Browning X-Bolt 7mm Rem Mag -- Heaviest Bullet Weight?

[Brydawg512]

Hello all,

After my most recent post in search of rifle recommendations, and plenty of time spent researching, I have narrowed my search down to the Browning X-Bolt Composite Stalker in 7mm Rem Mag. I have also considered the Tikka T3x Lite, however I liked the extra 2" on the 26" barrel on the X-Bolt. I plan to use this rifle for mule deer, black bear, and elk out to around the 500 yard range and steel past this yardage.

Now, my question... What's the heaviest bullet weight I can stabilize with the X-Bolt's 9.5" twist and 26" barrel? I had considered 168gr Nosler Partitions, however I am open to other recommendations.

Additionally, what 20 moa bases work with the X-Bolt? Is this a short action or long action? Also what height scope scope rings for a 50mm scope?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Deleted member 25294]

A buddy of mine had an A Bolt II stalker in 7RM and I helped him load for it.
he couldn't get 175's to shoot in his 9.5 twist but had ok results with the 162 ELDX.

I'm not sure about the X Bolt Stalker but the rotary magazine in his A Bolt required even 162's to be seated deep in the case resulting in relatively low velocity.

I honestly was not impressed with that rifle at all, he couldn't keep it shooting consistently and has since sold it.
I've seen much better accuracy from factory Savages, TIkka's, and Remington's.

Again this was an A Bolt, I have no experience with X Bolt's but my initial impression has steered me away from Browning.

 

[Brydawg512]

A buddy of mine had an A Bolt II stalker in 7RM and I helped him load for it.
he couldn't get 175's to shoot in his 9.5 twist but had ok results with the 162 ELDX.

I'm not sure about the X Bolt Stalker but the rotary magazine in his A Bolt required even 162's to be seated deep in the case resulting in relatively low velocity.

I honestly was not impressed with that rifle at all, he couldn't keep it shooting consistently and has since sold it.
I've seen much better accuracy from factory Savages, TIkka's, and Remington's.

Again this was an A Bolt, I have no experience with X Bolt's but my initial impression has steered me away from Browning.

Interesting. As I have said, the Tikka T3x SuperLite is still an option with its 9.5" twist and 22" barrel, but I have concerns about the short barrel. What would make the difference between the two both having 9.5" twists, besides barrel length and OAL allowed with magazine?

 

[Deleted member 25294]

Interesting. As I have said, the Tikka T3x SuperLite is still an option with its 9.5" twist and 22" barrel, but I have concerns about the short barrel. What would make the difference between the two both having 9.5" twists, besides barrel length and OAL allowed with magazine?

Tikka t3x in 7RM has a 24.3" barrel, I feel that a 26" barrel is more ideal but id take a Tikka any day.
As for mag length, there are aftermarket options you could look into in the future.
When it comes to customizing, Tikkas have better options than Browning and the factory triggers are really good.
Here's an after market option that would allow 3.6" mag length in a Tikka.
https://www.atlasworxs.com/products/atlasworxs-bottom-metal-dbm-tikka-t3-long-action

 

[Brydawg512]

Tikka t3x in 7RM has a 24.3" barrel, I feel that a 26" barrel is more ideal but id take a Tikka any day.
As for mag length, there are aftermarket options you could look into in the future.
When it comes to customizing, Tikkas have better options than Browning and the factory triggers are really good.
Here's an after market option that would allow 3.6" mag length in a Tikka.
https://www.atlasworxs.com/products/atlasworxs-bottom-metal-dbm-tikka-t3-long-action

Thank you. Now, how bad is the recoil in a caliber like this with it being so light? Weight is not a big issue for me, just want good control for accuracy.

 

[coop2564]

The 168gr Berger classic hunter is good for even a 10 twist.

 

[BallisticsGuy]

I shoot 180's out of a 10 twist at 2850fps all the time. I think you're pretty well good with darned near anything from 180 down. You might lose a little BC with the 175-180 class bullets but not much.

 

[Creedmoor shooter]

My 9.5 twist browning stabilized the 180 eld-m. I shot the 162 eld at 3146 though as I didnt need to shoot 180s.

 

[cohunt]

7 mag is always long action
The xbolt rotary mag allows 3.6" no problem
Buy an mcarbo trigger spring to reduce the pull weight
Your bullet weight will depend on your altitude, bullet speed, bullet length, and twist rate--- punch your numbers into bergers twist rate calculator to get your answer.
My lr stalker with same twist as yours shoots 2 bullets lights out-- trigger time I use the 162 eld-m bullet -- under 3/4 moa everytime.---- hunting I use the 143 hammer hunter, it is stupid accurate, my best group was 1/4 moa, my worst was 3/4moa.

50mm scopes usually require high rings, check with ring/base manufacture fir best info

For 20moa based you can buy egwguns -
Talley, and browning sells one right on their website (Google is your friend)

I love my xbolt.

 

[Brydawg512]

The 168gr Berger classic hunter is good for even a 10 twist.

I'm also new to reloading... aren't the Berger bullets super sensitive to seating depth? Or is that only the Berger VLDs?

 

[Brydawg512]

I shoot 180's out of a 10 twist at 2850fps all the time. I think you're pretty well good with darned near anything from 180 down. You might lose a little BC with the 175-180 class bullets but not much.

Thank you much. Yes I'm looking at the 168s, but have no need to shoot over 180s for any reasom at the moment. I may even shoot 162s.

 

[Brydawg512]

My 9.5 twist browning stabilized the 180 eld-m. I shot the 162 eld at 3146 though as I didnt need to shoot 180s.

Thank you for the info. I wonder if the 162s are suitable for bear and elk?

 

[cohunt]

Thank you for the info. I wonder if the 162s are suitable for bear and elk?

Bullet construction and placement is more important than weight

 

[Creedmoor shooter]

Thank you for the info. I wonder if the 162s are suitable for bear and elk?

Deer and bear the eld-m work great. Elk are a bit scarce in NH so no comment on those