. Thought a rebarrel would be the best thing to do.
Looking to do a 1:10 twist. Was also set on a 24" barrel but a friend explained to me that 22" May be more accurate. I doubt I will ever shoot more than a 168gr so the 10 twist should be just "groovy" (pun intended lol)
I hadn't thought about COAL until you mentioned it. I'm guessing having the chamber cut to coincide with max magazine length might keep me closer to the lands? Just a thought?? Or is this not what I should be trying to achieve?

Click to expand...

Barrel length is not going to make a rifle any more or less accurate.

I think his point was a shorter (stiffer) barrel may not be as likely to suffer from barrel whip.

Havard said:

I think his point was a shorter (stiffer) barrel may not be as likely to suffer from barrel whip.

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This is true, shorter barrels are stiffer and more rigid. Truth of the matter, the .308 Win can get by with a 16" barrel. For a precision bolt gun a 20" barrel is all that is truly necessary, but a 24" will get you more velocity.