Weatherby Mark V WeatherMark vs. Browning X-Bolt Pro

I'm looking for a new deer hunting rifle, and I've narrowed it down to these two options. I'm interested to know if you guys agree with the following assessment and/or whether any other (i.e. better) options exist in this price range (i.e. $1500 - $2000).

The caliber will either be 6.5 Creedmoor or .308 Winchester, but we don't have to debate this in the thread. I'm more interested in finding the best rifle first.

Shared Pros:
-Weight (6 - 6.25 lbs)
-Reduced bolt lift (54 - 60 degrees)
-Cerakote finish

Shared Cons:
-1:12 twist in .308 (whereas maybe a 1:10 would be preferred for more versatility?)

Browning Pros:
-Barrel Length: 22" (vs. 24" Weatherby)
-Threaded Barrel & Muzzle Brake (...but metric thread)

Weatherby Pros:
-Sub-MOA Guarantee

Product Links:
http://www.weatherby.com/products/rifles/mark-v/mark-vr-weathermark.html
https://www.browning.com/products/firearms/rifles/x-bolt/current-production/x-bolt-pro-tungsten.html

If it was me I'd definitely throw a Fierce Fury in the picture. I've been eyeing one for the price and a 1/2 moa guarantee with factory ammo, it seems like it would be tough to beat.

Rusty85 said:

If it was me I'd definitely throw a Fierce Fury in the picture. I've been eyeing one for the price and a 1/2 moa guarantee with factory ammo, it seems like it would be tough to beat.

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This rifle was on my list, but the weight is almost 7 lbs, and I'm trying to stay closer to 6 lbs.

The browning x-bolt LR models will have faster twist rates, which are much preferred for the high BC bullets shot in LR today. The X-bolt is a nice option because of that fast twist, and out of those two options it would be my choice.

I would also suggest looking into Tikka, a Christensen Arms Mesa and ridgline (I own/have shot both and they are lights out - very had to beat for the money IMO). I would also second the fierce, I've shot several and they are great shooters. If you are trying to stay right around 6 lbs. the Tikka T3x has some options that are around that and mine in 6.5 CM shoots .5-.75 MOA all day. I would rather have the Fierce or CA ridgeline though, not much more weight and a lot of gun for the price.

Out of your two caliber choices I would take the 6.5 CM, as it will do just about everything a 308 will do but is easier to shoot at distance. However, caliber choice is dependent on what you're wanting to do with it. There are better options than both of those in the rifles mentioned IMO.

Browning... All day, any day.

Browning has a sub moa guarantee as well. Also I know we aren't discussing caliber, but if you want 1/10 twist you can move up to the 300wsm browning for the same weight as the weatherby and download it

Having handled the X-bolt pro, I would lean that direction. I have been looking at the long range version of the pro. Have both X-Bolt and Mark V and at the moment prefer the X Bolt.

I don't like the stock profile on the Weatherby. That large drop at the heel and slanted butt, tends to make the barrel rise. Which helps with recoil on large magnums, but is just a nuisance for smaller calibers shot for longer ranges. The straight comb and straight butt on the browning would have less tendency to jump and stay on target better.

Also the stock on the Browning is carbon fiber. The Weatherby is just "synthetic". The Browning stock is probably lighter and stiffer.

I have found the browning recoil pads to be extremely comfortable as well.

Barrelnut said:

I don't like the stock profile on the Weatherby. That large drop at the heel and slanted butt, tends to make the barrel rise. Which helps with recoil on large magnums, but is just a nuisance for smaller calibers shot for longer ranges. The straight comb and straight butt on the browning would have less tendency to jump and stay on target better.

Also the stock on the Browning is carbon fiber. The Weatherby is just "synthetic". The Browning stock is probably lighter and stiffer.

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Don't forget that Brownings also come fully-bedded and free-floated from the factory.

Just curious if the OP has shouldered either rifle, I have owned approximately 200 rifles and for me personally nothing fits me better or shoulders more comfortably than a Mark V ULW (6lug) rifle, but this is purely a personal preference.
They may not fit you in the least but the point I'm trying to make until you actually shoulder the choices you mentioned it's hard to recommend a rifle that would fit you.

jmcmath said:

Browning has a sub moa guarantee as well. Also I know we aren't discussing caliber, but if you want 1/10 twist you can move up to the 300wsm browning for the same weight as the weatherby and download it

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I had not considered the versatility of the 300wsm. Thanks for the suggestion.

Weatherby Fan said:

Just curious if the OP has shouldered either rifle, I have owned approximately 200 rifles and for me personally nothing fits me better or shoulders more comfortably than a Mark V ULW (6lug) rifle, but this is purely a personal preference.
They may not fit you in the least but the point I'm trying to make until you actually shoulder the choices you mentioned it's hard to recommend a rifle that would fit you.

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The Browning, yes. I have not found the Weatherby in person yet. Ideally, I'm hoping to find a store that carries both.

I can't comment on the Browning other than they seem to be building accurate rifles and most guys that buy love them.
I have owned 3 Mark V ULW 6 lug rifles, all 3 of them were slightly heavier than the 5lb 12oz advertised weight and believe mostly due to the B&C stocks inconsistent weight, ranged from 5lbs 14oz to 6lbs 1oz, the newer B&C Wby stock design post 2015 is a touch slimmer and may be closer to advertised weight

They all have shot under the 1moa guarantee, I rebarreled one into 280AI, and I'm having an all Stainless 6 lug (LW not ULW) one built into a 6.5-284 with a 24" #2 Fluted Benchmark, B&C stock.

Stock on the weatherby is a Bell and Carlson with the bedding block. For a hunting gun the shape works. Especially off a tripod standing. @ 7#s the Seekins Havak offers 24-26" fluted barrel timney triggers in your calibers plus the 6.5PRC 28 nos. and 300win mag. Barrels are threaded 5/8-24