HeartlandHunter
Member
Looking into getting a Left Handed Browning X-Bolt Stalker .300 WM. Wondering if anybody has experience with this gun and how it has performed?
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Browning X-Bolt Stalker .300 WM Reviews
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snowypeakoutdoors
Well-Known Member
How much are you going to shoot it? I have multiple Browning rifles relegated to collecting dust in the safe now because of the problems with getting a new barrel. It just isn't cost effective. Not exactly the answer you are looking for, but something to think about when buying a Browning or other rifles.
I had one that was right handed. It would shoot 180 grain bullets fairly good. It was a balancing act to get bullets heavier than 180s to shoot very well. Browning advertised twist for that rifle is 10 twist. Mine measured 11 twist. Hence the reason it preferred 180s and got more finicky the heavier the bullet was.
HeartlandHunter
Member
The goal is to get something that's going to last me awhile. Shooting around 250 rounds a year.
snowypeakoutdoors
Well-Known Member
Ok, so the rifle will last 4-6 years. Barrel life being 1000-1500 on a 300 WM. You will have to decide if that is the best option or to go with something you can easily change barrels on.
HeartlandHunter
Member
Interesting read. Im going to have to research some more options. What method do you like to use when cleaning your barrel?
if barrel life is your thing and you are shooting that much look into a 308 or 30-06. Fine guns out to 600 yard and barrel life is not a problem.
don't shoot those guns hot and abuse them and they will last 4-5 k rounds.
Magnum barrels are disposable items on those guns if you shoot 250 rounds a years. Just the way it's is,
You might consider a switch barrel build such as a Savage or Remage whereas you can change barrels in ten minutes in your garage. Or settle for a more barrel friendly cartridge.
Lastly, succumb to the fact that you will have to pay a smith 600-1000 bucks to replace a barrel every few years (with any non-switch barrel rifle)... or just buy a new rifle every five years!
FWIW, both my X-bolts will go to the grave with me. Outstanding factory rifles, 1/2" and less shooters consistently, easy to carry, easy to shoot and easy to load for. They are not 300 WM versions though.
Lastly, succumb to the fact that you will have to pay a smith 600-1000 bucks to replace a barrel every few years (with any non-switch barrel rifle)... or just buy a new rifle every five years!
FWIW, both my X-bolts will go to the grave with me. Outstanding factory rifles, 1/2" and less shooters consistently, easy to carry, easy to shoot and easy to load for. They are not 300 WM versions though.
HeartlandHunter
Member
Thanks for the info!
HeartlandHunter
Member
Thanks for the info. Curious what versions you're shooting?
KSB209
Well-Known Member
Buddy of mine has a Browning in 30-06 and he cannot get better then 2" groups at 100 yards. He shoots sub 1" groups with all his other rifles so we figure it's the rifle.
Not sure what model he has but I know it has been to the gunsmith a few times trying to figure it out. Has played with multiple scopes and all types of factory ammo and the same results.
Not sure what model he has but I know it has been to the gunsmith a few times trying to figure it out. Has played with multiple scopes and all types of factory ammo and the same results.
HeartlandHunter
Member
Anybody have any experience with the Tikka T3X models?
Standard sta
Stalker models with 26" barrels, SHOT special. Rem .280s... both. Had a couple others that were shooters too.
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