An exciting new cartridge means exciting new loads and guns. Here’s a look at some of the must-see new Browning rifles for 2021.
Browning 6.8 Western Cartridge. Browning has introduced the new 6.8 Western caliber (the new cartridge was developed by Browning/Winchester) in multiple X-Bolt configurations that all bolt-action fans need to see. The 6.8 Western was designed to be the ultimate all-around long-range hunting cartridge, and while there will be a few guns chambered in 6.8 Western from Winchester, the Browning X-Bolt is an ideal delivery vehicle. The 6.8 Western delivers magnum performance from a short-action magnum cartridge with less recoil than its long-action counterparts, and the good news just keeps coming. The 6.8 Western offers heavier bullet weights than the 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC and 270 WSM, and delivers more energy than the 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC and 7mm Rem Mag—the 6.8 Western carries 1,000 ft. lbs. of energy to almost 1,000 yards. You’ll also find less recoil than the 300 WSM, 300 Win Mag and 300 PRC. The long, heavy bullets of the 6.8 Western are ideal for big game hunting and long-range precision shooting, and their short action offers fast cycling, high accuracy and reduced rifle weight—so you can experience long-range magnum performance in a short-action rifle.
Here are a few of the new-for-2021 Browning X-Bolt rifles available in 6.8 Western:
Browning X-Bolt Mountain Pro Burnt Bronze. Browning is delving into semi-custom rifle production with the exciting new X-Bolt Mountain Pro Burnt Bronze ($2,399.99 to $2,459.99). What classifies the X-Bolt Mountain Pro as a “semi-custom rifle” is the level of specialized finishing touches and higher-end construction above the already top-tier X-Bolt family of hunting rifles. First, the X-Bolt Mountain Pro features a true carbon fiber stock—now lighter than previous versions—making it lightweight and rigid. The stock is filled with a noise-dampening foam. Additionally, the Cerakote finish on the stainless steel action and barrel is also on the exterior of the stock for added protection. The Burnt Bronze hue mutes the color of the stock for better concealment. The barrel features a new proprietary lapping process to provide consistent accuracy and easier bore cleaning—avoiding the need for a time-consuming break-in process. Other features include a spiral fluted bolt and bolt knob, threaded muzzle with Browning’s new Recoil Hog muzzle brake that reduces felt recoil up to 77 percent (depending on caliber), effectively taming your favorite magnum cartridges. 
Browning X-Bolt Hell’s Canyon Max Long Range. Here’s a new rifle that just screams long-range accuracy. The Max stock found on the Browning X-Bolt Hell’s Canyon Max Long Range ($1,429.99 to $1,499.99) is designed to help improve your shooting confidence by offering the adjustments necessary to adjust the stock to fit your body—and dial-in correct eye-to-scope alignment for optics required for shooting at extended ranges. The Composite Max stock with A-TACS AU Camo finish offers an adjustable comb to dial-in eye-to-scope alignment, and includes spacers for length of pull adjustment. You’ll also find a heavy sporter contour fluted barrel with 5/8″-24 TPI suppressor threads (thread protector included), and new Recoil Hawg muzzle brake that reduces recoil up to 73 percent. More nice touches include a Cerakote Burnt Bronze finish and extended bolt handle, and three swivel studs for sling and bipod use.
Browning X-Bolt Western Hunter Long Range. Looking for truly affordable long-range precision? The new X-Bolt Western Hunter Long Range ($1,099.99 to $1,179.99) features a heavy sporter contour barrel with 5/8″-24 TPI suppressor threads and threaded, removable muzzle brake (thread protector included). You’ll also find a removable magazine, top-tang thumb safety, ergonomic extended bolt handle, composite stock with new adjustable comb system, and great looking A-TACS AU Camo finish.
