Next dumb question. The ramrod I am using on my Virginian rifle from TVM needs to be a little long in order to give enough length for pulling a ball, if needed. When I have it in my rifle it sticks out past the barrel by about 2-2/2". I was told that a ramrod sticking out past the barrel will mess up accuracy. I can't see that it did anything to my accuracy especially since I can't hit the broad side of a barn while standing inside with all the doors and windows shut(I'm not quite that bad) :bull: Can anyone tell me if they have any idea wether this is true or not. Thanks.
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Beyond the barrel
- Thread starter Griz
- Start date
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Rocky Johnson
45 Cal.
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Griz Why not an extra rod in case you have to pull a ball. I have no idea about accuracy thing,do you get any powder residue on the rod sticking out like that? Rocky /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
I think (IMO) the longer ramrod is just an illusion because the ramrod channel is not drilled deep enough, probably because it would hit the lock/trigger assembly if drilled deeper...
The rod sticking out will not effect accuracy, it will get snagged on branches and brush when out in the woods though...
The rod sticking out will not effect accuracy, it will get snagged on branches and brush when out in the woods though...
Griz, does your rifle have a front lock bolt? Sometimes if the lock bolt hole is a little low the bolt can prevent the ramrod from going all the way in the stock. If the bolt is preventing the rod from going in you can sometimes grind enough of it away to clear the rod, or solder a fake bolt head in the front lock hole.
Or, back out the bolt and install a short wood screw with the same sized head. Some 'oopses' have been fixed by machining the bolt just enough to allow the rod to clear.
It's easiest to just leave 2" of ramrod proud.
Makes yo appreciate that the original smiths drilled and channeled out ramrod holes with hand tools or belt driven spade bits. Amazing.
It's easiest to just leave 2" of ramrod proud.
Makes yo appreciate that the original smiths drilled and channeled out ramrod holes with hand tools or belt driven spade bits. Amazing.
Herb
54 Cal.
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Griz- Got a brasss tip on the ramrod? Easiest would be to get a short extension that screws into that and then the ball puller into that. Carry it in your bag. I like 10x32 thread for this, but if you have 8x32, OK. I build all my rifles with a deeper hole so the rod will be about one inch longer than the bore, flush with the muzzle. OR: Track of the Wolf and Log Cabin Shop sell brass adapters for changing thread from 8x32 to 10x32 or vice versa, about $2. Put that on your rod, thread the puller into that and you gain about 1.5". Better yet, contact Jack Garner at Tennessee Valley Manufacturing, who made your rifle and who manufactures rod tips and many good rifle accessories and ask him for a rod extension. Tell him your problem. He'll solve it! Quite a few shooters here have rods sticking beyond the muzzle, and the rods sure get grunged up from black powder. Should be cleaned frequently. (The rods, at least).
WOW, :shocking: so many great ideas to think about, yes the rod gets a ton of manure on it but cleans up easy. I will look into the idea of the 2" extensions. I will also look at the front lock bolt to see if any fudging will help in that area. you guys are sure helpful :applause:. Thanks a lot.
The first thing I would do is put that ramrod in the barrel, unloaded of course, and see how much excess is sticking out the muzzle. Remember, when the rifle is loaded and when the cleaning jag is screwed in, your ramrod WILL NOT go all the way to the breech plug. Many rifles only have a 1/2" or so of ramrod sticking out when unloaded and unjagged. In other words, when loaded, or when jagged your ramrod will effectively be longer.
If possible cut the ramrod off fairly even with end of the barrel. This is not to improve accuracy but to keep it from hanging on every vine and branch you come across while carrying the rifle.
Only after checking the aforementioned would I look at the front lockbolt and RR hole depth.
As previously mentioned a screw in extension is always a handy "possible" to carry in your pouch.
If possible cut the ramrod off fairly even with end of the barrel. This is not to improve accuracy but to keep it from hanging on every vine and branch you come across while carrying the rifle.
Only after checking the aforementioned would I look at the front lockbolt and RR hole depth.
As previously mentioned a screw in extension is always a handy "possible" to carry in your pouch.
here's something i came up with to help me with the same problem you seem to have
this is what i use as a ball puller and what i use for ramming the ball down....i just use the hole in the short starter i drilled....on the same end of the ramrod in the pic
i also leave my jag in the rod all the time cause it fits the ball so good and doesn't hurt it pushing it down the barrel....also it fits the nose of the 240 gr hp .44 sabots i also use
all i used was a extra ball puller with the brass bore ring taking off of it and a pilot hole drilled in the short starter and presto....there's my rig and works great.............................bob
this is what i use as a ball puller and what i use for ramming the ball down....i just use the hole in the short starter i drilled....on the same end of the ramrod in the pic
i also leave my jag in the rod all the time cause it fits the ball so good and doesn't hurt it pushing it down the barrel....also it fits the nose of the 240 gr hp .44 sabots i also use
all i used was a extra ball puller with the brass bore ring taking off of it and a pilot hole drilled in the short starter and presto....there's my rig and works great.............................bob
