Panda action, max cartridge?

M

mshelton

Member
Kinda an odd question but I'm building a sporter on a Panda action currently, going to be using old 6ppc barrels and shooting varmints and putting kids on it to plink.

Wondering though what would be the max cartridge I would want to put on it. I know score shooters will run the 30brs with no issues shooting the bullets in the 1teens didn't know if it would be safe to go above that say to a 308 with the way the recoil lug is essentially the rear lug or if I should just not worry about it and run whatever, heck maybe even a 7 short mag variety.

I know they built the f-class Panda but I'm wondering if that was more about marketability and less about actual performance.
 
Mike,,,I have guns built on Panda's that are non F-class and one that is,,,,I see no trubl with either!!,,,I shoot BR's and up to 30/280 AI (similar to 300 WSM in power)which is about the biggest most powerful ctg when using .473 bolt face,,,...and I have a Kodiac repeater legal Hunter with recoil lug ,,,they all are capable of taking the recoil...Roger
 
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didn't know if it would be safe to go above that say to a 308 with the way the recoil lug is essentially the rear lug
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The original BAT's didn't have a groove on the bottom of the action for a recoil lug, all you had was the back of the action, like a Panda. I have one such, as does Dave Tooley. I've shot a .30 magnum based on a shortened .404 case in mine. Dave has used the full length .404 case in .338, essentially equivalent to a .338 Lapua in case capacity (114 grains water, full to overflow).

Now this comment refers to using the rear of the action as a recoil lug only, I wouldn't put a .404-sized case in a Panda without checking with Kelbly's. Having said that, I also wouldn't be surprised if they said "it's fine."
 
Listen to Charles,,,,I agree,,,if the ctg has enuff power to split a properly bedded stock in the comb,,,( I dont glue in with the bigger cals like 308 etc,,) it will shear off your arm and it will be laying over on the next bench :D...Roger
 
mshelton:
If I'm reading between the lines correctly, your question seems to be twofold.
1. Does a Panda need a conventional recoil lug in some situations?
2. How large a case can the action physically handle?

I've had my two Pandas (RB/RP and RB/LP) fitted with integral recoil lugs by Stan Ware @ SGR Custom Rifles. Stan dovetails the reciever and fits a piece of 7061T6 alum. into it. It's also set back from the reciever face .010. The reciever is also drilled and tapped for two 8-32 allen head screws and the holes for the screws recessed into the bottom of the lug. The holes are then filled with JB Weld and machined flat. This allows the action to be pillar bedded w/o using the back of the action as the lug. We call the conversion the 'Pandiak'...a cross between the Panda and a Kodiak. In my opinion and experience, there are a number of reasons not to use the back of the action as the recoil lug. And just as many shooters that have had excellent results doing it. ;)

Top: Panda LB/RP action with the SGR lug that I did the stock work and bedding on
Center: My RB/RP Panda with the SGR lug
Bottom: My Kelbly Kodiak for comparison


As to how big a case can be used w/o excessive bolt thrust becoming an issue, Kelbly's would be the best source of info. The fact that they offer the Pandas with the .532 bolt face already says a lot.

Good shootin'. -Al
 
expiper said:
...if the ctg has enuff power to split a properly bedded stock in the comb,,,( I dont glue in with the bigger cals like 308 etc,,) it will shear off your arm and it will be laying over on the next bench :D...Roger
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Well, of course we used fiberglass stocks. I probably wouldn't use this setup in a heavy magnum with a light, traditional sporter stock made out of wood -- though of course, you could also reinforce the wood in the wrist/grip. With large magnums, they had to reinforce the area behind a traditional recoil lug with wooden stocks too, if you remember.

Usually the problems with a wood stock splitting from a touching tang came about when the tang was tapered to a fairly narrow wedge, like the old 1903 Springfield.

If it were me, I'd (1) call Kelbly's, and (2) given the OK from Kelbly's, use a light, modern fiberglass stock.

Don't worry about anyone at Kelbly's taking a "marketing" approach. They're reliable, honest, & very good folk.

Edit:

BTW, Steve Shelp used a Panda with a 6.5x55 Ackley Improved with the old 155-grain MK Sierras & a stiff powder charge, in a Shehane Obechee wood stock.That is a laminate, of course, and the 6.5x55 isn't quite a .338 Lapua...
 
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Thanks guys, I definitely wasn't looking to run a thunder stomper in it or anything, the absolute max I was thinking of was a 7mm SAUM but more than likely it would be a 6.5x47 or something similar, just wanted to make sure that using it as a normal setup (rear as the recoil lug) would be sufficient and it sounds like it will be.
 
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