steel vs alum action

[FTRinTexas]

Serious question: other than a weight difference, what advantage or disadvantage does one material of action make over the other? This is based on the custom action manufacturers only. This will be for a new F-Open .284 build.

 

[Keith Glasscock]

It only makes a difference in weight and balance. I prefer a heavy action because adding weight to stocks is painful.

The current F-open 1000 yd record was shot with an aluminum Kelby's F-class Panda. That does not mean that a steel action can't break the record.

 

[Robert]

An aluminium action need herdenedd steel inserts to perform certain functions.

On the other hand, its machineability allow specific additionss such as integral recoil lug, scope rail , etc... Also non-cionventional external forms

Beautiful surface finishes are also possble: Hard color anodising, ENplating,etc..

View picture at: https://c-g-designs.blog4ever.com/
R.G.C

 

[butchlambert]

I believe the alloy receivers slightly subdue harmonic vibrations. I've had about 1 or more of most receivers manufactured, but if I started over again it would be a Kelbly based Panda.

 

[Ackley Kid]

As I have used the F class panda ..... How does the Golden bear steel action stack up ? Anyone running one ? Thoughts ? As Keith has mentioned for F open weight is a good thing , as 22lbs leaves a lot of flexibility in component selection. Stock designs ( low profile ) are getting harder to stuff any substantial weight into with all the adjustable hardware on butt , and rifles tend to be muzzle heavy with straight barrels.

 

[McMillan's ELRHQ]

When Kelbly made the Golden Bear I called Ian over there and asked them why they would make one in steel. "It's what the customers wanted.", was the answer I got. It doesn't offer any clear advantage over the aluminum. It's just heavier.

Other than the weight/cost, I don't see any difference.

 

[butchlambert]

When Kelbly made the Golden Bear I called Ian over there and asked them why they would make one in steel. "It's what the customers wanted.", was the answer I got. It doesn't offer any clear advantage over the aluminum. It's just heavier.

Other than the weight/cost, I don't see any difference.

Kinda like making the 5R barrels, customers wanted them, but no real evidence that they are better.

 

[Twdmar]

I believe the alloy receivers slightly subdue harmonic vibrations. I've had about 1 or more of most receivers manufactured, but if I started over again it would be a Kelbly based Panda.

That would be interesting to see an actual experiment. Not sure how you would test it but interesting. I only say this because when it comes to bicycles, some people tout steel framed bicycles as smoother over bumps than aluminum.

 

[butchlambert]

That would be interesting to see an actual experiment. Not sure how you would test it but interesting. I only say this because when it comes to bicycles, some people tout steel framed bicycles as smoother over bumps than aluminum.

A few years ago I was visiting with Ed Shilen. We were talking tuners. He had his rimfire set up in his rest. He put a set of headphones on my head It is an amplified stethoscope. He took a pic of his tuner setting and moved it several turns. He told me to lay the probe behind the tuner and tap the barrel with a small brass rod. He told me to keep doing that and adjusting the tuner until it was just a dead sound. Doing that I had adjusted it back to where he had the tuner set.
It ain't scientific, but at home with my own amplified stethoscope, but on LV and HV rifles each had a distinct different sound with an aluminum receiver.
Don't ask me which shot better as they weren't mine. It means enough to me that if I buy another receiver, it will be aluminum.

 

[Twdmar]

A few years ago I was visiting with Ed Shilen. We were talking tuners. He had his rimfire set up in his rest. He put a set of headphones on my head It is an amplified stethoscope. He took a pic of his tuner setting and moved it several turns. He told me to lay the probe behind the tuner and tap the barrel with a small brass rod. He told me to keep doing that and adjusting the tuner until it was just a dead sound. Doing that I had adjusted it back to where he had the tuner set.
It ain't scientific, but at home with my own amplified stethoscope, but on LV and HV rifles each had a distinct different sound with an aluminum receiver.
Don't ask me which shot better as they weren't mine. It means enough to me that if I buy another receiver, it will be aluminum.

Well, its probably more scientific than a bunch of hipsters riding around in the bicycle lane.