Getting the most Browning Hunter X-Bolt 30-06

[GetNorth]

I've got a wooden stock Browning Hunter X-Bolt in 30-06. I'm capable of shooting at or just under MOA as validated on several other rifles but have never really been able to get the xbolt to shoot better than about 1.25 MOA. What would you guys recommend to get a bit more accuracy out of the gun?

And before everyone jumps to "shoot more" I'm the first to admit admit that I'm not the best shot and am working on improving my technique. I'm looking for simple things that can supplement that work.

The gun already has a viper PST 4x16 gen 1 and a cheek riser which gets me into a good position.

 

[K.E.C. Darkside]

Wooden stock. Needs bedded, possibly barrel floated, and do you reload, that would help. Just to name a couple things. Merry Christmas.

 

[David_h]

Also replace trigger spring with Mcarbo unit. I got mine down to nice crisp 2.1 pound pull. Stock trigger was quite heavy.

 

[Rick Richard]

Reload your own rounds until you find what it likes and if that doesn't "scratch your itch", then replace the barrel.

 

[choprzrul]

Also replace trigger spring with Mcarbo unit. I got mine down to nice crisp 2.1 pound pull. Stock trigger was quite heavy.

I concur....

 

[GetNorth]

Thanks gents. I've sorta been holding out on reloading because I don't see my 30-06 as my long term cartridge. Don't want to get all the dies when I know long term I'd like to be into something 7mm.

 

[K.E.C. Darkside]

Reloading is a BIG Rabbit hole. I have 24 different dies in 25years. If your not already doing it... I don't know what to tell you. Maybe good luck??? It is a great hobby, and very satisfying. Merry Christmas.

 

[choprzrul]

There aren't many problems in North America that can't be addressed with a 30-06....110gr to 220gr.....something in that range should do the job?

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[birddog 68]

Also replace trigger spring with Mcarbo unit. I got mine down to nice crisp 2.1 pound pull. Stock trigger was quite heavy.

I concur....

Xbolt's are good rifles but their triggers are not good

 

[GetNorth]

Don't interfere with my desire for a new future gun. Thought you guys were on my side

 

[birddog 68]

Don't interfere with my desire for a new future gun. Thought you guys were on my side

May as well sell it and buy a creedmore. Those 06's are prehistoric.

 

[GetNorth]

I'm definitely going to get into the reloading side in is things soon. Looking at 7 rem mag for the long term cartridge.

 

[birddog 68]

As @choprzrul mentioned you should probably try some different weight bullets and different brands until it's up to your standard and then buy as many boxes as possible.
I would start with the trigger first.

 

[choprzrul]

I'm definitely going to get into the reloading side in is things soon. Looking at 7 rem mag for the long term cartridge.

the 7mm Rem is a great cartridge, but for myself, I'm going to avoid the whole belted magnum thing going forward. The 7mm WSM has a nearly identical case volume, but no belt.....same as the 300 WSM

Getting the most out of your 30-06: MCarbo trigger spring, bed the action and about an inch of the barrel, free float the rest of the barrel, torque action bolts to about 40 inch lbs in the front and 30 in the rear. Then find a Hammer bullet that works for your choice of game species and anticipated distances. Do load development and then go enjoy it!

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