X Bolt Speed Opinions

[OXN939]

So, with all the time available lately, I've come up with another way to separate myself from my paycheck. Been weighing options on a 6.5 Creed mountain rifle setup for a while now, bouncing back and forth between Fieldcrafts, Weathermarks, Bergara Premiers, etc. I'm wanting this to be a one-and-done lower 48 type setup, basically one step below custom. Will be topped with a Zeiss Conquest V4 4-16x44 to take it out to 450 yards. I've never owned or even shot one, but I have a really hard time finding much negative about the X Bolt Hell's Canyon Speed. My only points of consideration are the tang safety, which is weird for a Winchester guy, and the fact that Browning doesn't have an accuracy guarantee... not that either of those is a deal breaker, or that the latter is worth much other than in a scenario where you get a factory lemon. Thoughts? If you could find one NIB for $950, would you send it?

 

[Mr Drysdale]

I wouldn’t worry about the accuracy. The safety is something I’m used to. Mine is in 300WM and I’m quiet happy with it except for the looooong barrel. I carry it Whitetail hunting when I’m going to be in a shooter house with a possible long shot. I still prefer my Tikka T3 SL in 7RM. It just fits me better. They both are accurate.

 

[TNKnoxville]

I have a Speed in 30 06, it is an awesome gun. Likes a wide range of ammo and very accurate. Liked it so much I bought a 300 win mag Max Long Range!!!!! One thing I did do was replace the trigger with a Timney. Tried the MCarbo spring but the Timney is so sweet!

 

[OXN939]

I wouldn’t worry about the accuracy. The safety is something I’m used to. Mine is in 300WM and I’m quiet happy with it except for the looooong barrel. I carry it Whitetail hunting when I’m going to be in a shooter house with a possible long shot. I still prefer my Tikka T3 SL in 7RM. It just fits me better. They both are accurate.

Yours must be the X Bolt LR with 26" tube? I'm looking at the Speed, which is 22" and more in line with the packable vibe I'm going for I think.

Likes a wide range of ammo

One of the big factors in looking at this rifle and 6.5 in general. 1:8 twist should complement the longer copper monos I'd be shooting well

 

[Mr Drysdale]

The 6.5 may have a 22” but the 300WM has the 26“ plus the brake.

 

[Researcher]

I have a 300wm and my dad has the 6.5. Both really good shooters. Got mine Christmas 2018 and got a good deal at the store plus $75 rebate from Browning. If shopping now Id be tempted by the new Tikka Veil options.

 

[OXN939]

The 6.5 may have a 22” but the 300WM has the 26“ plus the brake.

Ah yeah. I had a braked 26" WM at one point- impressive rifle, but not exactly what you'd call "handy."

I have a 300wm and my dad has the 6.5. Both really good shooters. Got mine Christmas 2018 and got a good deal at the store plus $75 rebate from Browning. If shopping now Id be tempted by the new Tikka Veil options.

Interesting. Looks like they have a small one going on now too. Saw those new Tikkas, but they're a good bit heavier and come with the 24" tube. Trying to stay at 22"

 

[Chris86]

Mine is 300wm with a 26" barrel. It's a shooter for sure, just has alot of barrel out there

 

[OXN939]

Mine is 300wm with a 26" barrel. It's a shooter for sure, just has alot of barrel out there

Check. Looked like the barrel was tightly freefloated on the one I handled. Anyone ever do a bedding job on the stock of one of these?

 

[manitou1]

Due to a bit of forearm flex, and desiring to eleviate the possibility of comprssing on the barrel, I opened the barrel channels up on two of mine, then bedded them. They were very accurate out of the box, but I am a tinkerer.

 

[mainbeam pursuit2]

The HC speed is a very nice rifle, I have one in 28 Nosler. Factory ammo is giving me 1/2" - 3/4" groups if I do my part. All of the rifles you listed are nice rifles, I'd pick the one that fits your budget and has the features you're wanting. For me that's a short bolt throw, I prefer the 60° of the Browning and the 54° of Weatherby which I have several of.

 

[OXN939]

The HC speed is a very nice rifle, I have one in 28 Nosler. Factory ammo is giving me 1/2" - 3/4" groups if I do my part. All of the rifles you listed are nice rifles, I'd pick the one that fits your budget and has the features you're wanting. For me that's a short bolt throw, I prefer the 60° of the Browning and the 54° of Weatherby which I have several of.

Heard that. Wish I could find a Weathermark in stock locally to check out, but haven't been able to.

Due to a bit of forearm flex, and desiring to eleviate the possibility of comprssing on the barrel, I opened the barrel channels up on two of mine, then bedded them. They were very accurate out of the box, but I am a tinkerer.

Usually what I do with mine, unless they're sub-MOA for a 10 round group out of the box. How was the before and after comparison?

 

[manitou1]

Sub 1/2" before, sub1/2" after... no change. But I have piece of mind and confidence.

 

[LightFoot]

I have a Browning Speed in 6.5 Creedmoor. It shoots well with both Winchester Deer Season and Hornady Precision Hunter ammo.

I haven't tried any solid copper bullets yet but I want to.

I bought a thread adapter recently to run a suppressor. Hopefully we'll see how that does this weekend off the bench. (If COVID-19 does not get further out of control)

The negative is still the trigger. It isn't bad, but it does leave some to be desired. I ordered the MCARBO spring but haven't installed yet. I think the timney trigger eliminates the the safety-on bolt-release function. I am not a fan of loosing that function.

I also have a Browning Pro in 300 WSM. It has been more picky with ammo.

For under $1000, it is a good choice.

It is hard to find a rifle in that price range that comes with cerakote and threaded with brake.



>>>----JAKE----->

 

[mainbeam pursuit2]

I did put the MCarbo spring in mine, it definitely made it better.

 

[2five7]

I bought one in 6.5 cm in 2016. my kids and I have used it to kill a slew of Bucks, everyone fights over who gets to use it each year lol. Carries easily, points naturally, accurate as anything else I own, easily sub .5" with the only bullet we've ever shot out of it, the 123 Amax. Mine wears a Razor HD LH 2-10 in low Talley rings. Also has the Mcarbo trigger spring, 2 lb break every time.

 

[OXN939]

I bought one in 6.5 cm in 2016. my kids and I have used it to kill a slew of Bucks, everyone fights over who gets to use it each year lol. Carries easily, points naturally, accurate as anything else I own, easily sub .5" with the only bullet we've ever shot out of it, the 123 Amax. Mine wears a Razor HD LH 2-10 in low Talley rings. Also has the Mcarbo trigger spring, 2 lb break every time.

Went ahead and sent it, as prices on most places I was watching went up overnight. Thanks for all the input.