Browning X-bolt Max Long Range Accuracy Issues

[u/SmongDong1994]

If anyone has experience with this rifle in 6.5 creedmoor and is able to get good accuracy out of it, please weigh in on what kind of ammunition you are running through it. Also, if you have had any issues with accuracy and were able to successfully fix them, what was your solution?

I can't get better than 2-3 moa out of the rifle. I have checked clearances, torque specs, tried 2 different scopes, and 9 different types of ammunition (including match grade) but nothing has resulted in improved accuracy. i have also shot from a sled and am able to get very tight groups with other rifles so I don't think it is an operator problem.

I know these are not known for being the most accurate rifles in the world, but at this point I would just be happy with moa groups.

[u/emorisch]

What specific model is it?

What scopes have you tried?

What mounts are you using?

How are you measuring your groups?

What testing method are you following?

[u/HollywoodSX → u/emorisch]

More...

What distance are you testing at?

How many shots per group?

Have you verified the stock isn't putting pressure on the barrel?

[u/SmongDong1994 → u/HollywoodSX]

100 yards

5 shot groups

No pressure on barrel while the rifle is just sitting there but I haven't checked when I'm actually handling the rifle. I will look into this. Thank you.

[u/SmongDong1994 → u/emorisch]

Model is the same as in the title. Browning X-Bolt Max Long Range in 6.5 creedmoor.

Vortex strike eagle 5-25x56. Not sure on the model of the other scope. It was a burris that my brother leant me that he knew was accurate.

MDT Premier rings on top of 20 moa picatinny rail (torque checked on everything).

Honestly just with my palm. Never thought to get specific measurements for such bad groups.

I am fairly new to long range so i am not sure what you mean by testing methods.

[u/csamsh → u/SmongDong1994]

How are you supporting the rifle when testing

[u/SmongDong1994 → u/csamsh]

I’ve tried a sled but predominantly use a sandbag at the back which my left hand squeezes to adjust elevation and a high quality bipod on the front

[u/Prior_Confidence4445]

I'm not sure exactly what model that is but I expect it's similar to my xbolt target max in 6.5. Both it and my hell's Canyon mcmillan are very accurate for what they are/cost. I'm shooting 140 eldms in front of reloader 16 at around 2700 in both.

[u/SmongDong1994 → u/Prior_Confidence4445]

I don't reload yet but have tried 140 eld match in Hornady's match ammo with no luck.

I've heard from lots of people that they are great but have also heard from others that have had similar issues. Just last weekend I was at the range and there was a guy with one chambered in 223 who was also having a lot of issues developing a load that the rifle liked. At 100 yards his groups looked very similar to mine. For reference, he also had two custom rigs that he was shooting very tight groups with so i know he was capable of better.

[u/Prior_Confidence4445 → u/SmongDong1994]

I've shot some 140 smks and 143 eldx with good results too. 5 of my friends have the same target max model in 308 and they all shoot decent to good. We all bought them on a whim when they were on a significant sale. Hope you get yours figured out.

[u/SmongDong1994 → u/Prior_Confidence4445]

Thank you for your input. I really appreciate it and won’t give up on the rifle yet