I like them both as far as looks go. Never shot an X-bolt but owned an a-bolt and it was a very good rifle. I own a pre 64 model 70 and its an awesome rifle but Ive never shot the modern mod 70s. Dont let ne one talk you out of the 308 though. Its a great deer round. Its basically a short 30-06 and has virtually the same power up to 180gr bullets.