Bat and Kelbly comparison

[newbieshooter]

What is the significance of using 17-4 on action body?

there was a prior thread on 17-4 which might help:

Thread 'Bat actions 17-4 SS'

Jan 8, 2024

Okay, so BAT actions machined out of 17-4 SS. Others, if not all, were machined out of 416R SS. What's the significance of that?

• Ironworker
• Replies: 22
• Forum: Gear Talk: What to Buy? and Gear Evaluations

 

[swd]

What is the significance of using 17-4 on action body?

It's strong and tough as hell! It does gall easier but nitride will fix that. IMO it's hard to find better than a nitride Bat.

 

[Hengehold]

there was a prior thread on 17-4 which might help:

Thread 'Bat actions 17-4 SS'

Jan 8, 2024

Okay, so BAT actions machined out of 17-4 SS. Others, if not all, were machined out of 416R SS. What's the significance of that?

• Ironworker
• Replies: 22
• Forum: Gear Talk: What to Buy? and Gear Evaluations

Thanks for providing the link to a previous thread. Very interesting.

Sounds like a symptom of excessive pressure (sticky bolt lift) is not present as early when using 17-4 steel.

Don’t I want to a sticky bolt lift to tell me I need to back off on the pressure?

Otherwise I could use excessive pressures and might not notice until I have already toasted the primer pockets on a couple hundred pieces of brass.

 

[Tommie]

Think I've narrowed my search to Kelbly. Looking at a panda or an atlas, just not sure if I'd see the added benefit of a panda, especially if they will make a dual port or RBLE for an atlas, I also don't like the rail on the panda, but I can live with it. Or maybe just step up to a Prometheus BR action. Decisions...

Yes they make the Atlas in RBLP

 

[mr45man]

Bats were built from the ground up to shoot br.
700 clones are built on a 100 year old hunting design.

 

[Infrequent Shooter]

As always, great posts, responses, questions and information!! So, has anyone used a Panda to build a varmint style rig? If so, pls give up some pics!!

 

[Leadfarmer]

Bats were built from the ground up to shoot br.
700 clones are built on a 100 year old hunting design.

Do you think you could shoot the difference? Honest question.

Metric ton of guys on here are using Kaugers and the bri and brii are rem 700 footprints. So that design must be worth keeping.

 

[mr45man]

Do you think you could shoot the difference? Honest question.

Metric ton of guys on here are using Kaugers and the bri and brii are rem 700 footprints. So that design must be worth keeping.

Probably not, just stating the facts. Although my XP 100 does shoot lights out.But if I was younger(77) I would build a bat with the horizontal locking lugs. Bat M,B,3 lug . Still winning my share of club matches.

 

[Tommie]

As always, great posts, responses, questions and information!! So, has anyone used a Panda to build a varmint style rig? If so, pls give up some pics!!

I have an Atlas and a Panda varmint rig. Truthfully the Atlas is the easy button since it’s a 700 footprint. If you have your heart set on a Panda you’d better jump fast. They’re being discontinued and the batch in production will be the last ever according to Jim Kelbly’s post from earlier today.

 

[Infrequent Shooter]

I have an Atlas and a Panda varmint rig. Truthfully the Atlas is the easy button since it’s a 700 footprint. If you have your heart set on a Panda you’d better jump fast. They’re being discontinued and the batch in production will be the last ever according to Jim Kelbly’s post from earlier today.

I have a recent build Panda, the finish is un-polished and it looks great. 308 BF.

 

[Leadfarmer]

I decided to go with the atlas for this one. I have two felso composite stocks on order and I'm going to switch the inlets to the atlas and a Prometheus for a build down the road. I'd get the Prometheus BR but weight isn't a concern for me.

I appreciate all the input, thanks everyone! Now, I'm going to have this rifle built and I'll see you fellas at the top when I win the tack driver with it. (Kidding)

 

[LVLAaron]

You'll like it. I've worked with a couple of them.

 

[WyleWD]

Speaking of kelbly, I just went on thier website and saw an order form for this? Not seeing anything on the web for it though. Looks pretty sweet, might give them a call tomorrow and then decide what to get as far as an action goes. Chris Mackey also has BAT Bs for sale. I'm just partial to Kelbly because I have a several atlas tacs.

Prometheus BR ORDER Form - Kelbly Rifles

Kelbly's new benchrest action. Designed for the modern-day competitor, giving you access to standard triggers, chassis, stocks, and pre-fit barrels.

kelbly.com

We went up to Kelbley's yesterday to pick up a bolt...... And while there got to see up close and personal one of the Prometheus actions. VERY impressive!!

Kelbly's is definitely a gold standard for customer service and products. Great outfit right there. JME. WD

 

[birdog]

TTT

 

[D-4297]

700's were also built as Sniper rifles for decades , and are still being used for that task today . 700 Clones are literally the base-line standard , or were for decades in the TR Division of F-Class . I currently shoot a Kelbly Panda that one of the U.S. Team rifles that won a World Championship in Canada in 2017 . It has well over fifty thousand rounds through it , and I have the seven barrels in my garage for proof .
I have visited the Kelbly shop and felt like I was visiting with family , rather than as a "customer" . Great people , who run a fantastic , Customer First business .

 

[DstRflMn645]

With regards to BAT customer service, I purchased their last 3 Lug action had it to my FFL in 2 days. After getting the rifle built, had an issue with the cocking piece roller (retaining pin backed out), showed them a picture, they sent a new cocking piece, every time I order from them parts arrive in 2 days and I live on the east coast. I'd say that's pretty fantastic.

 

[AlNyhus]

One experience with BAT's 'service' was enough for me.

 

[Shooter13]

One experience with BAT's 'service' was enough for me.

WOW! Sorry to hear that, I was exchanging a new bolt and they sent the wrong one, a phone call and the guy apologized and stated he'd only been there 8 months and was "learning", they more than made up for the mistake. I think we sometimes want stuff "perfect" but I've seen your post before and think you are a fair person but think another chance is in order, I have nothing to do with BAT except I use their products. Have a blessed day!

 

[Leadfarmer]

For me the question is, if the pandas aren't being made anymore, and you're looking for a real deal bench rest action what are your choices, Bat and Borden now? I can't find anyone using a Prometheus BR, and for the others, its 2k when all said and done for a action. That is a little pricey. Gotta find that guy on here that says "whatta hobby" lol.

 

[Boilermaker]

For me the question is, if the pandas aren't being made anymore, and you're looking for a real deal bench rest action what are your choices, Bat and Borden now? I can't find anyone using a Prometheus BR, and for the others, its 2k when all said and done for an action. That is a little pricey. Gotta find that guy on here that says "whatta hobby" lol.

The Prometheus was just recently advertised and made with port configuration for benchrest use. I think we will start seeing more of them in use now since the Panda was discontinued. It’s going take a little while for enough people to build rifles on them to notice them on the line. I look forward to seeing how that action works out.

I’ve owned both Bat and Kelbly actions. My most recent purchase was a Kelbly Atlas. I’m very impressed with that action. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy either brand again. They both work great! I think it comes down to what features are important to you in the action more than the brand between Kelbly and Bat.