Ball starter

[ian45662]

I was at the range today and my home made 32 call ball starter broke only after 30 rounds or so. How do you guys make your ball starters?

 

[DOUBLEDEUCE 1]

I use either a piece of delrin rod or brass. No wood for me when it comes to that sort of thing. Aluminum will work also. Wood for the head of the starter, brass or delrin starter nub and same for the longer rod. A couple of inches is all you'd need.

 

[ian45662]

Whats delrin rod? Where can I get that or a brass rod?

 

[smokehouseman]

Deer antler, SS rod, shell casing and a nub of brass. Pocket change to make and you can be as creative as you can be.

 

[ian45662]

Now thats sweet!!! Looks authentic to!!! :bow:

 

[DOUBLEDEUCE 1]

Delrin rod is a black plastic rod. It is pretty flexible and can be used for bearings and such. Some of those black plastic loading rods might be made of delrin or something similar. You can get the delrin at a TAP Plastics store if you have one near you.
You can turn down the end and put a brass tip on it for loading. Really easy to work with.

 

[RonT]

I use a stub of ~

 

[blacksmithman64]

I don't have a pic at the moment, but I make a T handle style from brass rod and antler. Check your local phone book for metal suppliers for some brass rod,or if that doesn't work PM me and I might can get ya some

 

[Flint311]

I use a stub of ~

 

[RonT]

the reason I use the .38 case is that it is thin walled and maximizes the dia. of the inserted portion. I have no problem with Ferr-l-tite type stickum.
On my ramrods I drill out the primer pocket and tap with 10-32.
R

 

[Flint311]

I drill out the primer pocket and tap with 10-32.

Hadn't thought of that. Good idea. Thanks.
Flint

 

[Tumblernotch]

A brass rod would be good for such a small caliber. Old door knobs work real good for the handle and they are easy on the hand. You can also turn them on the lathe out of an old hickory hammer handle.

 

[ohio ramrod]

I used to us hickory rods and turned wooden balls , but the last five years I have been making them out of brass rods cut on the end with a concave radius to match the ball, and forks of deer antlers much like the ones stumbling wolf makes. I also "spot drill" a hole in the side to fit over the ramrod so I can give the rod a "tap" if necessary. If you drop me a pm with your email I can send you some pictures.

 

[bwhoffman]

I drill out the primer pocket and tap with 10-32.

Hadn't thought of that. Good idea. Thanks.
Flint

I have had great success using 30-30 cases cut down below the shoulder. They have a bit more meat in the base for tapping out to 10-32.
You can also concave those fairly easy with a SHARP 1/2" drill bit.

 

[PaulN/KS]

I use the 38 cases on my short starters. I knock out the primer and then concave the tip with a counter sink tool.

 

[Walks with fire]

For the shaft you can use an aluminium arrow shaft and screw a cleaning jag on there of whatever nose shape you want.