Auger bit?

[Desert Rat]

I will be attempting my first build from a halfstock blank. My question is... what is the best type bit to drill the ramrod hole.

 

[brushyspoons]

I like the ramrod drills that Muzzleloader Builder Supply sells

 

[Phil Coffins]

Gun drill.
IMG_0502 by Oliver Sudden, on Flickr

 

[rafterob]

If you do not already have the blank, Order it with the ramrod hole drilled and barrel channel cut. Will save a lot of time on your part.

 

[Larry (Omaha)]

I will be attempting my first build from a halfstock blank. My question is... what is the best type bit to drill the ramrod hole.

I like a regular metal cutting twist drill bit extended. Local hardware for the bit and a length of cold rolled steel the same diamer. Weld together and the cost is minimal. Don't have a welder? My first blank build, I just purchased a cold rolled rod and then filed a spade bit on the end. It worked just fine as long as you continually blow out the shavings. If the shavings build up, then the bit can wander.
Larry

 

[Desert Rat]

If you do not already have the blank, Order it with the ramrod hole drilled and barrel channel cut. Will save a lot of time on your part.

Not an option, as I am building a sxs shotgun.

 

[Phil Coffins]

Not an option, as I am building a sxs shotgun.

In that case you don’t need a drill, a gouge will work.

 

[PEARL DRUMS]

I bought the drill from MBS. Love the company and hate the drill. I wasn't impressed at all. I had to push way harder than I wanted to just get a curl made. It wobbled so the deeper I got the more it wanted to bind on the shank. I sprayed it with CLP to help with friction. I got the job done. But, don't plan on using it again as-is because it sucked. The point angle is way too sharp for a wood drill. I plan to bring it to work and knock it down by 15 degrees and try it on some scrap. I have spent a lifetime drilling holes in metal, wood and concrete. I am fully aware of speeds, feeds, pecking and pressure. I say that because somebody will come along and tell me I don't know how to use a drill.

 

[Desert Rat]

In that case you don’t need a drill, a gouge will work.

I was considering doing it that way, and now I believe your right. This will be a first time attempt. I will use my stock as a template. Thanks Phil.

 

[Rebel bull]

my go to is regular twist drills 30-36" long they are called bell hanger bits I learned to use these drilling across doors as long as you clean the chips frequently they drill really straight I get them from electrical supply house's

 

[Nor Cal Mikie]

Extended length drill bits for drilling thru walls from one side to the other.

 

[deerstalkert]

bell hangers bit. 46 inch. i clear the bore every 1/2 inch. learned the hard way about clearing even a self clearing drill. also most times i drive the drill with an old fashioned brace. matches me!
5/16ths.
3/8ths
7/16ths

 

[rich pierce]

As Phil notes above, on a double shotgun not only is a drill unnecessary, it wouldn’t work. It’s impossible to drill a half hole, a trough.

 

[Desert Rat]

As Phil notes above, on a double shotgun not only is a drill unnecessary, it wouldn’t work. It’s impossible to drill a half hole, a trough.

Well the plan was to drill the hole then saw the top third exposing the hole. Bad plan though and will go the gouge route.

 

[The Crisco Kid]

I used a regular twist drill silver soldered to a piece of drill rod. More to the OP's question, post some photos of your project as it goes along, even if it heads south. A friend just gave me the bar action locks and other metal work from a high quality double gun. I was thinking of building both a left and right handed single barrel but a double gun would be an interesting project.

 

[French Colonial]

On the very first gun I ever built back in the late 70's I knew nothing about these long drill bits.

I pounded a piece of steel rod flat on one end and filed the end to look like a drill bit, I held it down in the groove already cut in the forestock section and very carefully drilled the hole while pulling it out every 1/4 inch or so to clear the chips.

Worked better than it should have and would not do it that way again, I would buy a drill bit mentioned above