.40 caliber ramrod

[bronsht]

Dear Folks,
My first post (been lurking for a long time-every day). Have a .40 caliber flintlock on the way. Do I use a 3/8" ramrod or a 5/16"?
I know the rifle will come with a ramrod but I always make my own rod for range use. Thank you very much in advance.
bronsht

 

[Dave K]

I prefer a 5/16 rod with a 40 cal. and of course as a range rod, I want metal and with a bore guide.

 

[bronsht]

Mr. K.,
Thank you. I figured 5/16 would be the surer bet. The protector is of course de rigueur. I just want to have the rod/ball puller/worm/jag ready to go even though I won't see the tvm rifle for 4 to 6 months. bronsht

 

[nchawkeye]

My .40 has a 3/8, works just fine...

 

[bronsht]

Uh oh! Got ahead of myself and last night ordered 5/16 rod and jag (and other parts) from TOTW. Well, I can always order a 3/8 rod once I receive the rifle. I just wanted to have everything on hand in advance. Thank you for the information. bronsht

 

[Tumblernotch]

I would recommend the 3/8" rod. Just that much more strength.

 

[bronsht]

Recommendation taken! I've got months to wait for the rifle so I will place a new order for the 3/8 rod. I assume the jag and ball puller will fit the larger rod. I'll have to order a larger muzzle protector to go with the larger rod. Guess I'll have an extra 5/16 rod on hand for emergencies. Thank you. bronsht

 

[bronsht]

Recommendation taken! I've got months to wait for the rifle so I will place a new order for the 3/8 rod. I assume the jag and ball puller will fit the larger rod. I'll have to order a larger muzzle protector to go with the larger rod. Guess I'll have an extra 5/16 rod on hand for emergencies. Thank you. bronsht

 

[tg]

I always use a 3/8 with my .40.

 

[Tumblernotch]

As long as the puller and jag threads are the same as those on the RR tip, they'll work. I would recommend a tapered shank jag or any rod, but especially for a 3/8" .40 cal. A button jag won't work very well. You want room for your cleaning patches to bunch a little behind the head of the jag.

 

[nchawkeye]

What size are the ramrod pipes going to be??

Mine were 3/8 because I removed the .45 caliber barrel and replaced with a .40...

 

[bronsht]

Actually I do not know what size the ramrod tips are. I guess I'll find out next year when I get the rifle. That is the easiest way to be sure. I shoot at a range once a month at a small standing table so I can lay the rod on the table even if it is too thick. bronsht