XBOLT LR McMillan vs Christensen Arms Ridgeline

FIGJAM

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I have narrowed it down to these two rifles.
  • I have already decided on my caliber (26 Nosler). I am set on the caliber, I have several other rifles this one will fit right in with what I already have.
  • The gun will be used exclusively for hunting, I have other rifles for range work.
  • I own a regular old XBOLT Medallion and really like it. I haven't ever owned a CA.
  • This is the xbolt model that comes standard with the McMillan stock.
  • Prices are comparable.
  • I don't have any desire to go the custom route right now.

I am looking for input from any of you who have owned or shot and handled both of them. Which one would you pick and why? Thanks in advance:)
 
First, just making sure you know that you'll only get about 500-600 rounds of accurate barrel life out the .26 Nosler, regardless of what rifle you go with. But you said it's strictly for hunting, so it should last a good while.

Next, if this were my choice, it would be a tough one to make... The XB McMillan has a better stock on it, but the CA Ridgeline has a CF barrel. The CA actions are based on a 700 footprint, so almost infinite upgrade options for stocks, magazine setups, accessories, scope bases, etc... So, the choice is very hard.

EGW makes bases for both, and the Browning comes with a McM stock already, and it has a 1:7 twist (CA has 1:8), so you can shoot the new Berger 156 when it comes out, and the Matrix 160's...

I'd probably go with the X-Bolt HC LR McMillan...
 
I've had a couple of Ridgelines (6.5 CM and 300 Win Mag) and currently have a Browning X-Bolt McMillan in 6.5 CM. The stock on the Xbolt is light years better than the Christensen stock, in my opinion. I like the Xbolt action a little better. It has a much lighter bolt lift, and the 60 degree lift is also very nice. The Xbolt magazine is proprietary, but it feeds very smoothly. My Xbolt is just as accurate as the Ridgelines, all shooting under 3/4" pretty easily. If I were to buy one again today, I would go with the Xbolt McMillan based on the better stock, faster twist rate, and overall function of the action. The Browning trigger is ok, but not great. I actually replaced mine with a Timney that is really nice. The Ridgeline comes with a Trigger Tech, which are great.
 
For a temp fix for a lighter trigger pull on the xbolt you can buy the mcarbo trigger spring and install yourself. Lightens the trigger pull up by at least a pound.
 
First, just making sure you know that you'll only get about 500-600 rounds of accurate barrel life out the .26 Nosler, regardless of what rifle you go with. But you said it's strictly for hunting, so it should last a good while.

Next, if this were my choice, it would be a tough one to make... The XB McMillan has a better stock on it, but the CA Ridgeline has a CF barrel. The CA actions are based on a 700 footprint, so almost infinite upgrade options for stocks, magazine setups, accessories, scope bases, etc... So, the choice is very hard.

EGW makes bases for both, and the Browning comes with a McM stock already, and it has a 1:7 twist (CA has 1:8), so you can shoot the new Berger 156 when it comes out, and the Matrix 160's...

I'd probably go with the X-Bolt HC LR McMillan...
Its been a while since I have had a barrel burner like the 26 nosler. I am just planning on making all 500 rounds count! LOL. Like you said, since it will be solely a hunting rifle, I should get many years of use out of it.
 
I've had a couple of Ridgelines (6.5 CM and 300 Win Mag) and currently have a Browning X-Bolt McMillan in 6.5 CM. The stock on the Xbolt is light years better than the Christensen stock, in my opinion. I like the Xbolt action a little better. It has a much lighter bolt lift, and the 60 degree lift is also very nice. The Xbolt magazine is proprietary, but it feeds very smoothly. My Xbolt is just as accurate as the Ridgelines, all shooting under 3/4" pretty easily. If I were to buy one again today, I would go with the Xbolt McMillan based on the better stock, faster twist rate, and overall function of the action. The Browning trigger is ok, but not great. I actually replaced mine with a Timney that is really nice. The Ridgeline comes with a Trigger Tech, which are great.

This is great - thanks for your input!
 
I actually thought they were both 1:8 twist, but I see Browning made this model in 1:7 starting in 2018. I am wondering if the magazine in the xbolt will limit my OAL and possible accuracy with those 156gr bergers?
 
Hahaha!!

I can't even recall how many times I've told myself that lie when buying a new gun!!

Problem is, whatever I end up choosing invariably winds up being so nice and shooting so well, it becomes my new favorite, and I shoot the beejesus out of it!!

I'd go into detail and give you examples, but the reality is too painful for me to recollect...

Besides, everyone will tell me to go get help, I've got a problem, etc. while secretly they have the same problem as I do... which makes it real easy to recognize in others.

After all this, my advice is get the one you want the most, don't worry about the barrel... If you end up shooting the beejesus out of it like I would.

Last I checked, they are still making barrels, so you're good!!
 
I actually thought they were both 1:8 twist, but I see Browning made this model in 1:7 starting in 2018. I am wondering if the magazine in the xbolt will limit my OAL and possible accuracy with those 156gr bergers?

The x-bolt mag will feed up to 3.6", plenty of room. I was in the same boat as you last year, looking at the Ridgeline or the HC McMillan in 28 Nosler. I ended up buying the X-bolt, and absolutely love it. Shoots silly good with almost no load development.

+1 on the MCarbo trigger spring, mine breaks right 2 lbs.
 
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