Can I use a carbon arrow for a ramrod?

[relicshunter]

Or should I?
The one that came with the sxs is real flimsy.
I had an old carbon arrow that works for size and length. I can order ends and pin them on(?) but it is a good idea or just buy the right one.

 

[azmntman]

I would try it! I ordered a few Xtra ram rods with a few of my Cabelas guns and still have em but I may try it too! Good idea (I Think? others?)

 

[MercerLake]

:v I don't think this a good idea, as it may well shatter and the shards are sharp and may not be visible on X-rays for removal.
Reliable synthetic or wood rods are cheaper and made for the purpose.

 

[Kapow]

Really bad idea! It is nasty and toxic and will end up in your wrist or worse. Def not the right material for the task.

 

[jamesthomas]

I would go to Track of the Wolf and order a couple ramrods and range rods for your shotgun, they have them in several thicknesses and they come in 48" lengths so you can cut them down to whatever length you need. I hardly ever use the ramrod that's on my rifle, I use the 3/8ths inch range rod when I'm at the range and have only used the ramrod that's on my gun if I needed to reload when hunting. Do Not go buy any of those wooden Dowels you see at Hobby Lobby or the hardware store they will splinter on you and go through you hand or wrist.

 

[Walks with fire]

Google RMC sports; they make hardened aluminum and brass ramrods to any length. Not a bad price either. I have several and like them a lot.

 

[Maven]

Or, the OP can try here: http://www.aramrod.com/index.html

 

[larryp]

I'd give these a try instead. Looks more authentic and unlikely to ever break. Note: I haven't tried them myself but I am planning to order one soon. http://www.periodramrod.com/

 

[cynthialee]

get yourself a nice brass range rod and leave the one in the rifle for looks
Traditions makes a good cleaning/range rod kit.

 

[crockett]

I agree, the carbon has some spine but beyond that it would break and you could be badly hurt.

 

[roundball]

Or should I?
The one that came with the sxs is real flimsy.
I had an old carbon arrow that works for size and length. I can order ends and pin them on(?) but it is a good idea or just buy the right one.

As has already been mentioned I would also worry about it splintering.
And in the spirit of offering possible alternatives, here's one that hasn't been mentioned that I used with my SxS .12ga cap gun years ago, then made them for 28 and 20ga Flintlocks.

3/8" smooth coated fiberglass rods from Dixie
Jags from North Star West

NSW's jag design is handy in that they have a 10/32" hole tapped in the middle of the jag...if you lose a patch down bore for example, just thread a bore brush into the end of the jag and go get. This is a photo of the one I made for my 20ga.
In addition, for use at a dove field or shooting clay targets, I made dedicated field rods for each gauge out of the same components to carry along.

 

[Rick Son]

That's the one i been lookin for! :hatsoff:

 

[Mad Irish Jack]

The safest rod I've ever had is my "Super Rod". I bought it back in 1987 after breaking/splintering one in my hawken. It's long enough for my 44' Colerain barrel. They can be ordered to size. The only problem I had was the end came off trying to pull a ball. I got it out and pressed it back on and then I pinned both ends. I still have and use it today as a range and cleaning rod. Believe me, you DO NOT want fiberglass shards under your skin, as mentioned prior. Mountain State MFG make them still at http://www.msmfg.com/.

 

[Billnpatti]

I see no reason why it wouldn't work. There are many fiberglass rods out there so an arrow shaft ought to work. Personally, I don't like fiberglass rods. Well, it's not that I don't like them, it's just that there are other rods available that I like better. I have wood rods that I keep in the thimbles just for looks but the range rod that I use is made of brass. I have a couple of Delrin rods that I use when hunting. Actually, I have one fiberglass rod but it has not seen the light of day in a long time. No, I don't have a good reason for not preferring fiberglass, I just prefer other rod materials. It's just my thing.

BTW, be absolutely sure that you cross pin the ends on your rod to be sure that they don't pull off at an inopportune time.

 

[Kai Benedict]

Bad idea. Order from track of the wolf . Their rods are the best of the best! Highly recommend them. :wink:

 

[Patocazador]

The 3/8" delrin one I got from TOW is more flexible than I like. Ohio Ramrod made a fiberglass one for me that is just right. He coated it so it doesn't leave glass in your hand.

 

[mooman76]

I could be mistaken but aren't carbon arrow shafts Hollow?

 

[stinkyfeet]

You could if ya want to dig carbon fibers from your hand, the arrows are hollow and not meant for forcing balls down. The arrows can take a beating but trust me it will crack and splitter very fast. My buddy even tried epoxying brass shell casings to the end without luck.

 

[MSW]

I could be mistaken but aren't carbon arrow shafts Hollow?

yes, they are ...

they're too brittle for this application, in my estimation - just not designed for this function.

 

[Rifleman1776]

I could be mistaken but aren't carbon arrow shafts Hollow?

yes, they are ...

they're too brittle for this application, in my estimation - just not designed for this function.

The arrows can take a beating but trust me it will crack and splitter very fast.

People who know about carbon arrows.
Heed and stay healthy. Do not use.